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Got a case of wanderlust that won’t quit? Your next Southeast family holiday is a click away. Our moms have bounced around the globe testing out family vacation spots from campgrounds to African safaris and they’re dishing the dirt on what works, what doesn’t and what you need to know before you go. Get all the family travel information essentials you need (from a traveling mom's perspective, natch!) to dive into your next Southeast family holiday adventure.
Here you'll find family vacation ideas for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., Kentucky, and Tennessee.
With a rich history dating back to 1803, the world-class, Omni Royal Orleans sits at one of the most fashionable corners in the heart of the French Quarter: St. Louis and Royal. Wake to the sound of jazz music from outside your window and walk to Jackson Square where artists, musicians and palm readers await.
All 346 guest rooms boast 19th century New Orleans décor and marble bathrooms. Some offer private balconies overlooking either Royal or St. Louis streets. We stayed in the Premier room, which is only 150-200 square feet. Much smaller than what we’re used to today, but expected in a hotel of this age and still very clean and comforable. This is as large as the rooms come, unless you upgrade to a suite. Our room did not have a balcony, which would’ve been okay, except that the recessed picture window looking out over the Quarter was only large enough for one of us to take in the view at a time. Definitely upgrade to the balcony option if you choose this room.
The size of our room mattered little to us when all we wanted to do was get out and explore. After all, the absolute best thing about the Royal Orleans is its’ fabulous location! So many great eats close by, including the famed Antoine’s Restaurant just outside our window. We walked a short distance to Galatoire’s, the legendary Cajun restaurant, to meet friends and then to one of our favorite hangouts, Pat O’Briens piano bar. There’s nothing better than being able to walk or take a romantic carriage ride home to your room after a night out in a city where parking is as impossible as it gets.
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ust a few blocks North West of the hotel you can grab some hot beignets or a Shrimp Po’ Boy and listen to the sweet sounds of the Steamboat Willie Jazz Band from the courtyard of Café Beignet.
There is so much to see/do within walking distance of the Royal Orleans, including museums, parks, Canal St., the Audobon Insectarium and Aquarium, there really is no need for a car.
Be sure to take in the view of the city and the Mississippi River from the rooftop observation deck and heated pool, or even from the complimentary rooftop fitness center before you leave. And, you won’t want to pass up the prime rib at the award-winning Rib Room: “the place to see and be seen” for the local elite, infamous politicians, and famous entertainers for over 50 years.
Chris is a designer, WAHM and pilot’s wife living in Aurora, Colorado. She writes about family travel standby as Standby Traveling Mom as well as at MamaBirdsBlog.com. Follow Chris on Pinterest and on Twitter as @BirdBanter.
Disclosure: The Omni Royal Orleans hosted me for the purposes of writing this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own and without influence by the Omni Royal Orleans.
Photo credit: Interior and exterior shots of hotel (3) courtesy of Omni Royal Orleans.
Red carpet photos and VIP treatment - that's what you get with the Omni Hotel at CNN Center's Rock Star Package. The hotel is rolling out the red carpet for concert-goers in 2013. They've chosen several concert dates from Philips Arena where fans can party like a rock star at the hotel's pre-concert bash featuring red carpet photos, light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The package also includes a special room rate starting at $159 per night, valet parking, VIP check-in and a fun swag bag. 
Super Bowl XLVII will be held this year in New Orleans on February 3, 2013. The Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, as well as fans from all over the world, will head to the Big Easy for the game.
Florida’s Paradise Coast combines luxury, adventure and miles of white sandy beaches all in one. But there are still plenty of free family-friendly activities. The area includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
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