We've been to New Orleans but never during Mardi Gras, what's the hotel situation like? We stayed at the Hotel Monte Leon before, and it was alright. Is it too early to book a room? Or too late? Any advice on what part of town to get a room?

The best advice I have is don't give the quick talking shoe shiners the time of day. Ignore em and they go away. I saw one talking to one group for ten minutes or more while I was slamming beers at one of those hole in the wall beer stands. Crazy.