Discounts Offered in New Orleans

Louisiana, long noted for its hospitality to mature travelers, has New Orleans as its star within its borders. And New Orleans, which boasts a varied choice of attractions, includes within its limits another star--the section known as Vieux Carre (French Quarter).

This 90-square-block area, site of the original settlement, is made up of quaint two- and three-story buildings that are decorated with ornate gingerbread and lacy ironwork and is a clutter of homes, hotels, offices, bars, restaurants, boutiques, museums, bookstores and T-shirt shops.

Many of the attractions, within and outside of Vieux Carre, offer discounts for mature travelers. A sampling:

--Longue Vue House and Gardens, a historic mansion, is on eight acres. Grounds are covered with a profusion of plants, shrubs and flowers. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Seniors pay 10% off the regular price of $5. For more information, contact Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, La. 70124, (504) 488-5488.

--Fair Grounds Race Course, which features thoroughbred racing, is open November through April. Seniors over 62 years receive 50% off reserved seating in the grandstand, 75% off clubhouse admission weekdays and 50% on weekends. For other admission prices and a racing calendar, contact Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans 70119, (504) 944-5515.

--The Wax Museum of Louisiana Legends, in the French Quarter, presents dioramas of the city’s past. Open every day, seniors get 50 cents off the $5.50 entrance fee. For more information, contact Musee Conti, 917 Conti St., New Orleans 70112, (504) 525-2605.

--Cajun Tours offers music and food on its swamp tours that are particularly popular with bird watchers. Cost is from $10 to $55. Seniors get a 10% discount. For more information, contact Cajun Tours, 709 May St., Houma, La. 70363, (504) 872-6157.

--Mardi Gras World takes people through warehouses staffed with artisans and sculptors working on figures for parade floats that will be used in parades here and abroad. Seniors pay $2, which is $1.50 off the regular price. For more information, contact Mardi Gras World, P.O. Box 6307, New Orleans 70114, (800) 344-8737.

--A new attraction is the Aquarium of the Americas. Imaginative displays feature hundreds of species of fish, fowl and mammals in their various habitats, including the Amazon, Caribbean Reef, Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River. At a nearby park, bands play and a ferryboat takes visitors to the nearby Audubon Zoo. Seniors get 20% off the admission price of $7.50. For more information, contact the Aquarium of the Americas, 111 Iberville St., New Orleans 70130, (504) 595-3474.

A wide choice of accommodations is available in New Orleans, with most national chain hotels that feature senior citizen discounts represented. Some are:

--Travelodge, located near New Orleans International Airport, 2240 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, La. 70062, (800) 777-1700, charges $42 to $53 per night for two people, reduced 15% from regular rates for seniors.

--Pontchartrain, 2031 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 70140, (800) 777-1700, is a luxurious hostelry in an elegant garden district that offers a 10% discount from its standard and deluxe rooms that run $95 and $110 per night, double occupancy.

--French Market Inn, 501 Rue Decatur (in French Quarter), New Orleans 70130, (800) 548-5148, offers a 10% discount from rates that range from $98 to $148 per night, double.

--P.J. Holbrook’s Olde Victorian Inn, 914 N. Rampart St., New Orleans 70116, (504) 522-2446, charges $100 to $150 per night, double. The price includes complimentary airport pickup and delivery, a full breakfast in your room or on the patio, plus fresh fruit, wine and cheese daily in gathering rooms. Prices are discounted 10% for seniors.

Mature travelers planning to visit New Orleans should check with hotels for space availability, rates and discounts, minimum-age requirements and blackout periods. Advance reservations are a must.

New Orleans publishes four colorful brochures: “Dining & Entertainment,” “Activities & Sightseeing,” “Lodging” and “Shopping.” More information is available from the New Orleans Tourist Commission, Dept. MT, 1520 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, La. 70112.