re: New Orleans trip - help please

Just got back after staying there a few days. We stayed at Hotel Sonesta which was great and got a good rate booking online through the hotel website. Downstairs they had PJ's coffee which I liked.

Had brunch twice at Stanley on Jackson Square just up the street from Cafe Du Monde. Also crawfish omelettes at Cafe Beignet next to the police station.

Do visit the Garden District as it had some neat shops and places to eat. Don't forget to drive by and take in the nice houses.

If you are leaving in a few weeks I'm guessing it will still be hot so visiting the art galleries as you noted is a good idea and a way to get into the air conditioning.

There seemed to be more construction going on from what I remembered in past times although it may have been because they are putting in a street car line I believe along Rampart. They are supposedly about finished but I'd probably stay clear of there.