A couple's getaway to New Orleans, Louisiana + Best Cajun Crawfish

We snagged a Groupon discount to stay at Le Pavillon in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of US Travel News.

For more than one year, New Orleans has been on my list. You know, the list you keep in your head that details IF you got to travel, where you would go. Honestly, Las Vegas and Disney World used to be on top. But, about a year ago New Orleans made its way up there.

I read fantastic guide books and did tons of research about where to stay and where to eat during our trip.

I REALLY wanted to stay at Hotel Monteleone. But, when I looked online what that would cost us, I decided to seek a cheaper option. I'm so glad I did!

Here's the hotel bar. No expense was spared in the details and decorating of this hotel.

I booked Darling Husband and I four nights at Le Pavillon, a hotel with a smokin' Groupon deal. The hotel is in the Business District, and was a 10-minute walk to the heart of the French Quarter and two blocks to the St. Charles Streetcar that took us to the Garden District.

After walking by Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, I WAS SO HAPPY we weren't staying in that rowdy, bustling part of the city. I don't think I would have slept a wink!

We flew into New Orleans at 2 p.m. on a Thursday and took an Uber from the airport to Le Pavillon, about a 20-minute drive. The entrance to the hotel is stately and impressive. Inside the entry, every nook and cranny is decorated with fresh flowers and landscapes and portraits in huge gilded frames. The staff's hospitality was incredible. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived to when we departed.

We enjoyed a glass of wine after dinner at the hotel pool one night. Can you see the full moon between the skyscrapers?

Our room wasn't huge, but was a good size for two. We were on the fourth floor and had only a view of the street below. BUT, this is the best hotel because of the rooftop pool. This moderate-sized pool was a highlight for us every day to soak our sore walking feet and cool off before dinner.

The bed in our room was softer than I prefer and the pillows were those terrible down pillows that immediately smoosh flat as soon as you rest your head. After two nights on those pillows, we requested new ones and slept much better.

Definitely head to the lobby at 10 p.m. for a full PB&J bar as a late-night snack. Milk and cocoa help you wash it down.

Last word of warning about the hotel (and New Orleans in general) - beware of the bachelor parties. We saw some bachelorette parties too, to be fair. But we encountered two groups at the rooftop pool on different days and these folks are in town to party.

First dinner was at Bon Ton Cafe in the Business District. The cafe says it is the oldest Cajun restaurant in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of New Orleans News Online.

Best Crawfish

During our trip, we only ate from restaurants with high ratings in our "Eat Dat" book. The best Cajun food was at Bon Ton Cafe in the Business District, so after we landed we made a dinner reservation. Bon Ton Cafe claims to be the oldest Cajun restaurant in New Orleans, originally opening in the 1900s. It has a tight schedule, so check the website before you go. We enjoyed a catfish appetizer and crawfish jambalaya. Darling Husband had the crawfish dinner.

The spice was mild and not hot, but dishes were still flavorful. Nothing was overcooked and the service was impeccable. We did sit by a family with a couple of kids, but there was also another couple on a romantic date. It's a fine setting for both. This was our most expensive dinner we ate in NOLA, so pay attention to pricing too if that's a concern.

Verdict: Search Groupon for great deals on fabulous hotels in New Orleans and do your research to eat at the best New Orleans restaurants. There is a lot of cuisine and some can be touristy and not good quality food. Bon Ton Cafe is a memorable, classic New Orleans spot if you can get in during its tight schedule.

The crawfish was delicious at Bon Ton Cafe, but we also loved the fried catfish appetizer.