I expect Mayor Mitch Landrieu will not only crack down on crime but on corruption in the New Orleans police department, one of the most corrupt in the nation.

Will he do it before Wm's trip next May?

I agree that this location makes no sense whatsoever. It's over 2 miles from Marigny Manor House to the Convention, and that's just the corner of the building. As I recall, it's a LONG building!

Here's the mapquest map with directions.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=New+...339&2v=ADDRESS

Meant the convention center...

Okay, good lord...I added the wrong map. Here's the right one. The are driving directions - in order to see the fastest walking route, you have to hit the "avoid" to the right of the directions about turning onto Elysian Fields Avenue. The walking route will pop up.

Maybe the third time is a charm.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=New+...465&2v=ADDRESS

I'd walk down by the river & I think it is about 1.5 miles. I hang out on Frenchmen St. quite a bit & last trip I stayed on Canal...I made that trip a few times & got caught in torrential downpours twice. You sure wouldn't want to walk, the driving route.

SAnParis - I agree about walking down the river. That's the route the second map takes if you "avoid" the turn onto Elysian Fields. They list it at 2.38 miles. Not that it's so terribly long, but it's not where I'd want to stay if I were in town for a convention.

New Orleans is a city just like any other city. Be smart...pay attention, and enjoy yourself. If cities and crowds make you paranoid...don't go.

My goodness, so many assumptions made from my simple post. I'm see that perhaps I have not chosen our accommodations well for this trip. Would someone be willing to make a friendly recommendation for lodging?

http://www.dauphineorleans.com/
Close to the French Quarter but amazingly quiet. I love this place and recommend it to many - including my mom for her girls' trip. They lovedit.

Last time we were in New Orleans we stayed at the Place d'Armes on St. Ann, right near Jackson Square. The location is really great - on a quiet street, but close to a lot of things. We had a balcony room facing the street and didn't have any trouble sleeping. The hotel consists of several historic townhouses built around a center courtyard. The rooms could use some updating as some of the furnishing are a bit worn, but they are perfectly fine.

Starrs & november_moon, thanks so much for your positive response. I'll check out your suggestions.

Not to muddle your choices, Wm, but I'll add another option. Our current favorite is the Royal Sonesta, but you do NOT want a room on Bourbon unless you're prepared to be up late listening to the revelers.

We love the inside corner rooms overlooking the patio/pool.

Hotel Monteleone on royal in the Quarter.

www.hotelmonteleone.com

Ramada Inn on Bourbon - you would probably prefer a courtyard room so the street noise from Bourbon and Toulouse won't be a problem.

Another choice:
The Provincial on Chartres. We've been staying there for years (and years!).

http://www.hotelprovincial.com/

Also love the Royal Sonesta (on Bourbon, closer to Canal).

Byrd

One great thing about the Dauphne Orleans - you are just steps away from Bourbon Street but a world away. No noise concerns.

BTW, we would never recommend staying in the Rampart Street area.

Byrd

My husband and I just got back from New Orleans as first time visitors. We stayed at the Prince Conti Hotel on Conti St. in the French Quarter. During daytime hours, we did walk along Rampart St., but I was not comfortable. The atmosphere surely changes there.

We drove out to the Garden District (so beautiful) and stopped at the gates of the Lafayette Cemetery, which were locked. Come to find out later, the cemeteries can be fairly crime-riddled, but I can't confirm that my source is a good one.

Anyway, enjoy your stay, and if you're craving a bit of seafood, GW Fins on Bienville St. in the Quarter was better than fantastic. This coming from a Seattlite who knows her seafood!

roadie - Yes, the cemeteries can be dangerous. Because of the tombs, there are a lot of secluded areas. In a group, it isn't a problem though.