On Thursday, May 10 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. CDT, President Clinton will share his unique perspective on preparing leaders to meet the challenges of global interdependence and implementing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

“We are honored to have President Clinton keynote at International CTIA WIRELESS 2012 and to have him share his extraordinary experiences and insight regarding the importance of leadership and the invaluable role technology can play in helping solve challenges around the world,” said CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent. “The president has been a long-standing believer in the power of mobile communication, and played a leading role in forming policy during his terms in office that created an environment in which a young wireless industry flourished and provided immense benefits to Americans that have substantially increased over time.”

The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous neighborhood of New Orleans. The Quarter was laid out in 18th Century by the French and Spanish colonies. While it has many hotels, restaurants, and businesses catering to visitors, it is best appreciated when you recall that it is still a functioning mixed-use residential/commercial neighborhood where locals live and of course the destination of Bourbon Street.

French Quarter Hotels:

• Andrew Jackson Hotel, 919 Royal St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 561-5881 (toll free: +1 800 654-0224). Enjoy and relax in one of the rooms and suites overlooking the tropical courtyard. Is also one of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter.

• The Astor Crowne Plaza, 739 Canal St (at Bourbon St), ☎ +1 504 962-0500 (toll free: +1 888 696-4806, fax: +1 504 962-0503).

• Bienville House, 320 Decatur St (between Bienville and Conti Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-2345 (toll free: +1 800 535-9603, fax: +1 504 525-6079). Lovely courtyard, pool and balconies.

• Bourbon Orleans, 717 Orleans St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-2222 (fax: +1 504 571-4666). Built in 1817 in the heart of the French Quarter.

• Chateau Dupre Hotel, 131 Decatur St (between Canal and Iberville Sts), ☎ +1 504 569-0600 (toll free:+1 888 538-5666). This 80-year old inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its elegant lobby.

• Cornstalk Hotel, 915 Royal St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-1515 (toll free: +1 800 759-6112, info@cornstalkhotel.com).

• Dauphine Orleans Hotel, 415 Dauphine St (between Conti and St Louis Sts), ☎ +1 504 586-1800 (toll free: +1 800 521-7111, fax: +1 504 586-1409). An unforgettable hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Its historic townhouse walls and a palm-filled courtyard surround you with luxury in a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere.

• Historic French Market Inn, 501 Decatur St (at St Louis St), ☎ +1 504 561-5621 (toll free: +1 888 538-5651). Great location with reasonable rates, it’s known for its courtyard atmosphere.

• Iberville Suites, 910 Iberville St (between Burgundy and Dauphine Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-2400 (toll free:+1 866 229-4351, fax: +1 504 524-1321). Caters to business, leisure, family, and is also gay/lesbian friendly. Spacious suites with huge bed, kitchen, large bathroom, living room with fold out, and 2 TVs. Valet parking, free bell-hop, lots of amenities, and free breakfast. They also feature fantastic massages at their spa.

• Inn on Bourbon, 541 Bourbon St (at Toulouse St), ☎ +1 504 524-7611 (toll free: +1 800 535-7891,info@innonbourbon.com). A beautiful historic hotel located on the site of the old French Opera House. Notable for its balconies overlooking Bourbon and Toulouse Streets and a beautiful courtyard with pool.

• Holiday Inn Chateau LeMoyne, 301 Dauphine St (at Bienville St), ☎ +1 504 581-1303 (fax: +1 504 523-5709). An historic hotel occupying what were originally four separate 19th century townhomes.

• Lafitte Guest House, 1003 Bourbon St (at St Philip St), ☎ +1 504 581-2678. A boutique hotel located in the residential area of Bourbon Street. Visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street as well as a retreat into their own personal French Quarter home.

• Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St (at Iberville St), ☎ +1 504 523 3341 (toll free: +1 866 338-4684, fax:+1 504 528-1019). Located in an elegant early-20th century sky-scraper (the only one within the confines of the Quarter itself, just constructed just before large new constructions were prohibited here) has long been one of the top upscale Quarter hotels. The hotel includes a rooftop heated pool with views of the skyline and an award-winning restaurant, the Hunt Room Grill. $175-$350.

• Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St Louis St (between Royal and Chartres Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-5333 (toll free:+1 888 444-6664, fax: +1 504 529-7089). The Omni Royal Orleans has been a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award for the past 27 years.

• Royal Barracks Guest House, 717 Barracks St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-7269(toll free: +1 866 630-7781, fax: +1 504 529-7298). Every room features a queen size bed, private bath and fireplace, and private entrance to the courtyard.

• The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St (at Bienville St), ☎ +1 504 586-0300 (fax: +1 504 586-0335).

• The Saint Louis Hotel, 730 Bienville St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 581-7300 (toll free: +1 800 535-9111). Luxurious furnishings, with a beautiful courtyard.

• Hotel St. Pierre, 911 Burgundy St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 524-4401 (toll free:+1 800 225-4040). Embodies the architecture and ambiance of the 18th Century French Quarter.

• Ursuline Guest House, 708 Ursuline Ave (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 525-8509 (toll free: +1 800 654-2351). checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Ursuline Guest House offers 13 guest rooms, each with private bath, ceiling fan, air conditioning/heating, cable television and wireless Internet access. $69-$235.

• Maison Dupuy, 1001 Toulouse St (at Burgundy St), ☎ +1 504 586-8000 (toll free: +1 800 535-9177,fax: +1 504 525-5334). This hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a real New Orleans atmosphere; renovated historic homes surround what is now the courtyard with a fountain and pool.

• Hotel Royal, 1006 Royal St (at St Philip St), ☎ +1 504 524-3900 (toll free: +1 888 776-3901, fax: +1 504 558-0566). Located on the finest shopping street in the French Quarter, this hotel has a European feeling complemented by authentic laced iron balconies, high ceilings with fans, and enclosed courtyards with fountains.

• French Quarter Landmark Hotel (Best Western), 920 N Rampart St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 524-3333 (fax: +1 504 523-5431). Feel the atmosphere of the French Quarter when you step inside The Landmark. Within walking distance of the hotel, explore the historic, artistic and eclectic charms around you.

• Hotel Le Marais, 717 Conti St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 525-2300 (toll free: +1 800 935-8740). checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. The Hotel Le Marais has a heated saltwater courtyard pool and breakfast area.

• Place D’Armes, 625 St Anne St., ☎ 1-800-366-2743. Beautiful historic hotel in the quarter. They have interior rooms (no windows) that are a great bargain to stay in an incredible space.

New Orleans – Peak season for only $10 more than off-season

• Why Now: The Big Easy really heats up in the spring, with Mardi Gras and Carnival taking over the city in February and Jazz Fest occurring in April and May. Although the crowds may be a bit bigger than usual, this time of the year is definitely NOLA’s sweet spot for activities and weather while still offering great value.
• Value: The average rate for hotel stays during peak season is $87, only $10 more than off-season reservations, making it well worth the splurge. Travelers should keep in mind that festival weekends will come at a higher price.
• How: Deal Example: New Orleans: luxe French Quarter hotel w/breakfast, $119+: Luxury living — and saving — in the French Quarter. Iberville Suites near Bourbon Street has suites from $119, now-March 29. Breakfast is included.