ALMetro360 Magazine

..................................................................................................................................................................... N EW Y EAR ’ S L ODGING Celebrate New Year’s 2020 in the heart of the French Quar- ter at Hotel Monteleone . This luxury New Orleans hotel has been offering accommodations since 1886 and their classic New Year’s Eve (NYE) package creates quite the memorable experience for both locals and visitors to the area. There will be food, of course, dancing and fireworks as well as party fa- vors, priceless views and welcome cocktails in their famous Carousel Bar & Lounge. Guests who purchase the package also receive special admission to a lovely NYE party in the Riverview Room atop Jax Brewery from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There is a two-night minimum stay required at Hotel Monteleone for the NYE package and you’ll want to book early to guarantee your spot at this historic property. Other premiere properties in the French Quarter include The Hotel St. Marie , within walking distance to popular downtown spots such as Café Du Monde (famous for leg- endary beignets) and The French Market Inn nestled quietly Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter NOVEMBER 2019 55 on the Mississippi River banks only steps away from Jackson Square, the French Market, Bourbon Street and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. If you’re more about flagship hotel brands that you might have points or privileges with, check out Hilton New Orleans Riverside that puts guests right in the center of everything. You’ll be close to all the culture and excitement of a true New Orleans NYE party atmosphere. B IG E ASY NYE P ARTIES If you are truly looking for the biggest party in the French Quarter, plan to be at Jackson Square for the countdown and dropping of the iconic Fleur De Lis. Crowds will pack this festive event as they do for most all of the outdoor gatherings and celebrations in NewOrleans. Check the weather in advance as New Orleans has been known to be cool and windy for NYE as often as it has been warm and muggy. Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve streams in New Or- leans for the Central Time Zone folks. Known as one of the largest celebrations in the country, what better way to join in the party fun than this annual event at historic Jax Brewery with live music, fireworks and more. Looking for live music and good times? Venues like Tip- itina’s and the House of Blues will offer great lineups for non- stop entertainment all evening long. Also, a stroll through the French Quarter (especially down Bourbon Street) will lead to some smaller more intimate bar settings that usually offer good music for small cover charges. Don’t underestimate the quality of performances you’ll see in entertainment clubs like Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and The Spotted Cat Music Club . You’ll likely see balcony bashes as well, where you can basically rent a spot to watch the evening unfold from a classic New Or- leans balcony, but planning ahead with someone like NYE Bourbon Vieux Balcony Bash gives you a spot on the largest Bourbon Street Balcony including music, a full gourmet buffet, open bar, favors and a midnight champagne toast. Make reser- vations (https://bourbonvieux.com/new-years-new-orleans ) early for this party! The Superdome at night. Photo courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau — Kathy Anderson Hotel Monteleone decorated for the holidays. Photo courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau — Paul Broussard