Summer is a great time to visit New Orleans – Plenty of festivals & something new to explore around every corner!

Here are just a few of the festivals & events not to be missed this summer in New Orleans:

• Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo – May 18-20, 2012
• New Orleans Oyster Festival – June 2-3, 2012
• French Market Creole Tomato Festival – June 9-10, 2012
• Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Music Festival – June 9-10, 2012
• Louisiana Seafood Festival – June 9-10, 2012
• San Fermin en Nueva Orleans – July 12-15, 2012
• COOLinary New Orleans – Throughout the month of August 2012
• Satchmo SummerFest – August 2-5, 2012
• Whitney White Linen Night – August 4, 2012
• Dirty Linen Night – August 11, 2012
• Southern Decadence – August 29 – September 3, 2012

New Orleans Celebrates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

A highlight of the Bicentennial Celebration will be the festivities surrounding NOLA Navy Week, April 17-23. Organized by the U.S. Navy and OpSail, New Orleans will be the first stop in a nationwide series of events, lasting three years, officially commemorating the Bicentennial of The War of 1812 and the creation of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” An international fleet of tall ships will crowd the riverfront. U.S. Navy warships will be open for public viewing. The Blue Angels will crisscross the skies in crisp formation.

Other activities will include official visits among regional dignitaries and Navy leadership, visiting sailors engaged in friendly sporting competitions, a seafood cook-off, and regional outreach and community service projects by visiting sailors.

“Bringing the tall ships of the world back to U.S. waters for the commemoration of this glorious American milestone excites the imagination,” said Jose Fuentes, the Chairman of Operation Sail. “Throughout 2012-2015, millions of people will watch these graceful and majestic sailing ships as they parade together, and celebrate the brotherhood of the sea and our freedoms.”

New Orleans was chosen as the host city for the opening events and will also finish up the three year tour and celebration, where the last battle of the war was fought.

“Being the inaugural city to kick off a three-year nationwide celebration speaks to the greatness of our city,” said New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu. “We will set the bar high for all cities by demonstrating our experience in entertainment on a massive level.”

View a full schedule of events for NOLA Navy Week here.

Stay at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel during your visit to New Orleans for NOLA Navy Week.  We are offering an exclusive rate in honor of the Bicentennial Celebration!

BOOK ONLINE or call (800) 521-7111 & mention promo code DIS200 to make your reservation today.

Rates start from $171 per night and include the following complimentary amenities:

• Wi-Fi access
• In-room bottled water & coffee
• Welcome beverage upon arrival at May Baily’s Place
• Deluxe continental breakfast daily

Terms & Conditions: Based on availability.  Other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with other promotions or specials.  Offer not applicable to prior reservations, groups or conventions.  Some blackout dates may apply.  Offer must be requested at time of booking.  72 hour cancellation policy.

If you’re lucky, you will be down in New Orleans this St. Patrick’s Day! The party doesn’t stop after Mardi Gras…And this city knows how to throw a party. Come celebrate in full force and enjoy the many festivities in the city, including parades and numerous block parties. Trust us, there will be plenty of green beer to go around!

Sunday, March 11, 2012
St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Rd. – Noon
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Parasol’s Block Party 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Irish Channel Parade – 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Tracey’s St. Patty’s Day Party – 11 a.m. til
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Downtown Irish Club Parade – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade (Metairie) – Noon
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Irish, Italian, Islenos Parade (Chalmette) – Noon

Stay near all of the action this St. Patty’s Day with rates from $289/night!
(Two night minimum length of stay required.)

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel is located in the heart of the historic French Quarter, just steps from the bustle of Bourbon Street, delivering convenience without distraction. Perfect for business and leisure travelers, the Dauphine Orleans offers amenities such as:

• Complimentary wireless internet
• Complimentary in-room bottled water and coffee
• Tempur-Pedic™ bedding
• Newly renovated fitness and exercise room
• Courtyard saltwater pool

Book a group of 25 or more guestrooms, on peak, by April 1, 2012 for travel in 2012 and receive our “License to Steal” Package, which includes:

• Two night Deluxe accommodations
• Enhanced continental breakfast daily
• Welcome beverage at May Baily’s Place
• Brunch for two at Court of Two Sisters

• Room rate discounts of 15% – 30%
• Meeting Room rental waived for Patio Board room at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel
• 50% off Legend Room day-time rental at Musee Conti with 120 or more total room nights booked (balance of room rental can be rolled into room rate)*
• 1 complimentary room night per 40 cumulative room nights booked
• 1 upgrade to a Junior Suite at base group rate
• 4 upgrades to Premium at base group rate
• Complimentary beverage coupon for use in May Baily’s Lounge (1 per person)
• Complimentary Coffee set up in meeting room
• Complimentary PM break snack

Contact Dawn Ledet, Director of Sales at (504) 586-1897 or dawn.ledet@ihrco.com for further details or to check availability.

*Terms & Conditions: Based on availability. Not valid on previously booked groups. May be modified based on special events and availability of space & amenities. Blackout dates may apply. Hotel reserves the right to substitute any item(s) with an item of equal value. Meeting package concessions do not apply to social rooms-only bookings. Meeting/event must be booked by April 1, 2012 and consumed by December 31, 2012. Minimum of 25 rooms per night required.

On behalf of the great city of New Orleans, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel would like to extend a warm welcome back to the nostalgic Joy Theater.

Enjoy the parades as they roll through the streets, dance in the second line til dawn, and indulge in cakes made for kings. Go ahead… Take it all in!

During Mardi Gras Season, weekend rates starting from only $229 at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel. Parades will be rolling from February 5 until Fat Tuesday on February 21.

Book Online or call (800) 521-7111 to make your reservation today.

Our Mardi Gras Sneak Peek Package Includes:

• Friday, February 17th night stay in deluxe accommodations
• Deluxe Continental Breakfast
• Welcome Beverage Coupon for use in Historic May Baily’s Place
• Secure on-site Valet Parking for one vehicle for one night (in and out privileges apply)
• All Taxes

Cost: $329 for single/double occupancy; $365 for triple occupancy; $396 for quadruple occupancy

Book Online or call (800) 521-7111 and mention promo code MGSP to make your reservation today!

Terms & Conditions:  Based on availability.  No refunds on unused features.  Other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with other promotions or special offers and is not applicable to previously made reservations. Oversize vehicles are subject to refusal or $4 surcharge.

Can’t make it down to the Big Easy this Mardi Gras? No worries! Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras Year-Round!

A tour of Mardi Gras World is truly magical.  Mardi Gras World is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made and nowhere else can you watch the artists of Blaine Kern Studios, the world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float building – at work in their shops, weaving spells of wonder.Walk among towering figures of fantasy and acquire an insider’s appreciation of the history and traditions of Carnival.  Take home Mardi Gras memories you’ll cherish forever.

Our Mardi Gras World Package includes:

• 3 days and 2 nights deluxe guestroom accommodations at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, a true historic New Orleans treasure
• Two tickets to tour Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World including shuttle transportation
• Complimentary deluxe Continental breakfast daily
• Complimentary welcome beverage coupon for use in Historic May Baily’s Place
• Café au Lait and Beignets at Café du Monde
• All taxes

Cost:  From $285.00 double occupancy

Book Online or call 800-521-7111 and ask for promo code: MGWORLD.

High Season: October 1 –November 19, 2011; January 1 – May 31, 2012 & October 1 – November 18, 2012:  Sun – Thurs $329.00/ Fri – Sat $509.00

Low Season: November 20 – December 28, 2011; June 1 – September 30, 2012 & November 1- December 28, 2012:  Sun – Thurs $285.00/ Fri – Sat $395.00

Rates available for single, triple and quadruple occupancy.

Terms & Conditions:  Based on availability.  No refunds on unused features.  Other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with other promotions or specials.  Offer not applicable to prior reservations, groups or conventions.  Some blackout dates may apply.  Offer must be requested at time of booking.  72 hour cancellation policy. Not available over special event and convention dates.

Ghost sightings and hauntings are nothing new to New Orleans and the French Quarter, an area known for historic sites and centuries-old buildings, some dating back to 1718 when the city was founded. What many people might not know is that some of the original residents and visitors of historic New Orleans never left town. After all, New Orleans is said to be the most haunted city in America.

The hauntings at the Dauphine Orleans vary from Civil War soldiers to their well dressed “ladies-of-the-evening.” The epicenter is May Baily’s Place. In the late 1890s and early 1900s, May Baily’s was one of the better known bordellos in the wildly infamous red-light district known as Storyville. Prostitution was legal in Storyville from 1898 to 1917. Today, May Baily’s Place now serves as the hotel bar at the Dauphine Orleans, where guests and employees have reported hauntings and sightings.

It has been said that on numerous nights, after the liquor vault has been locked up, something eerie has happened. Apparently, bartenders have come in to work the next day and found the liquor vault still locked with alcohol bottles out and in different positions around the bar! Reports over the years indicate that there is perchance more than one ghost that lingers inside the bar. One spirit is believed to be that of a Creole soldier, perhaps a patron of the former brothel, who wanders through the courtyard wearing a military uniform.

Another entity is a female, who seems very whimsical and a bit disturbed. Select guests have reported catching a lightening-fast glimpse of her dancing across the courtyard. It’s believed that she might have been employed by the brothel and eventually became an alcoholic, which was common during that era. In fact, it is believed that the spirits of people who were addicted during their life may remain earthbound because of their strong attachment to their addiction.

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel and May Baily’s Place are located in the heart of the French Quarter, just blocks from numerous other reputedly haunted locales, including the Bourbon Orleans Hotel (a sister property,) the LaLaurie Mansion, the  Beauregard-Keyes House and the Saint Louis Cathedral. The red light, the memorabilia and the Baily name are not all that remain of an era that made even decadent Old New Orleans blush.

Restore. Rejuvenate. Relax.

Restore your body, rejuvenate your spirit and relax your mind with a relaxing retreat. Our relaxation package offers a soothing massage in the comfort our your guest room. Enjoy:

• 3 days and 2 night accommodations in a Superior King room
• 60 minute in-room massages for two provided by Spa Laje
• Continental Breakfast each morning for two
• Bottle of champagne on ice delivered to your room
• 2 glasses of wine in historic May Baily’s Lounge
• All taxes included

Cost: $612.00 low season/$702.00 high season based on double occupancy**

Book online or call (800) 521-7111 and reference rate code RELAX to make your reservation today!

**$612.00 package cost applies to staysthrough September 30, 2011 and between  November 21 – December 31, 2011. $702.00 package cost applies to stays between between October 1 – November 20, 2011.

Terms & Conditions:  Based on limited availability.  Must be booked a minimum of three days prior to arrival.  No refunds on unused features.  Other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with other promotions or specials.  Offer not applicable to prior reservations, groups or conventions.  Some blackout dates may apply.  Offer must be requested at time of booking.  72 hour cancellation policy.   Not available over special event and convention dates.

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Indulge in our In-Room Spa Services

Introducing a Unique & Convenient Luxury Spa Solution!

Individual In-Room Service:

Imagine the absolute luxury of having a full-service day spa in the convenience of your hotel room. Whether your need is to unwind after a day of meetings, a long flight, or just to kick off your vacation…

View our In-Room Spa Services Menu:

• In-Room Guest Spa Services ~ Unwind right in the comfort of your hotel room. Let the spa come to you!

* Please contact the front desk or concierge for more details.
** For your convenience, In-Room Spa Services by Spa Laje can be charged to your room account.

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Special Event Services:

Spa Laje offers a wide variety of customized spa services for any event you might be planning:

• Conventions
  
• Trade Shows
• Family Reunions
• Spa Stations
• Company Meetings
• Baby Showers
• Bridal Parties
• Graduation Parties

We will be delighted to create a custom event package, designed especially for your needs & specifications. Our team is equipped with years of event, party & convention management experience. Whether you’re looking for an added touch or featured focal point…

View our Special Event Spa Services Menus:

• Bachelorette & Wedding Party Pampering ~ Make your big day magical & stress-free with Spa Laje
• Special Event Spa Services ~ Make your event unforgettable! Add the element of relaxation & pampering

* Please contact Lindsay Siegel at Spa Laje for more details & be sure to mention the New Orleans Hotel Collection:(504) 525-9335.

Are your travel plans flexible? September offers some our best rates of the season!  Here are the dates where you’ll find our best available rates starting from $109 per night. September 11-14, 19-21. Rates include daily continental breakfast, wi-fi, and a welcome beverage. Click here to book online.

This Labor Day weekend, be in with the out crowd at the largest gay event in New Orleans, Southern Decadence!  Take part in the 40th anniversary festivities August 31 – September 5, 2011 in the French Quarter. You won’t want to miss it!

Package Includes:

• 3-night stay in premium accommodations
• Deluxe Continental Breakfast Daily
• Welcome Beverage Coupon
• Cafe au Lait and Beignets at Cafe du Monde
• Secure on-site Valet Parking for one vehicle for three nights (in and out privileges apply)
• Late checkout of 2PM
• All Taxes

Rate:  $465.00 double occupancy

Click here to book online today or call (800) 521-7111 and ask for promo code SODEC2011 to make your reservation.

Terms & Conditions: Based on availability.  No refunds on unused features.  Other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with other promotions or special offers.  Valid September 2 – 6, 2011.  Full prepayment required at booking and non refundable for cancellations within 30 days of arrival.