We're looking for a romantic B&B. I'm not planning on renting a car. Should we stick to the French Quarter, or are we better off looking to the Garden or Arts District?

For romance, definitely the Garden District. Several B&Bs to choose from on the new orleans website. The trolley goes right through the Garden District so there's no problem with transportation to the Quarter.

I'd stay in FQ only if my primary interest was partying. Just returned from a trip there and we stayed out past the garden district in a B&B off Napolean (a few blocks off St. Charles). Taking the streetcar in and out was fun but if you do it several times in a day it can get tiresome. Fortunately, we found cabs very easy to get on St. Charles at any busy corner. From our spot it was about $10 including a 20-22% tip to get to FQ by cab. Late at night the streetcar runs less frequently and cabs are the most convenient way to get around. Leaving the manic street scene of FQ and getting back to the B&B made me truly appreciate the quiet nature and serenity of the surroundings. Additionally, we got to see some amazing old buildings on the many walks we took in the neighborhood and found the locals we encountered to be very friendly.

ttt

There are many wonderful old homes that rent rooms, some are European Guest Houses some traditional BnB's. New Orleans has a real laid back atmosphere and some people accept guest in their spare bedroom. A good search on the web will bring you to several listings of places. Be sure to call the owners and ask questions about their homes, its history, amenities, and policy. A find that artists stay where artists lives, writters stay in writters homes, and historians in historical places. Very nice and there are places that are like a second home. Be sure to call the owners and ask them direct as some places do not advertise that much but are wonderful places to stay.

If you have never been to NO, then you MUST and I repeat MUST stay in the Quarter on your first visit.