Has anyone stayed recently at the Cornstalk Hotel in the French Quarter? Would you choose this National Register Hotel over rooms at the Hilton? We've been to New Orleans several times, but haven't stayed in either hotel. I think the Cornstalk is more like a large B&B, w/ 14 rooms. I'd love to hear if the beds are comfortable, bathrooms reasonably sized, etc.!
Thanks
Donna

Donna,
Have never been inside the Cornstalk, but the outside is adorable and it's in a very central French Quarter location. Naturally, I have stayed at the Riverwalk Hilton, which was fine (very Hilton-like) but for something much more quaint, and actually IN the quarter, I'd go w/ Cornstalk.

I've never stayed at the Cornstalk, but I've read some very unflattering things about it recently from people who have. Are you limited to just those two options? I've stayed at the Hilton, and it's very nice, but I'd sure advise you to stay in the French Quarter if at all possible. How about the Royal Sonesta?

It's a charming hotel on the outside but a real dump inside. Small dirty rooms and a surly staff. You also have people stopping in front all day (and night) to take pictures. This gets old.

Really, Jim? I'm disappointed.
Thanks for the "in"sight, tho'...I've always been curious about what it looked like inside...
and, I suppose if you're in Any quaint building in the quarter, there WILL be photographers, huh!

Like Susan said, the Sonesta's nice, but it is right on Bourbon...a very busy area. (...either avoid or revel in it if you're going at Mardi Gras!)

There are so many neat places to stay in New Orleans!

If you are interested in a B&B type place, try The Soniat House in the 1100 block of Chartres. Very quiet area with not much tourist traffic - but only 4 or 5 blocks away from the heart of the FQ. Friends of mine stayed there last week-end, so I finally got to see the place. Very cozy, quaint atmospheric place with no crowds. If you want a big place, try the Royal Sonesta which has nice, generic rooms - kind of like a Marriot with a courtyard.

Have you tried Place d'Armes - one of my favorite quaint places in the quarter - we've been to NO 5-6 times, and this is my favorite location.

Note to Meg:

We are visiting NOLA in May (first time visitors) and are booked at Soniat House.
Our room is in 'main house' on first flr., facing the street. Due to JazzFest, the only room available.
Can you elaborate on Soniat?
Thanks.

Elaine, that sounds like the exact room that my friends were in. There did not appear to be another room situated like you describe. The room had a living area with a sofa and chairs and the bed (which they told me was very comfortable) was tucked to the rear of the room in an alcove (as far from the street as possible.) They did not mention any noise problems, but it was a quiet week-end. In the lobby/lounge of the hotel, an honor bar is open round the clock. The courtyard was very nice - exactly what I'd expect to find behind a gate in FQ. I think Soniat House would be a great place to stay for Jazz Fest - enough off the beaten track for some peace but close enough to enjoy anything in which you are interested. Hope you have a great trip!

Meg,

Thanks for you reply. My husband and I will be in NOLA for a conference..did not realize initially it was JazzFest.
Room I describe is at 'carriage entry', thus all guests would need to walk past room. Concierge assured me they 'shutter' doors/windows come nightfall. Should there be a cancellation, any suggestion which room to upgrade?
Appreciate Soniat endorsement!

My friends' room was not in the carriageway. You had to walk all the way through it and then make a u-turn into a small dark "alley" within the building, so no one ever walked by. I believe their room was number 18 if you have a chance to move. The place is covered in shutters and a large gate on the carriageway - very private.

Thanks for the advice re the Cornstalk. I also noticed that it is not included in the current Fodor's listings on the web. I don't have a new book (using 1995!). I tried the Soniat and many of the others recommended but found difficulties with a 4 night minimum over New Years, when we have already purchased airline tix for 3 nights, so are pretty limited now for rooms over that time period. I'll post a new question re my current "find", since this has veered in another direction!
Thanks,
Donna

Donna--here's an option...pay for four nights and just stay three. It will be more expensive, of course, but if a lower-rate hotel meets your needs then it will be worth it.