Travel Agent - January 7, 2008 - (Page 51)

Suites at the Sheraton New Orleans offer stunning city views and plenty of space Events to Consider Mardi Gras A world holiday rumored to date back to the 17th century, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration may very well top them all. Though it falls on February 5, that’s when the festivities end; January 6 is when the Carnival parades actually begin. To keep it family friendly and away from overly merry adults, NOLA.com recommends the Upper Garden District areas of the parades. For the rest, Bourbon Street beckons! favored Herman Miller Aeron desk chairs are found in most of their rooms (though you will have to leave the pets at home). Rene’s bistro is led by the husband-wife chef team of Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing, serving pig’s cheek and langoustines as the signature. Contact General Manager Frank Zumbo at 504-5221111 or frank.zumbo@renaissance hotels.com. JW Marriott This higher-end version of the Marriott features deluxe Corner Kings, along with seven suites, the bilevel ones featuring Jacuzzi tubs. Ile de France Grand Ballroom provides a meeting space of 6,160 square feet, among 20 total meeting rooms. There are 96 connecting rooms for families in the hotel overall. Shula’s Steak House will serve your fill of filet mignon when you need a night off from gumbo and shrimp of the jumbo variety. Their “kNOwLA Wednesdays” provide a weekly opportunity for the lobby lounge to be transformed into an evening that varies from live music and local artists displaying their work to elegant wine tastings. Contact General Manager Ted Selogie at 504-527-6500 or theodore. selogie@marriott.com Tennessee Williams Literary Festival If like Blanche DuBois, you’ve always relied on the kindness of strangers, you’ll love this festival named after the A Streetcar Named Desire scribe. From a one-act play competition to myriad opportunities to rub elbows with professional writers, this 20-year-old literary festival from March 26-March 30 is a literary lover’s dream. For more information, go to www.tennessee williams.net. New Orleans JazzFest Around since 1970, this soulful festival that started with Duke Ellington and the gang now brings together everyone from the Neville Brothers to Tim McGraw, so any kind of music lover wins here. Running Thursday-Sunday from April 25-May 4, tickets run $35 a weekend for adults and $5 for children. Plus for picky eaters: just as there’s an array of music beyond jazz, same goes for the food! For more information, go to www.nojazzfest.com. The Bayou Classic More than just a classic football duel between rivals Grambling State and Southern University, it’s a battle of the bands halftime show with drumming like you’ve never likely seen. Tailgating outside the Superdome is a whole other competition—the eating kind—so there’s something for fans of sports or spices (to be held November 29, 2008). For more information, go to www. statefarmbayouclassic.com. Sheraton New Orleans Enter this property and in just a few feet you’ll have a view of a vast wishing fountain where you can sip your daily Starbucks, which is featured directly across the way. The 49-story Sheraton full dining rooms in all suites, featuring Bose sound systems. You can even bring man’s best friend: The hotel offers dogs beds, bowls, treats and a map of destinations for where Rover might wish to rove. Roux Bistro boasts its black-and-red fish po’ boy and private tastings for special clients. And, if you have marriage on the mind, look no further than the Armstrong ballroom and its three stories of glass windows that overlook the might Mississippi under a glass skylight roof. Contact General Manager Bill McCreary at 504595-5521 or bill.mcreary@sheraton.com. I CONNECTING YOU Want the scoop on where to dine in New Orleans? Visit www.travelagentcentral.com/neworleans Guest room at Bienville House January 7, 2008 TravelAgent | 51 http://NOLA.com http://www.tennesseewilliams.net http://www.tennesseewilliams.net http://www.nojazzfest.com http://www.statefarmbayouclassic.com http://www.statefarmbayouclassic.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/neworleans

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - January 7, 2008

Travel Agent - January 7, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Top Hotels in the Czech Capital, Prague Europe News & Notes Pacific/Asia: India's Tourism Boom Hawaii Spas: Send Your Spa-Loving Client to these Havens of Relaxation in the Islands Hawaii Briefs Las Vegas: Restaurants are Taking Center Stage as Vegas Becomes a Destination for Foodies California: San Diego, La Jolla and Coronado Offer a World of Options Close Together Ski/Snowboard: Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada New Orleans: Hotels for All Types of Travelers and Can’t-Miss Events to Consider Central & South America: Selling Santiago, Chile Caribbean & Bahamas: The Reef Atlantis, Cape Eleuthera Debut in the Bahamas in Time for the New Year Caribbean News & Notes Cruises: Onboard Enrichment Programs Grow as Cruisers Seek to Work on More than their Tans Cruise Lines Expand the Variety in their Shore Excursions with Special Activities and Adventures Cover Story: A New Era for Classic Luxury Travel Expo & Home Based Travel Agent Expo: Photos and a Recap of the Events Rail: Company Books Private Train Trips Agent Profile: Dave and Christa Krick, Advantage Cruise & Travel in Northern California Technology: XML Enhances Sabre and Amadeus Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Onsite Reports from Queen Victoria Christening and Marriott Headquarters Funjet Vacations NCL’s New Ship, Norwegian Gem The African Country of Djibouti In the Spotlight Editorial Index Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - January 7, 2008

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