I've read several reviews of the Drury Inn on 820 Poydras Street, but they were all pre-Katrina. Can anyone tell me what they know of it now? How far is it from the convention center, and is it "safe" to walk at night there? I am a female traveling alone, so any advice would be helpful. thanks!

Just passed the Drury the other day. Looked as nice as ever. It did not flood, but it is quite a ways from the Convention Center - too far for a walk at night. Try looking at a map, like mapquest.com, to see the actual distance.

A detailed map is provided on their website, also.

Check out Hampton Inn & Suites at the Convention Center. There are several in NO so be sure to look at the one directly across from the Convention Center. This would be perfect for you traveling alone. (A hot breakfast is also included according to their website.)

Just personal opinion here but I have always found the Hyatt, Drury, Le Pavillon hotels to be somewhat 'remote' compared to most others. There's really not much immediately around the hotels and it's very dark and quiet at night. Yes, it's just a few blocks to the Quarter and to the convention center but I'd stay closer to the Quarter or to the river.

Again, just opinion and not an indictment of the hotels themselves!