Astor Crowne Plaza- French Quarter, New Orleans

The French Quarter of New Orleans was founded in 1718 when Jean- Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville laid out the blocks that now make up the city streets. The French Quarter is considered a national landmark of historical value. Within the limits of the borough is the Astor Crown Plaza. The hotel is at the Gateway of the French Quarter near Canal and Bourbon Streets.

The Astor Crown Plaza boasts of 693 hotel rooms and over 32,000 square feet of meeting rooms. Their meeting rooms can be for small intimate gatherings of 12 guests or as many as 700 guests. Amenities at the hotel include dual phone lines, in room safes, internet access, hairdryers, iron and ironing boards, CD players, coffee, 24 hour concierge, and Sleep advantage bedding. Also available are the fitness room, outdoor pool, and some rooms with balconies. Events offered at the hotel include everything from a conference to weddings.

To serve at any event is the Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House Restaurant and Seafood Bar. The establishment is open for all three meals. Southern cuisine and seafood is available for diners. The seafood selection is fresh and based on local access to fish from the Mississippi River and other waterways near Louisana's French Quarter.

The Astor Crown Plaza Hotel is the epitome of French architecture with its brick exterior and sleigh beds in the rooms. The rooms are painted in soft colors to be pleasing. The colors are generally gold, tan, and yellows. A mixture of wood furniture is spread throughout the rooms and public areas. The roof of the building is slate, with a somewhat square design to the entire building.

The accommodations often have specials and packages for their guests. These specials can be related to the current season such as the Summer Sizzler rates provided between May and September. At other times of the year such as Mardi Gras the hotel can be completely booked several years in advance. For this reason making reservations is imperative when festivals are going on.

New Orleans or the "Big Easy'' as it is called by many provides a number of attractions for guests at the Astor Crown Plaza Hotel. Guests can take tours on the Mississippi Riverboats, visit casinos or tour the streets of the French Quarter. Some places to visit include St. Louis Cathedral, the Aquarium of the Americas, Jazz clubs, antique shops, Canal Street, and Bourbon Street. New Orleans is known for its nightlife, with many clubs and Jazz bars available to tourists.

It is also a city full of culture and arts. The National World War II Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art are popular destinations. For tourists interested in meals there are a number of popular restaurants located within walking distance of the Astor Crown Plaza. Emeril's Delmonico Bayona, Herbsaint, Peristyle, Palace Cafe, Bourbon House, and Antoine's are just a few of the restaurants guests may want to try. Prices for the hotel rooms will vary based on the season and festivals.