What is the best french quarter hotel if money is no object?

Our current favorite is the Royal Sonesta, but be sure to ask for a room overlooking the pool/courtyard instead of Bourbon Street. Another property that looks great to me - although we've never stayed there - is the Maison de Ville.

I've heard great things about the Soniat House if you are interested in a smaller property. If you're willing to stay a couple blocks out of the Quarter, I'd recommend the Windsor Court which is my favorite hotel in the city, hands down. Maison de Ville is probably a good choice as well. Another small place that you may want to look at it Melrose Mansion. Have a good trip.

Both Susan and Meg offered good advice, as usual. It's really hard to define "best" since that's in the eye of the beholder, but I would say splurge for a balcony room at the wonderful Omni Royal Orleans. It's one block off of Bourbon and I think it has the single best location in the Quarter.

The Omni does have a great location.

We really enjoyed the Audubon cottages at Hotel Maison DeVille. They are a few blocks from the main hotel, incredibly charming, private and very romantic!

I love the Inn on Bourbon, not real cheap, but clean and nice. You can get a balcony right on Bourbon. Great free entertainment.

Dear Mary:
I've heard great things about Windsor Court Grill. The Crystal Palace Cafe on Canal at the edge of the Quarter has the same types of dishes as at Commander's Palace (same owners, but not quite as pricey). Also, we like Misparow's (sp?) and Ralph and Kacoo's for seafood. We've also heard great things about the Sunday brunch at Le Meridien Hotel, but that was years ago. Good luck.

It's actually two blocks outside the quarter, but we stayed in the International House this spring and loved it. Fairly new boutique hotel with restrained modern decor, cool b&w photos of New Orleans jazz greats in the room, and jazz CDs in the inroom players. lobby bar, loa, is lit by candlelight and very romantic. inhouse restaurant called lemon grass, really good vietnamese food. AND... if you ask in advance, they will bring in a voodoo priestess to do a love altar//ceremony in your room. i have also stayed at the W french quarter, which opened this spring, and thought it kind of cramped, but nice if you like the east-coast flavor.