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Sounding like a LocalSpeaking a second language doesn't always help in New Orleans, where French-sounding names have their own unique pronunciations. Here's a quick guide to the native tongue.
Cajun—a descendant of the French Acadians who fled Canada in the mid-1700s and settled in the Louisiana bayous.
Chartres (CHAR-ters)—don't use your French accent with this street, or with Burgundy (ber-GUN-dee), Conti (KONT-eye) or Calliope (CAL-lee-ope).
Chèr—a Cajun endearment.
Creole—strictly speaking, the original French and Spanish families who formed the elite of New Orleans society, as opposed to English-speaking immigrants who came later.
Fais do-do (fay doh-doh)—a Cajun street dance that lasts all night.
Krewes—private social and civic groups that organize Mardi Gras parades.
Lagniappe (lan-yap)—an elusive term for “a little something extra,” like a baker's dozen.
Laissez les bons temps rouler (LAY-zay leh bawn tawn roo-LAY)—Let the good times roll.
Pirogue (PEE-row)—a long, narrow swamp boat, originally made from a hollowed cypress log.
Neutral Ground—the grassy median separating street lanes.
Tchoupitoulas (CHOP-a-TOO-lus)—pronouncing this street is the true test of a native.
Vieux Carré (VOO cah-RAY)—the “Old Square,” or the French Quarter.
New Orleans, LA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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New Orleans Marriott555 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130
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JW Marriott New Orleans614 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130
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Hilton New Orleans Riverside2 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130
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Sheraton New Orleans Hotel500 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130
Book NowCity Population
343,829
Elevation
11 ft.
Sales Tax
Louisiana's statewide sales tax is 4.45 percent; an additional 5 percent is levied in the New Orleans metro area, and Orleans Parish has a .5 percent tax on food and beverages. The city has a 11.75 percent lodging tax, plus an occupancy tax of $1-$12 per night. The state's car rental tax is 3 percent.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(504) 821-2222
Fire (non-emergency)
(504) 658-4700
Time and Temperature
(318) 324-8808
Hospitals
Ochsner Medical Center, (504) 842-3000; Touro Infirmary, (504) 897-7011; Tulane Medical Center, (504) 988-5263; University Medical Center New Orleans, (504) 702-3000.
Visitor Information
1221 Elmwood Park Blvd. Suite 411 New Orleans, LA 70123. Phone:(504)731-7083 or (877)572-7474
Air Travel
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 21 miles west of downtown New Orleans in Kenner and is served by nearly all major domestic and foreign carriers.
Rental Cars
New Orleans is served by several major car rental agencies. Arrangements should be made before you leave on your trip. Your local AAA club can provide this service or additional information. Hertz, (504) 568-1645 or (800) 654-3080, offers discounts to AAA members.
Rail Service
Amtrak uses the Union Passenger Terminal at 1001 Loyola Ave. Daily service is offered. Phone (800) 872-7245 for further information.
Buses
The Greyhound Lines Inc. bus terminal is at 1001 Loyola Ave.; phone (504) 525-6075 or (800) 231-2222 for schedule and fares.
Taxis
Cabs are plentiful in the main business and tourist areas. Average fare is $3.50 initially and $2.40 for each additional mile and $1 for each additional person. The largest companies are Metry, (504) 835-4242 and United, (504) 522-9771. Information about taxi service also can be obtained from the Taxicab & For Hire Bureau at (504) 658-7176.
Public Transportation
Transportation by bus, streetcar and ferry is available in New Orleans.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
