My wife and I and our 12 year old grandson are planning a trip to New Orleans in this fall. We'll have a car, but would like a nice hotel in or within safe walking distance of the French Quarter (is this the best tourist area?).

We'll need a suite, and parking at the hotel.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

What is your budget?

The Monteleone is posh, has suites, and I know they have valet parking but it is pricey.

Thanks for the reply, janis.

While I was waiting, I did my own research online, and booked at the Omni. It's a bit pricier than the special web rates at the Monteleone, but it's closer to the center of the French Quarter (by only a few blocks, but anytime I can minimize walking distance for my wife, I try to do so), and the suites are larger . Both hotels look to be of a similar comfort level.

As for my budget, after my recent terrible experience at the Hampton Inn in Atlanta (which is usually a good budget choice when we travel with my grandson, where a suite is desirable), I'm not of a mind to "roll the dice" on this trip. I'll spare the details, but after one night at the Hampton, we left and got two connecting rooms (suites were not available) at the nearby Westin. Hampton Inns (and probably anything Hilton) are now off my list.

We stayed at The Monteleone two years ago, and unless they have made extensive renovations, it is threadbare and just a memory of past NOLA

I spent about 5 nights at the Windsor Court last year. Liked it a lot. Easy walk to Quarter, to Treme, great service. Large pool but too cold to swim in March. Views of River and Algiers from one side. Nice Club area.