cari

My husband has finally convinced me to go to NO. Having lived in NYC and travelled to many major cities I am not easily scared, however... How safe is NO, I will be spending part of my time alone. Also is the Royal Sonesta nice? We considered the Melrose Mansion, we need to be close to the Royal Sonesta for his conference. I would appreciate honest advice. Thanks

John

Dear Cari:
Chill out! New Orleans is great--and in my experience a lot safer than NYC!

Paul Rabe

If you've lived in New York and traveled to other major US cities, I presume you've learned how to detect and avoid danger. If you can master that in New York, you can master that in New Orleans.

Like just about every major US city, New Orleans has some places I wouldn't want to wander around. Ask the hotel where these places are, and then use the skills you've developed over the years.

Travel carries inherent dangers; New Orleans is no exception. Learn to reduce the risks to an acceptable level, and then enjoy your trip.

susan

The Royal Sonesta is great! It's right in the thick of activity and you can walk anyplace in the French Quarter easily. You might ask for a room overlooking the courtyard/pool rather than Bourbon Street unless you want to be up late listening to revelers. The French Quarter is the safest section of New Orleans. I'm a grandmother who'd feel perfectly safe spending time alone there. Just avoid the side streets at night that are dark and virtually empty.

howard

Echoing all the previous posters, go! You'll have a great time. Among other things, NO contains one of the world's best group of restaurants to choose from. Make sure you eat at Commander's Palace. You'll need reservations.

John

Cari, perhaps this will make you feel a bit better. The crime rate in New Orleans has dropped dramatically in the past five years, and statistically New Orleans ranks 20th, below Portland, Minneapolis, and Atlanta. While there are some bad parts of town, tourists usually don't frequent them anyway. You'll enjoy the French Quarter immensely, and the Royal Sonesta is a beautiful hotel! One word of advice -- if you want to get a good night's sleep, ask for a courtyard room. Rooms overlooking Bourbon Street are fun but noisy.

Meg

Hi, Cari. I live in the Quarter. I walk my little dog alone at night and feel perfectly safe - not 11 o'clock at night, but after dinner - and I've never had a problem. I personally would not stay at the Royal Sonesta but that's just because I avoid that end of Bourbon Street. The Melrose Mansion is nice - it's probably 8 or 9 blocks from the Sonesta. The Soniat House in the 1100 block of Chartes or Lafitte's Guest House in the 1000 block of Bourbon are two smaller properites that I would recommend. If you like big hotels, go for the Sonesta, the Omni Royal Orleans on Royal Street or the Bourbon Orleans - all three of these are right in the middle of the action.

julie

We lived in NO from 1986 1992. At that time, it was considered pretty dangerous. Last time we were there (last Jan) it seemed pretty much improved and people told me that the new mayor had "cleaned up the city" An old black taxi driver told me "now it is so safe that you can go to sleep on a park bench with your wallet in your hand and it will still be there when you wake up." Now I doubt that, but it is a fun city, and lots of good eats and excitement. If you stay in the "quarter" and don't go wandering dark places you will be fine (just like NY)and you will be perfectly safe in the quarter alone, day or night. It is heavily patrolled as tourism is the cities big industry and they can't have mishaps that keep people away.

Glen

Cari,
I live near NO and visit quite often. Although maybe not quite as safe as NYC, fear not. The French Quarter is safe, however, avoid fringe areas at night,particularly if the street is dark and you are walking alone. The Royal Sonesta is very nice, but do request a room off Bourbon St. Also, two "don't miss restaurants" are Bayona on Dauphine St. in the Quarter (make a reservation about a week ahead but it's worth it!) and Port of Call on Esplanade, the northern limit of the Quarter. The Port of call is absolutely the best burger I have ever eaten!!!!

curious

Julie - What made you change your mind about the murder capital? A few weeks ago you were warning people to stay away from New Orleans because you lived there when crime was so bad you had to be escorted out of the opera.....

julie

Dear curious: I lived in NO in 1986-1992--it was then considered 2nd only to DC as a "murder capital" Therefore, I would not go anywhere outside the quarter - then or now. (one of our employees was murdered the second week we lived there) HOWEVER, it is reported to be much improved. I would not live there (in the city,) but would visit.

John

Curious - to follow up on what Julie said, the murder rate in New Orleans has plummeted since 1994...from 450 to 160. Still too many of course, but now lower than many other metropolitan areas. The tourist areas are quite safe. I love living here and I know most people love visiting. (There will always be those who don't, of course, but that's just part of the equation!)

Cindy

We're going to New Orleans for the 4th time in as many years in September, and I can HARDLY wait! We've had so much fun everytime, I envy you your upcoming trip. Relax and have a good time!

cheryl

Hi, Cari
My husband & I went to NO on a business trip & had a very good time. Yes, I'm sure it can be scary at night especially, wouldn't want to be in the French Quarter by myself at night - went to several very good places to eat, loved the food. I traveled alone during the day to the mall, on sightseeing trips & felt very safe. Hope you have a good time - don't think you'll have a problem especially coming from NY.

lane

was there years ago!! was very pregnant so ate at every resturant!! and walked the french quarter extensively even late at night. felt as safe as in my small pa hometown - but lots more fun you'll love it. went out of the french quarter once - looked around and husband said "this looks like any big metropolitan city" turned around and stayed in the french quarter the rest of the visit! also daughter went there too several years ago after she graduated from college with a group of friends. they hung out in key west for a week and in NO for a week - sorry to hear about the past dangers but will definately be going back soon to the french quarter

Teresa

I just returned from New Orleans after spending a long weekend there. I stayed in a b&b in the French Quarter but beyond the bars, 2 blocks off of Bourbon street. I had no problems, no hassles and I walked everywhere, day and night, usually alone & a couple of times drunk! As a matter of fact the only time I took a cab was Sunday night, going from Canal St to my hotel at the other end of the Quarter, and then because the bus had already stopped running & it was just too cold to walk! Have fun, don't carry a purse at night on Bourbon (not to avoid being hit over the head for it but because drunks are likely to latch on to keep themselves upright!). Unlike NYC (my residence too) the least worrisome area is around the park -- Jackson Sq. For good, quiet late evening meals try the Gumbo Shop -- food is incredible & staff is very friendly, helpful -- no NYC attitudes!

Lori

Have stayed at the Royal Sonesta and it is a nice hotel although extremely noisy. I hate Bourbon Street and would avoid it like the plague unless you enjoy being drunk and disorderly 24 hours a day like most of the people on Bourbon Street at night. It is a unique city with many interesting places like the garden district. Don't worry about crime anymore than other cities. I have to go at least once a year since my husbands family is from the area. If you have other questions, please feel free to e-mail me.