All I want for Christmas is you...

... to come to New Orleans and celebrate the holidays in style!

Everyone knows that New Orleans is the place to be for any holiday, whether it's Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, or Halloween. Why would Christmas and New Year's be any different? Come revel in the holiday spirit in the city that blows any party out of the water!

You know there are always some premium events to check out. Here are just a few:

From now until December 21st, hop the streetcar and head uptown to Loyola University to check out an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale A Christmas Carol. It is full of everything you could ask for: ghosts, major life lessons, music and dancing. Being performed at the Marquette Theater, it is a show for everyone to enjoy!

Also on December 21st, Jackson Square will ring in song for a special New Orleans tradition. Caroling in Jackson Square occurs every year on the Sunday before Christmas. Bring the family and stand with neighbors to sing classic holiday carols by candlelight, while looking at the majestic St. Louis Cathedral.

Ever hear of the popular singing trio The Victory Belles? Head over to the National World War II Museum now through December 28th to hear their wonderful voices spreading holiday cheer. They will serenade you with your favorite holiday classics and you may even get to see some amazing special gusts. Family fun at its finest.

What are you doing on Christmas Eve? Ever considered taking a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River? If not, consider making reservations for Christmas Eve on the Riverboat Natchez. This ride includes a buffet to die for, drinks, and a traditional Jazz trio. There really is no better way to ring in the holiday.

Which is probably why they do another similar event on New Year's Eve. You read right! If you can't make it for Christmas Eve, take the Riverboat Natchez out and enjoy holiday spirits with friends and family while celebrating the New Year. It is a beautiful event, and a great way to see the fireworks!

What is any party without fireworks? Of course you should go to the French Quarter on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop and see the amazing fireworks display. But do you want to be standing in the crowds on the streets? Or would you want to be cruising the Mississippi in style? That's right! There is a New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise on the New Orleans Creole Queen. Get a front row seat to all things New Year's.

Another option is to get all dolled up with the one you love and head over to the Riverview Room for the swanky soiree you dreamed of. Enjoy an evening filled with good food, great music and an open bar. Reserve your spot now to be in the perfect place to watch the ball drop and get that New Year's kiss!

These are just some of the events that are going on in the city. But don't just take my word for it, come and check things out for yourself! And have a very happy holiday from the Maison de Ville!

Exciting Happenings in New Orleans!

Ever get stuck in a routine when you go to visit places? Like hotel, bar, dinner, club, hotel, bed, repeat? Well here in New Orleans we have some really fun events coming up in the next few months that everyone should check out. I mean I'm a local, but I'll fully be taking advantage of some of these opportunities!

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival: November 23, 2104, 10am-7pm

http://www.poboyfest.com

The poor boy is a major staple in New Orleans cuisine, and comes as diverse as the culture and people across the city. Its history dates back to 1929, when there was a major transit strike and the streetcars shut down for weeks. Restaurateurs felt bad for the workers and started serving “po-boy” sandwiches free of charge out of solidarity for their plight. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is a free event that celebrates these delicious sandwiches that have changed the culture of the city.

Christmas New Orleans Style: December 2014

https://holiday.neworleansonline.com

New Orleans offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season, with over 70 events to choose from. Go see A Christmas Carol, Caroling in Jackson Square, O Holy Night of Opera, or even spend Christmas Eve on the Steamboat Natchez. With so much to do, there really is no where else to spend the season.

Allstate Sugar Bowl: January 1, 2015

http://www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site.php

This year marks the 81^st annual Sugar Bowl, played in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. This event first started back during the Great Depression, has survived wars and hurricanes, and is still ranked one of the “most successful amateur athletic achievements in the history of American sports”.

Mardi Gras: February 17, 2015

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com

You’ve never experienced the “party of the year” until you’ve experienced Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Officially, Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, however the celebration starts at least two weeks in advance, with parades and events. It is the celebration of a lifetime and is something everyone should try at least once!

Spring Fiesta: March 21-22; 28-29, 2015

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/architecture/springfiesta.html

New Orleans is well known for its exciting nightlife and all of the festivities, however many people also visit for the wonderfully historic aspect of the city. The Annual Spring Fiesta showcases the years by offering the public the chance to tour the interiors of 20 privately owned homes in the French Quarter, Uptown, and Garden District. This is the opportunity to see ghosts of the past and the grandeur of the antebellum mansions that were built over a century ago.

Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Fest

http://www.tennesseewilliams.net

In its 29^th year, the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Fest showcases the city’s rich history and relationship with the arts. This five-day festival hosts many different events, ranging from tours to speaker series. When the festival began in 1986, there was an audience of 500. In 2011, that number has swelled to over 10,000. Come check out what catches participants’ eyes and see why this is one of the top festivals in the city.

Halloween at the Hotel!

Sorry this is a little bit late, but some of the guests wanted to show off their awesome Halloween costumes this year. They definitely know how to do it New Orleans style!

Getting ready for the Day of the Dead a few days earlier, but also celebrating her birthday! Which we all think she did mighty well!

These guests had an awesome theme with some old-timey Dickens ghosts and Beetlejuice costumes! I wish I could have been this creative!

There is always something to be said about going classic, with just a mask, a good wig and a cape!

And the costumes of the night! It almost makes you think of That 70's Show with this theme, especially with the attached light up disco ball hanging over the man of the group!

Clearly this year's Halloween was a success for all. We can't wait to see what kind of creative costumes will be showing up for Mardi Gras and Halloween 2015!

Seasons of Love!

The last two weeks at Hotel Maison de Ville have been crazy ones at that! Love is definitely in the air, with all the honeymoons, anniversaries, and even weddings that we have celebrated with our guests. It's enough to make anyone long for a nice romantic getaway.

The two weddings were absolutely beautiful! The blushing brides were stunning in their gowns and the grooms were so handsome in their tuxes. It felt truly special to be able to participate in these very important events in their lives.

Clearly, these were very magical moments for everyone involved!

The first of the two ceremonies was a very classic, traditional event. The gorgeous couple stood up in front of their nearest and dearest to pledge their love forever, and they were the picture perfect family,with their adorable red-headed son as the only person standing up with them in the wedding. There was barely a dry eye in the courtyard.

After the ceremony, it was time to add a little New Orleans flair to the mix. They picked up the NOLA tradition of second lining around the French Quarter to get to their reception, which was actually right next door to the hotel at the Court of Two Sisters!

 

The first wedding (pictured above left) was just a small intimate gathering, with probably only about 45 guests. The second wedding (pictured above right) was a much bigger event, with about 80 guests in attendance. It's amazing the difference moving around and resetting chairs within the courtyard can make to the atmosphere!

While the second wedding ceremony was bigger and more formal, the couple decided to eschew from tradition a bit. Instead of exchanging rings, they decided it would be more fun to take a selfie! Everyone got a pretty good laugh out of that. But what better way to celebrate than a picture?

Then, after some drinks, it was time for them to head off with their second line and head on over to the reception at Muriel's.

Both ceremonies ended up being wonderful events that the staff at the Hotel Maison de Ville are so proud to be able to say we were apart of. We look forward to hosting many more events like them!

One day in the life of Katrina!

Today was almost normal. I woke up, took a big long kitty stretch, made my humans feed me, then went and played outside. After chasing the butterflies for a while, I laid down and soaked up some sun. It was very exhausting.

I napped on the couch in the parlor for a bit, getting luxurious massages from the many guests walking through, while they were just fawning over me. I know, I’m cute. They should add me on Facebook! (Cat Trina Facebook Page)

All the attention was sooooo tiring, so I decided another nap was in order, but this time on the chair in the entryway. It is the perfect place to take a nap, while also being able to attack unsuspecting people and bite them, hehe.

All of a sudden, it was nighttime. This is when things got interesting. I was doing my usual routine, which included going outside to make sure my humans lit the candles, trying to get into the rooms to make sure the guests were taking care of my dolls (the rooms that I was able to get into were fine, but then my ridiculous humans wouldn’t let me into the other rooms), and then guarding the front door from the rowdy drunk people stumbling from Bourbon Street. It was then I noticed something weird (well besides them).

I looked at the top of the staircase for a minute an noticed a weird little speck floating around. I wanted to catch it, so I jumped up and bolted up the stairs. When I went to bite it, it flew away! I went after it again, but suddenly it was gone. I thought, “This won’t do! I need back up!” So I ran downstairs to get my humans. I started yelling at them, “Get upstairs! There’s something wonky happening!”, but they just patted my head and told me I was too fat so no food. They can be so dumb sometimes! As if that wasn’t insulting enough, they just went back to their computers as if nothing was going on. Did they not see it? I guess I was on my own.

I ran back upstairs to investigate some more, but what I found wasn’t a little speck. There was a full size human! But this wasn’t one of the guests that was staying in the hotel. Who was she? How did she get in the hotel? I got the weird feeling that I should go over to her and sniff things out, so I naturally attacked the bottom of her dress. She started to play with me. After a while, I noticed she was beginning to disappear, so I tried to bite her. I couldn’t catch anything! Suddenly, she was gone! I was so freaked out I decided it was time to go back to my real humans.

I realized how hungry I was (I hadn’t eaten since about an hour earlier), so I decided I must’ve imagined this woman from a starvation induced hallucination. After I ate, I decided that I should just go back to my normal routine. So I jumped in the window and started playing with the tourists who had clearly never seen a cat before.

Maison de Ville's Television Debut!

Let's start off by explaining that Richard E. Grant's Hotel Secrets is a British show that follows film star, Richard E. Grant across the globe, showcasing some of the most impressive and luxurious hotels in the world. The show airs Tuesday nights at 9 pm in the United Kingdom on Sky Atlantic.

On Tuesday, September 2nd, a very special episode aired. It was based in New Orleans and featured a couple different hotels, restaurants, and stores in the area. Remarkably, Hotel Maison de Ville was included on the prestigious list of hotels on the show!

The clip starts off with owner, Richard Poe, and general manager, Cassie Holman, welcoming Grant into the hotel and showing off some of the amazing features offered, including the 2,000 sq-ft. courtyard located out back. And of course, the hotel ambassador Cat Trina had a cameo, in which she did an extraordinary job in showing off the true spirit of the place.

Considering that Maison de Ville has now jumped up the scales to number 2 on Trip Advisor, won a spot on the extremely distinguished Fodor's Top 100 Hotels in the World list, and the centuries of history under the hotel's belt, no one can say they are prouder of this accomplishment than the wonderful staff, whose hard work and exceptional love keeps things running at tip top shape. Although it is still a relatively new boutique hotel, everyone should keep an eye out for the unbelievable things to come!

Tour Time

As previous posts have mentioned, there is always something to do in the city of New Orleans. Whether it's wander the streets, visit a museum, ride the streetcar, find a great place to eat, there is never a dull moment. One of the greatest things about this city is the fact there are many different ways to explore. A very popular way is by taking one of the many tours offered.

One such tour is the city tour. It takes you all over New Orleans, where you can see different French Quarter attractions, antebellum mansions in the Garden District, Katrina devastation and rebuilding efforts, plus much, much more. You can just hop on a bus and see all the sights, or if you are only interested in a specific area, try one of the many walking tours that are offered.

While New Orleans as a whole is a city that is rich with history, the French Quarter offers a few different perspectives on that. And by that I mean ghosts! Many companies sell walking ghost tours of the Quarter, hitting up some of the most famous haunted sights. Along with ghosts, there are also vampire tours, voodoo tours, and cemetery tours.

Along with the tours in New Orleans, there are also tours that take you out of the city. A fantastic way to learn the history of the South is to go on one of the many plantation tours. The most popular plantations near New Orleans are the Oak Alley and Laura Plantations. There are also the St. Joseph Plantation, Houmas House, as well as many more.

Are you more interested in natural history than city or paranormal history? Try one of the swamp tours that also run just outside of New Orleans. Get close to nature while riding along the stunning swamp on a riverboat and watch alligators eat marshmallows! It's an experience like no other.

There are many other options for tours around New Orleans. Don't be afraid to try them out! There are a few companies that are very popular, such as the Louisiana Tour Company, Cajun Encounters, and for the haunted tours, Haunted History Tours! Of course there are other companies as well, with different times for the tours too, so make sure you do your research before picking a company and make sure to remember to have lots of fun!

Non-French Quarter New Orleans

As we all know, the French Quarter is probably the biggest attraction in New Orleans. There is always something to do, which means busy crowding. That's what comes with popularity. However, the crowd is not for everyone, and that is okay. There is plenty to do outside of the French Quarter for those people visiting who want to get away from it and try something else.

The city of New Orleans has so much to offer. To start, there are over 45 different museums to check out. To name a few, there is the National World War II museum, with thousands of artifacts, including Allied and Axis uniforms, weaponry, machinery, etc. There are special exhibits that get set up. Currently running until October 2014 is From Barbed Wires to Battlefields: Japanese American Experiences in WWII. Other popular museums include Louisiana's Children's Museum, Louisiana's Civil War Museum, and Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is a great experience, with a complete history of Mardi Gras and exhibits consisting of old floats from parades past. This is something that everyone should check out at least once!

Not only does New Orleans have a ton of museums, but it also has an amazing nature institute. The Audubon Nature Institute has many fun features that are great for the whole family. There is the zoo, with different primates and animals from the African Savanna. There is the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. And there is also the Audubon Aquarium. There are exhibits from all over the world, and because they are the coordinators of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue program, you can learn a lot about the sea turtles they rescue and prepare to send back to the wild!

Along with Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans is home to another park that is very popular for all ages. City Park is a very unique experience, as it is over 1,300 acres and is one of the oldest urban parks in the country, having been in operation since 1854. There are many fun activities to partake in, which means this outing could easily turn into an all-day adventure. There is the beautiful Botanical Garden, with over 2,000 plants from around the world. Then there is the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. This is a really cool attraction because it has rides for everyone and it houses a 100-year-old wooden carousel. Who doesn't love carousels? Some other fun attractions you can find there are Stroyland, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, the Train Garden, and City Putt.

New Orleans is not just a city of modern attractions. There is a lot of history that goes along with it. That's why there are so many tours that happen on a daily basis. You can book swamp and plantation tours that will pick you up right from your hotel front door. There are city tours that take you to see areas such as the Garden District, with beautiful antebellum mansions and pristine gardens, or you can see the 9th Ward where reconstruction from Hurricane Katrina is still being done. There are also many different walking tours that you can go on to learn the history of the city, whether they go through the different districts or they're one of the famous haunted tours that so many people love to do. I know I can't wait to try one! It's a fun and informational way to learn about America's beloved city.

Probably the best way to get around New Orleans is to take a ride on the oldest running streetcar line in the world. And remember, here they are not trolleys! The St. Charles Line has been running for over 150 years. These cars will take you uptown where you can explore the different shopping areas and restaurants (Magazine Street has some amazing antique shops and boutiques!), you can see more of the amazing mansions, and you can even see Loyola and Tulane universities. There are also two other main lines throughout the city, the Canal Street Line which goes to City Park, and the Riverfront Line which, you guessed it, runs along the river. It really is a fantastic way to explore. And it's only $1.25 a person, so you won't find yourself breaking your bank to get around!

New Orleans is a very special place to be. That's why so many people come to visit and come back to stay. There is always something to do, whether it's going to the French Quarter or avoiding it all together. Nobody can ever come here and say they were bored! Make sure you get a chance to come down and experience what true Southern Hospitality is all about!

French Quarter Firsts

No matter where in the world you're visiting, if you go to a major city there are always certain attractions that any person must see. You go to New York, there's the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, etc. Boston has the Harbor, Quincy Market, Fenway Park. LA has the Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive. The list could go on and on. And like any other city, New Orleans has its own attractions that are staples in the city's history.

The thing that makes New Orleans stand out from the rest of the cities is the fact that not only do you have your typical places to visit, but you also get a taste of that southern hospitality that other cities try to imitate, but they just can't quite replicate.

One of the first places you will be told to go when you come to New Orleans is Cafe Du Monde. Beignets (pronounced ben-yeys), are delicious, fried dough/doughnut-y treats that are piled high with powdered sugar and, when paired with their signature cafe au lait, a nice hot coffee drink, is the perfect snack to perk you up. It's located on Decatur, across the street from Jackson Square. It is also right next to the Mississippi River, so it'd  be a great, centrally located place to start your exploration of the French Quarter.

There are a couple of different ways you could go after this, but this blogger would suggest checking out the riverfront next, before moving on to the next destination. You can go and walk along the water, see or ride the streetcar, and just enjoy the beautiful view.

After that there is Jackson Square. It's right across the street from Cafe Du Monde. This is where the artists set up their paintings during the day. The statue of Andrew Jackson stands majestically in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. It's a stunning sight to see, day or night. If you choose to go at night, make sure to try your hand at a tarot reading. Or maybe a fun carriage ride around the Quarter. Both experiences are nothing like anything you'll find anywhere else.

Looking for some fun shopping? Check out the French Market. Located on Decatur near Esplanade, it's a little marketplace that has many different booths, selling souvenirs ranging from mardi gras masks to different types of artwork, jewelry to food. It is absolutely a must-go, even if you don't buy anything. It's a fun experience, even just to watch the shoppers haggle with the shopkeepers.

There are also some places that are more fun for the over 21 crowd. Bourbon Street is the ultimate place to visit, with world renown bars to visit. Everyone should try Pat O'Brien's, with the best hurricanes to be found anywhere. They also feature the Piano bar, with dueling pianos. It is a fun, entertaining environment that is generally very popular due to the talented players who compete. Or if your looking for a bit of history, head over to Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar, one of the oldest bars in the country.

If you like Jazz music and want to see a live show, you can either check out Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, also located on Bourbon Street, or check out one of the many venues on Frenchmen Street, which is nestled near the back end of the Quarter. With spaces like Maison or the Spotted Cat, you can see not only Jazz acts, but many different types of music. There are also many people playing out in the street, for some ambiance while your out exploring. And you should definitely stop by the Frenchmen Art Market while you're out there. They have different types of art, including but not limited to paintings, jewelry, drawings, and small sculptures. It's a brilliant place to check out.

New Orleans is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives. Hopefully this will help you plan out your trip and give you some ideas of what to check out. While the French Quarter is an amazing place to play, not everyone is suited for the crowds and hustle and bustle. If that's you, don't let that discourage you from visiting a historically rich and wonderful city. Keep an eye out for our next post, with suggestions for things to try outside of the French Quarter!

Fun facts part 1

There are very many interesting things about the Hotel Maison de Ville that many people don't know. So it's important to highlight these many facts.

As most people know, the history is very long. While this has been a hotel since 1944, the building has been around for over two centuries! Which means there is a lot of non-hotel history to cover. One of the biggest pieces of our history is something that has swept the nation for years.

Many know that New Orleans is the birthplace of the cocktail. What they don't know is the first official cocktail was the Sazerac. The creator of this wonderful concoction, Antoine Amede Peychaud, was one of the original inhabitants of the building. While he had his own apothecary down the street on Royal and he invented the drink there, he is still considered one of the most prominent figures in our history. There is even a room named after him.

Now what does it matter knowing the history of a drink if you don't know how to make it? Knowing whether you like the drink is just as important as knowing where it came from.

The Sazerac

Ingredients:

3 ounces rye whiskey

3/4 ounces simple syrup

Peychaud (yes it's named after the founder!) bitters to taste

Absinthe or an absinthe substitute

Lemon Twist for garnish

Preparation:

1. Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while preparing the rest of the drink.

2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the simple syrup and Peychaud bitters together.

3. Add the rye whiskey and ice to the bitters mixture and stir.

4. Discard the ice in the chilled glass and rinse it with absinthe by pouring a small amount into the glass, swirling it around and discarding the liquid.

5. Strain the whiskey mixture from the mixing glass into the old fashioned glass.

6. Garnish with a lemon twists. Traditionalists will say that the lemon twist should be squeezed over the drink to release its essences but that the twist should not be dropped into the glass itself.

And now it's time to go and enjoy your own Sazerac. For best results, use Sazerac rye whiskey. Have fun!

Big Fun in the Big Easy

Welcome to New Orleans! Where the sun is hot, rain is torrential, but the party never ends.

And they say New York is the city that never sleeps. I think that the Big Easy should win that title!

Roaring Twenties

It was quite lively inside the doors of Hotel Maison de Ville last week when we held a wedding for a gorgeous couple who were tying the knot with a 1920's theme.

There was a very Gatsby-style glam in the air, everyone in high spirits and carrying feathered boas and bouquets, wearing vintage dresses and headpieces, or (in the case of the men) decked out in bowties, fedoras and suspenders.

The ceremony and reception were held in our courtyard with an elegant but almost mischievous feel to the lavishly decorated area. There was a clawed bathtub filled with ice and refreshments; the fountain overflowed with floating white chrysanthemums and white roses, lit a warm cream from the hundreds of candles. It was like being transported back to era of the Speakeasy with just enough New Orleans flair.

The Bride herself wore a nontraditional black vintage flapper dress (with just a touch of glorious Morticia Addams!) accompanied by pearls, and of course, the classic 1920s finger waves hairdo!

click the images for larger versions!

 

After the ceremony ended and the party began they set up a large projection screen. They weren't playing a slideshow of photos like you would think. Instead, the Saints game was put on. True New Orleanians at heart!

For more photos, visit our Facebook page or click here.