Planning a vacation to NOLA and trying to find a hotel. My choices so far.... Royal St. Charles, Baronne Plaza ( fabulous rates),Renaissance Pere Marquette. Can you comment on these places and their locations? Any other suggestions? Also, what is the weather like in mid November?
Thanks!

I have not stayed in the others, but we really liked the Renaissance a few weeks ago. The hotel is less than a year old, has very nice rooms, and a curtious staff. You are just off the corner of Canal and Bourbon so a good location if you want to walk into the Quarter without actually staying in it. Because the hotel is new Marriott is offering great specials if you are a Marriott Rewards member.

Thanks Eric,
I did find some deals for the Renaissance for buy 2 nights, get the third free, but that's through Expedia and they have a $25 cancellation fee. The Baronne Plaza is a Travelodge with an unbelievable (too good to be true?) deal for $69 a night. I will check out the Rewards prices though! Thanks.

I have never been in the Baronne Plaza, but I have passed by it. It is located in the central business district (CBD) close to Poydras Street. I would try to find a more senic location. As far as your question about the weather in mid November, it should be great. Probably will need a sweater at night and Fall clothes during the day. Have a good trip; it's an intresting city.

They're all dives and full of mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases.

Well, it's official. Scott wins today's idiot award!

Deb:
Took a group of 4 girls trip to NO on Thanksgiving 2001. We stayed at the Wyndham on Canal Street and loved it. We got a great rate the first night because it was on Thanksgiving day but the next day almost tripled. It was located near so many attractions, though, and we had no problems getting around. Harrah's was directly across the street, Bourbon Street was a few blocks up, the Riverwalk was just below us. I believe it's rated 4 stars also.

Why don't you try the Ponchartrain Hotel on St. Charles in the Garden District. I stayed there a couple of days ago. It is 4 star but pretty old. We got it for only $60 a night. It is quite cozy.

I'm seeing vacation so, if you've never been to NO before, stay in the Quarter. There are many options w/a variety of price ranges. This will allow you to walk to most of what you came to see. For those more experienced NO travelers the answer may be different.

You're right Frenchie, it's a vacation and we've never been there. I guess we should stick to the French Quarter, but I would prefer to be on a side street or just out of the noisy areas. I am not finding much of anything under $100 though and some of the lower price places are booked already. We are going November 16-19th. Is there anything special going on then? I'm thinking my best bet would be to try a 4* in FQ on Priceline.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

I really recommend you stay in the Quarter too. Don't worry, the only part of the FQ that's loud and crazy is Bourbon Street. I found the area around Canal Street to be crowded and as uncharming as could be. We loved the location of Le Richelieu. Also consider the Lafitte Guesthouse, located on Bourbon but well out of the madness.

Deb, reading your recent post with the idea of bidding on priceline, four star in the FQ. The only two hotels listed there that are *in* the FQ are the W Hotel French Quarter and the Omni Royal. The others, the Marriott and the Wyndam are not in the FQ proper. Just FYI, you'll be taking a 50-50 chance on that bid.

The Omni assigns TINY rooms to Priceline guests. FYI. They won't budge on moving you to a larger one, either, if the hotel is busy!

You do not want to stay at the Travelodge...you won't be able to walk back at night and there is really nothing visitor-related around (it is too good to be true). My advice, as a resident, is to find a smaller B&B or boutique hotel in the quarter (Royal St, Chartres)...you won't miss the extras that the big hotels offer like multiple restaurants and lounges, the best places are not in any hotel

I wouldn't stay at the Baronne Plaza... not the nicest hotel (but not so bad, either). If you are concerned about the noise in the FQ, stay anywhere in the CBD (except Baronne Plaza!). It's just across Canal St, much quieter, and just a couple of blocks from the Quarter. Try Le Pavillion. November is a great time of year here.

Thanks guys!

I've given up on the Baronne Plaza and am researching all your suggestions. I really appreciate all the help and will let you know what we end up with. I haven't found anything special going on that weekend that would make the rates high, but maybe it's just the "in" season for NO? By the way, I've heard good things about the zoo? Any opinions?

Yes, Deb, the zoo is great. We have taken our kids a few times and it is a very pretty zoo--beautiful trees in it and great exhibits, I thought. You can tell it's been there for a long time. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal one time and it was just fine. Just a short walk from the Aquarium and French Quarter. The rooms were nice-not super luxury, but just fine and we got it on Priceline but it has been several years. You know you can take a riverboat to the zoo, too.