Lauren

Hi Karen;
I just got back from a week in NO French Quarter (first time) with our kids ages 18 and 20. Had a great time. Stayed in a neat place that does not advertise but had some openings for 1 week stays. Email me if you're interested. Walked everywhere in the FQ. Never felt unsafe, but did not venture north of Bourbon at night. And we were always in by midnight (we're early people).

Took the free ferry to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World and enjoyed it. Found there was plenty to do for a week with shopping and tours and eating.

My only complaint is the smell, between the mules and the "remains" of partying, it can get pretty ripe during the day. Thankfully it rained one day and washed a lot of it away.

Interestingly, I posted to this site before we went and started a riot too. Noticed that other posts don't carry quite the level of interest/sensitivity that NO does! Have fun.

Triple T

There has been some very useful information here - thanks especially to the resident NO contingent! I was looking at the French Quarter Courtyard - do you know it? It looksf very nice, but I'm afraid it might be in the area that everyone warns against, though.

Mike

My best friend is an officer on the NOPD, and he told me that as a tourist you'll be fine if you stay in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny or Central Business District AND exercise the same precautions you would in Chicago, Denver, Miami, etc. (Cab late at night, staying sober, etc) He said the biggest problem is tourists not knowing how to respond when people ask for money and feeling "threatened" by it. His suggestion: "no thanks" and walk on without engaging in conversation.

Meg

Jimbo, I don't classify someone as a "redneck" because of the job they do. I have friends who are cops, firemen, contractors, plummers, electricians, etc. When I say redneck, I mean someone who is racist, sexist, ignorant, with no class, and is unpleasant to be around. I grew up in Mississippi, so I KNOW rednecks - and I assure you it has nothing to do with the way you make your money. It's how you act and treat other people.

Meg

Triple T - I have heard of the French Quarter Courtyard but I don't know much about it. I looked it up in the phone book for an address but couldn't find it. Do you have a street address? I'll be glad to find out what I can for you.

Karen

I just made a tentative reservation at the French Quarter Courtyard, as a matter of fact, and also would like to know opinions about it. I got a *great* rate. The address I was given was 161 Ursulines
I was told it is 1 1/2 blocks from Bourbon Street. Any comments would be helpful. By the way, thanks to all of you who have helped me so far!!

kc

We have stayed all over the French Quarter and have walked all over it too, since there's no place to park a car, so no need to have one there. We have never felt threatened. It's one of the most fun places in the US we think. The food is fabulous and so is the music. Enjoy yourself, and don't be too concerned!

Meg

I ran a search and came up with a French Quarter Courtyard Hotel in the 1100 block of Rampart. The 161 Ursulines address you posted confused me. The addresses coming from the river start in the 500 block (rumor has it that the first 4 blocks fell into the river...),- and the highest addresses in the Quarter running from the river go into the 1000 block - then you hit Rampart which ends the Quarter - so I'm drawing a total blank on where that may be. If the Rampart address is the right place, it looks like a nice place. A lot of people will warn you about Rampart - it's not a comfortable or particularly safe place to walk at night. If you take a cab coming and going at night ($5 - $7 to anywhere in the French Quarter), you will be fine. Just use good judgment and be aware of your surroundings. I live a few blocks away. Many people think the residential section of the Quarter is dangerous because it's quieter and the streets aren't packed with tourists.

I will keep checking, though, to see if there is, in fact, a another "Courtyard" in the Quarter. Please let me know if you need more help.

Jenn

I make a trip once a year to New Orleans. Rule of thumb stay away from unpopulated areas. Just use common sense. I've stayed at the Inn on Bourbon and I absolutely love it. The rates aren't real cheap, but it's real close to everything, if you can't walk it you can take a streetcar. A balcony on Bourbon cost 169.00 weeknights, 189.00 Fri/Sat, double. I look at it as free and safe entertainment. Don't worry about the heat, just drink lots a water. I'm going in August, talk about hot! Have a great time, it's a great place!

topper

UP!

Bob

All areas are bad -- stay away. If you do go, see Jackson square during the day and then go hide under your bed for the rest of the trip.

Louis

Bob is SO smart. Obviously a redneck! I just walked 12 blocks in the Qtr and was TOTALLY safe.

Jimbo

Dear Meg,
By your definition of a redneck, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln and almost all pre-1960s male was, or is, a redneck. For that matter, your average white male, whether they work as an engineer, policeman, businessman, carpenter etc., etc., have views closer to John Rocker's than to your wonderfully liberal, tolerant and condescending views. By the way, do you have that insipid bumper sticker Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of beauty glued to your rear bumper?

Karen

OK, it helps if I can read my own writing...the French Quarter Courtyard is 616 Ursulines...but I still can't find anything on it. The only one I can find is that one by the same name on North Rampart.

Meg

Jimbo - you are the only one here who appears to have condescending views. I don't see how I can have tolerant views and yet be condescending at the same time. Luckily, the friends I have - whether they are cops, firemen, attorneys, electricians, doctors - WHATEVER they may be - do NOT share the same views as you or John Rocker.

Meg

Karen - I'm not familiar with the hotel at 616 Ursulines, but that is a nice location. It's close enough to walk anywhere in the Quarter, but far enough off Bourbon and the high traffic areas to be quiet at night. I'm leaving town for a week, so this will probably be my last post for a while. Have a happy 4th.

Karen

OK everyone...I do believe all this research has turned my brain to mush! I had to clear up this confusion on this hotel I have reservations at so I called them and lo and behold...the name of the hotel is actually French Quarter Guesthouse at 616 Ursulines St.
NOW has anyone ever heard of it?

Ed

Karen, call them back and ask if they are "legal", or licensed by the city. There are many "illegal" operations in the Quarter!

Last

When people complain about what has happened to this site, this is it. Smart-ass answers, pointless and rambling side-posts, and general ill will. We all have a sense of humor, but come on.

Anyway, I agree about Rampart. Also, when in the FQ at night and you venture close to its outskirts, you will definitely know what looks safe and what doe not.

Karen

The plot thickens...I made a reservation at the French Quarter Guest House, or so I was told. When I got my confirmation, it said "Hotel Villa Convento." I called the BBB and they show the Hotel Villa Convento listed at the 616 Ursulines address, but not the French Quarter Guest House. I called the hotel back, and again they answered "French Quarter Guest House!" I asked them what was up, they said I am booked at the Hotel Villa Convento, but would be happy to book me at the French Quarter Guest House across the street, but that it had smaller rooms. Weird situation, but they did send me a brochure and it looks nice and appears to be in a nice location. Anyway, anyone ever hear of this one?