Trip Report Part 3 - Hotel and Transport and Misc

Question

Hi everybody,

So, I wanted to write this last post b/c everyone is always asking - how do I get to and from the airport quickly and easily with a family (aka 4-6 people). Everything is so dang hard or so dang expensive.

I stumbled on the answer and it was amazing! Viator has a "tour" where you can book a towncar from the airport for $59.99 for up to 6 people (yes 1 person is that price, but 6 people are, too). I booked it, even though it never got mentioned here. I figured, worse comes to worse and no one shows, we'll be in the cabs.

Well, not only did they show, but it was on time (and not scheduled too early for the return to the airport), clean, comfortable, well driven, and perfectly nice. I tipped 25% both ways, and still came out way ahead of a cab combo for my 6 (even before I'd tip the cabs). Our driver, the same both directions, was from Boss Be Luxury Ride, and was a total pro.

If I could give any 1st time families of 4-6 advice, book this - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

And now the 2nd thing to book - La Belle Maison (a Wyndham company timeshare property that is also bookable independently). This place was amazing. Huge, comfy rooms, the aforementioned free morning coffee bar, the afternoon free popcorn and citrus waters, the free Friday Zappo's chips, the free Saturday bakery donuts, the free Sunday bread pudding (missed that - but you see a pattern - they believe New Orleans is a food trip too), the soaking pool, sauna, hot tub, nice staff, the perfect location (quiet, but right near EVERYTHING), the kitchen in your room, etc. You do have to pay to park and it's not cheap, so see note 1 above about skipping the car and getting the private transport. If you have access to this timeshare company, this is a gimme. If you don't, and you ever see it pop up on a deal, don't hesitate to book.

Everyone always asks where to stay and how to get to New Orleans, so hope this helps. I will say, if noise is a factor and you're a family and you can't get the Wyndham site, the Drury didn't seem badly placed as another family (4-6) option. But no personal knowledge on that one, other than I've stayed at a lot of them over the years as a family of 6 looking to save some money.

Answer

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a couple of tips for those traveling to New Orleans with a family of 4-6 people, especially when it comes to transport and accommodation. I know that traveling with a group can often feel like a logistical nightmare, so hopefully, these tips will make your trip smoother and more affordable!

Airport Transport: One of the biggest challenges for families is getting to and from the airport quickly and cheaply. After some searching, I found an amazing deal that made the whole process so much easier. I booked a town car through Viator for just $59.99, which was the price for up to 6 people (yes, the price stays the same regardless of whether you’re one person or six!). The service was fantastic – the driver was punctual, the car was clean and comfortable, and the ride was smooth. This saved us a ton compared to the cost of multiple taxis or an Uber, and it was much more convenient. The driver, from Boss Be Luxury Ride, was also excellent. I tipped 25% both ways, and even after the tip, the cost was a steal. For families traveling to New Orleans, I highly recommend this option – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Accommodation: La Belle Maison: For a family-friendly and comfortable place to stay, I can’t recommend La Belle Maison enough. It’s a Wyndham company timeshare property, but you can also book it independently. The property is fantastic, with spacious and comfortable rooms, a free morning coffee bar, and free snacks in the afternoon like popcorn and citrus waters. They even provide free Zappo's chips on Fridays, bakery donuts on Saturdays, and bread pudding on Sundays (though I missed that – but you get the idea!). The amenities include a soaking pool, a sauna, and a hot tub, which was perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing. The location is ideal – quiet but right near all the action. You also get a kitchen in your room, which is super convenient for families. The only downside is the parking fee, which isn’t cheap, but given the benefits of the property, it’s totally worth it. If you ever see a deal pop up, don’t hesitate to book it! It’s a great choice for families visiting New Orleans.

Other Accommodation Suggestions: If you’re concerned about noise or can’t book La Belle Maison, another solid option is the Drury Hotel. While I don’t have personal experience staying there, I’ve heard good things, and it’s a family-friendly choice in a good location. I’ve stayed at a lot of Drury Hotels over the years, and they generally offer decent accommodations for families looking to save a bit of money.

In summary, for families of 4-6 traveling to New Orleans, I highly recommend using the Viator town car service for transport – it’s affordable, reliable, and easy. As for accommodation, La Belle Maison is a fantastic option if you can book it, offering great amenities and a prime location. If not, the Drury Hotel is another good alternative to consider. Hope this helps with your trip planning!