MOLI VIEW™

The French Quarter and the Garden District of New Orleans are back, and even better in the sense that they are cleaned up and less crowded than you might remember (especially through the drunken haze of Spring Break, if that's the last time you made it down here). Still suffering from the economic impact of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans really needs people to come back — a passionate plea that translates into really good deals. So the Big Easy is our next choice in MOLI's search for a place to spend New Year's. Plus, you'll be part of the biggest trend in travel this holiday season: staying domestic. The dollar doesn't go much further anywhere now than it does right here in the USA.

In a typical January, New Orleans temps hover between 65 degrees by day to 45 degrees by night, but with the freak seasons we've been having, it's likely to be even balmier this year. That means you'll be able to comfortably wander the streets (with an open beer if you wish; it's perfectly legal here), while hopping from hotel to restaurant to party places.

The obvious place to be is the French Quarter, where the New Year's celebration is sandwiched in between hearty Christmas shenanigans in December and the Mardi Gras blow-out in February. But you aren't likely to forget the events of a New Year's Eve here with the culturally specific Gumbo Pot Drop (sort of similar to the ball drop in Times Square) at the Jackson or Jax Brewery, and the annual fireworks display on the Mississippi River. Of course, the party continues all night along Bourbon Street, and if this is your plan of attack, you couldn't be better situated than at the W New Orleans French Quarter (rooms from $489/night still available for December 28 to January 2), which brings a bit of minimalist chic to the region. You can also bring your small, well-behaved dog or cat along for your weekend of decadence: The W allows pets that can be safely kept in your plush room while you're out painting the town red.

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