globetrotterxyz

We're planning on staying at the Iberville Suites in New Orleans for a few days and renting a car for one of those days to take a side trip to a plantation and/or swamp. We'd rather rent a car for a day for more flexibility in our schedule than take one of those tours/tour buses where they pick you up at your hotel. I searched for a car rental company nearby the hotel and saw there's a Budget rental car office a few blocks north on Canal Street (just north of Rampart). It looks like about a 10 minute walk if we'd want to pick up a car just for one day. However, I've read a couple of posts here regarding Canal Street being at the western edge of the safer area of the FQ, and to avoid anything north of Rampart. Is it advisable to NOT walk that stretch from the hotel to the Budget office? It would be during the day, so does it make any difference? Does anyone know if the hotel has a shuttle service within a certain radius around the hotel that could transport us to Budget instead of us walking? Or do I simply have no reason to worry and it should be safe?

Brian_in_Charlotte

Just north of Rampart? I wouldn't have a problem walking up there during the day.

You could also try to find an Enterprise Rent a Car location nearby - they will pick you up at the hotel.

oldschool1

i would STRONGLY advise against walking from your hotel to the north side of Rampart St...i would agree...call Enterprise and have them deliver and pick up to your hotel.

SAnParis2

I wouldn't be worried during the day, after dark however, a differnt story. The Enterprise option is the way to go, or check w/your hotel, they may be able to hook you up.

globetrotterxyz

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into the Enterprise option.

Brian_in_Charlotte

Last I was in New Orleans, we walked along Rampart during the day and were pleasantly surprised how it wasn't as bad as we remember. I will say we were not near the corner of Rampart and Canal - is it worse over there or is being 1/2 block north of Rampart that bad?

But yeah, even if Enterprise is $10-$20 more, I'd go with them. You're likely to get a better car than from Budget anyway.

justwishin

My advice: DON'T....lived there many years ago, and even then, we didn't feel safe walking anywhere a foot outside of the French Quarter.

tomfuller

Didn't they put a new streetcar line up Canal since Katrina?
Before Katrina I walked pretty far north on Canal from the French Quarter. Don't know what is safe anymore.
I felt safe staying in the Garden District and riding to Canal on the St. Charles streetcar for $1.25. Check with Expedia to see a map of where all the car rental places are in the city.

Littleman

Walking on Canal in the daytime is very safe. Don't walk there at night. You could take the Canal Street Streetcar to Budget. Avis has a downtown location at 22024 Canal Street which is also N of the FQ. Take the streetcar there and back.

Take the Canal Street Streetcar to Jefferson Davis Parkway and get off. Walk E 4 blocks to Parkway Bakery for outstanding po boys.

bachslunch

Here's another vote in favor of taking the streetcar up Canal Street, especially between Rampart and Jefferson Davis Parkway. You may or may not be okay during the day -- and definitely not at night -- walking there. I wouldn't be keen to chance it, myself, especially alone.

You should be okay on Canal beyond Jefferson Davis Parkway.