Hope Lodge vs. Hotel NOLA

Nordy

Hi Everybody! I am having stage 1 reconstruction in New Orleans in August. I was just wondering whether or not people prefer the Hope Lodge or Hotel and why? I fully intended to stay at the Hope Lodge as we are spending so much to get there, and fly relatives to help w/the kids, etc., but now I am wondering if a hotel would not be more comfortable for recouping after surgery. I also know that the Hope Lodge is not really near anything in New Orleans, and unless I feel really crappy - I tend to want to MOVE about after surgery! Please give some guidance and wisdom  - all you that have been down this road! Thank YOU!!!

abbadoodles

Nordy, I've not done recon in NOLA but I've vacationed in NOLA several times and absolutely LOVE IT!  I always stayed in the Quarter and finally settled in at the Hotel Provincial, which is on the eastern side and far enough down Chartres Street to be pretty quiet as long as you are not too far back in the hotel because then you're backing up to joints on the other side.

I loved being right in the thick of things where I could get up in the AM before my travel companion was up and walk the quiet streets in the early morning sunshine.  I would pick up some breakfast pastries at the Croissant D'OR and some good coffee to take back to the room.  Listen to birds singing and breathe in the lovely floral scent in the air.  (Edited to add:  Of course, I normally go in late January or early February when it is not hot and humid.  I've been there at the beginning of May and it's steamy.  Expect afternoon downpours that last only a short time.)

Later, I(we) could walk into the busier areas and spend all day finding something new all the time.  I remember esp. walking into an outsider art exhibit at one of the locations of the LA state museum (I think it was there, on a side street) and discovered Sister Gertrude Morgan.  http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/5aa/5aa94.htm

So, whatever you decide to do for lodging, please do spend lots of stroll time in the French Quarter.  I hope you love it as much as I do.

Here's what the Quarter is like.

anniese

Hi Nordy,

I haven't stayed at the Hope Lodge either but have been to New Orleans several times.  Because we don't want to drive or deal with a rental car we finally decided to do a hotel close to the Breast Center.  We are using one of the hotels that NOLA uses frequently and got a little better rate using a AAA account.  We thought this might be good also because the hotel will be familiar with having recon patients there so will maybe be a little more accomodating....  It won't be free, but it will be close and if I'm up to it we'll be able to ride the trolly car into the Quarter - plus the area around the hotel is very nice and will be good for going on walks without crowds.  I know, from looking at the map, that the Hope Lodge is quite a distance from the Breast Center.  Not sure if this helps at all.......hope someone comes along that has stayed at the Hope Lodge and can give you some insight.

phoffa

Hi Nordy,

I am having my recon in South Carolina, but when I contacted Hope Lodge there, they would not allow anyone under 18 years of age to stay there and only two people in a room.  That would have been counting me in the two.  Just something to consider.

 Patti

Nordy

Oh... thanks Phoffa - I didn't mean that my kids were coming w/me - I meant that I was flying relatives into town to help take care of them here! Sorry if that was confusing!

Anniese and Abbadoodles - thank you for your input - I am starting to think I might want to stay in the French Quarter somewhere... Will keep watching the post for more insight before I make that decision final!

SandyinSoCal

Hi Nordy!

I've stayed at Hope Lodge, and it was very nice.  You do need to plan meals and bring food with you, which you prepare in a community dining area.   I met another Dr. D patient while I was there, and she was happy to have us around.  Her husband had returned home and she was left there with a bad cold and in need of food.  When my aunt went out to get me meals, we shared with her.  It is far from the downtown and French Quarter areas, so if you expect to be out walking it's probably not the ideal place to stay.   The price (free) can't be beat though.

I've stayed at Homewood Suites twice, when I traveled with a friend and once with my aunt, because we were able to have separate bedrooms in their two bedroom suites.  It's convenient for recovery because breakfast and a light dinner are included, although the dinner is only available during the week.   We had pizza delivered to our room one night, and salads the next, during the first couple of days when I didn't feel up to eating out.  This was only after my first surgery because I was in quite a bit of pain after having shop vac lipo.    I've also stayed at Bienville House and Place d'Armes.   We were trapped in the latter by a heavy rains one afternoon which caused so much flooding that we were unable to leave for dinner, and so I ate crackers from a vending machine for dinner the night prior to surgery.   My favorite hotel in NOLA is the Marriott on Canal Street, and I've stayed there three times so far.  In January, my sister and I were given a corner room on the top floor (41st) overlooking the French Quarter and the Mississippi river, and the views were spectacular.  It was interesting to look down and see the layout of the city.  They have completely renovated recently, and have a great gym, and are close to everything--right on the edge of the FQ.  The Palace Cafe is steps away, with great food, and there are also gift/snack shops, McDonald's and Arby's in the same block.  There's a Starbucks inside the hotel, which was convenient.   Hope this helps!!  Don't forget to call me.

Sandy

kam54

I stayed at the Hope Lodge in New Orleans for the first two nights before my surgery on 6/18/09 and then when I was released from the hospital, we stayed at the Homewood Suites for the remainder of my stay.  The Hope Lodge is great, but you can't take food up to your room.  So my DH and I decided that Homewood Suites would be better just in case I did not feel up to leaving the hotel room.  As it turned out I did feel ok and Hope Lodge would of worked for us.  Both locations were great but of course the cost of Homewood Suites is a factor.   Good luck on your surgery.