26 to 30 April
The Royal Sonesta Hotel is right on Bourbon St.
It's a great location and completely quiet once you enter the lobby and leave the chaos of Bourbon Street behind; which on weekend nights is a crazy cacophony of hip hop clubs, live rock bands and thronging revellers. It's rougher than Bangla Road but don't be put off.
In-between all this are some amazing jazz, blues, soul and zydeco bands at bars that are a little less hectic.
And just a few blocks out you can find loads fabulous restaurants, wine bars, speakeasys and cabaret joints.
Live music starts at noon on Bourbon and afternoons are best for finding a music bar with a window seat for a few drinks, some tunes and people-watching.
No swamp tours, mansion tours, museums or river cruises for us anymore but for first time visitors there is a lot to do.
Beware the popular restaurants in the French Quarter with queues outside; they're all tourist traps.
We had a very blah brunch at The Ruby Slipper.
We did have one of the best steaks ever at Doris Metropolitan though.
And then we found the most amazing Orleans Grapevine Winebar and Bistro with excellent food, good wines, great prices and friendly staff. We went 2 nights in a row.
We were in New Orleans for Jazz Fest. There are 13 different stages; so loads of different music to choose from. We had cheap folding chairs, and prefer to stick at 1 stage for 3 or 4 different acts. Friday's headline act was Robert Plant and Allison Crause. Saturday was overcast and we got caught in the rain for a few hours. But it did clear up in time for Ed Sheeran. He's such an engaging performer; we loved it.
On the way out someone gave us 2 VIP tickets for Sunday. What a treat! Best seats and no queues for drinks or loos. Gary Clark Jr and thenTedeschi Trucks Band on the Main Stage.
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