My friends and I are planning a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this will be our first year. Are there certain dates to go for the best parades? How far in advance should we book our hotel?
any info would be great!!

The best time to be in N.O. over the Carnival Season is the weekend prior to Mardi Gras. That's when all the partying happens. By Fat Tuesday (actually Mardi Gras Day) lots of us are already tired from 2 solid weeks of parades and parties.
I'm not sure what the date of Mardi Gras is this year...it moves around accodring to Lent. It's always the Tuesday before Lent.
Sometime in February 2004.....
Hotels: You've got some shopping to do.....If you're staying in the French Quarter be ready for madness 24 hours/day. To stay outside the Quarter is a good plan if you want a break from the festivites and crowds.
Good luck.
-Gene

Thanks for the help Gene! That's some great info! Here's a little more info about the 2004 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule!