We will be staying for five nights in the FQ. Have reserved a balcony room at the St. Marie Hotel. Now they are running a special that is $160 cheaper than our rate for the balcony room, but this room is NOT a balcony room. In mid July would the balcony be worth the money?

Your question seems like a no -brainer. Save the money!!!!!
Why would you need a balcony in NO in the middle of July? It will be so hot & muggy, you'll want the A/C on 24/7.

Actually, I can't imagine being in New Orleans without a balcony. We always pay the extra to have the advantage of sitting in comfort watching the people go by. Yeah, it will be hot - but you'll just be sitting anyway, you might as well have the view.

I agree, A balcony is always a must with me. But if you are saving $160.00 per night, I'd go without the balcony, if it's $160.00 for all 4 nights total go with the balcony. P.S. New Orleans is great!! You'll have a blast!!

If the balcony isn't covered (not all are!) or gets direct sun, the extra money is wasted because it'll be too hot to be outside anyway.

Bob's right - and I should have specified that we stay right on Bourbon St. with a cover over the balcony, so not only is there always something to see we also have some shade.

Right now is about 4:30 p.m. and with the heat index the temperature is about 98 degrees. Last few days have been hot hot hot (some record highs). It is expected to break a little in the next few days, but July will certainly be hotter hotter hotter. Not only would I skip the balcony, I would rebook for October.

Thanks for everyone's opinion. We have decided to save the money and not get the balcony room, with extra money we can have a few more hurricanes!! Native - the thing about a Summer vacation is that you go in the summer and in a lot of places it is hot hot hot in the summer, but thanks for your input anyway.

Mike: Not necessarily. Am leaving for Bar Harbor, Maine in about 6 weeks, average summer temps in 70's, maybe I will pass you in the airport.

I would skip the balcony, especially if it's looking over Bourbon Street, and ask for a room on the back of the hotel. Bourbon Street will be DEAFENING at all hours of the night.