Thanks Kokonutz,

We're staying there 2 days after you! By the way, if you are paying for the hotel out of your own pocket.....I was able to book a number of nights at this hotel though Priceline for $18 a night. You can read about my bidding success at Sheryl's Priceline board:
http://pub4.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...dingneworleans

I went through the special amex bonus link and picked Metairie as my only zone. It might be worth a try.