A while back Northwest was offering $108 roundtrip fares out of Phoenix to a number of destinations, so I decided to book a few tickets and take advantage of these unbelievable fares.

I flew out on the (Saturday) morning flight from PHX to MSP, with good cabin service and an edible breakfast (cheese omelet and sausage) in F (CO Platinum Elite upgrade). Lounged in the new MSP WorldClub and caught a DC-9 flight to MSY. Very good service in F and a very good lunch service. In fact, if I were served this very same meal in a restaurant, I wouldn't be disappointed. The meal was a bowl lined with a tortilla and topped with rice, black beans, chicken, yellow peppers, and cheese. Accompanying this was a spinach salad, dinner roll, and cheesecake.

Upon arrival, caught the "Airport Shuttle" van service. I was the second to last (stop 5 of 6) drop-off, at the W Hotel French Quarter. I decided on the W as 1)I hadn't yet experienced the W concept, 2) great location, 3) very good rate ($139), and 4) would be the last two nights needed for the two Free Fridays.

I was assigned a room on the fourth floor, over Chartres Street. There was a significant amount of street noise, so I would definitely request a room over the courtyard next time. I really liked the furnishings of the room. Of course, the main feature was the "W bed."

Unfortunately, while the bed was comfortable, its sheets had what appeared to be black ink stains and bedspread had what appeared to be semen stains. Enjoyed the bathroom with large shower (stall) and vanity. Unfortunately, no bathtub and a very small sink. Great bathrobes.

After a nice nap, I headed two blocks north to Bourbon Street. I enjoyed dinner at Remoulade. The Shrimp Arnaud in remoulade sauce was fabulous. I also enjoyed the seafood gumbo and a couple bottles of Abita Springs Turbo Dog Stout.

[This message has been edited by TransWorldOne (edited 01-24-2001).]