EllinaB

Hello!

My husband and I (in our 30s) are going to NOLA for our anniv, this Nov. Have never been before. Want to stay in a B&B. Found what sounds like a nice place, in the Faubourg Marigny, but a co-worker said the area is "seedy" and suggested we stay in the Garden District instead. Comments? We're not prudish or overly conservative (I realize the FM is alternative-lifestyle friendly, and that's fine), but I want to make sure we'll feel safe walking around.

Dan

I think both are great options. The Faubourg Marigny isn't "seedy" and your friend probably hasn't visited lately. Same with the Garden District. Even the "bad" areas of this neighborhood are much improved. The bigger question is WHERE in the Faubourg Marigny or WHERE in the Garden District? New Orleans neighborhoods generally defy easy "good" or "bad" descriptions.

Generally, I'd recommend FM for a young couple and the GD for a slighly older couple.

ps - I live in the lower Garden District and love it.

J_Correa

I agree with Dan. When my husband and I were in NO, we wandered through both neighborhoods. Although the GD was absolutely beautiful, I am glad we didn't stay there since it was a bit of a distance from most things we wanted to do. FM was closer to the FQ and had a little bit more going on. We stayed in the FQ and were very happy with the location - anything on Bourbon seemed pretty loud, but off Bourbon things got quieter.

EllinaB

The B&B I'm considering is the Elysian Fields Inn, and the address is 930 Elysian Fields Avenue. Good? Bad?

Dan

Not familiar with that particular property so I entered the address in Mapquest. It's near Rampart and St. Claude. I'd stay closer to the river, Esplanade or Frenchmen streets personally. Elysian goes from okay to not-so-okay in a matter of blocks and the dividing line is about where this inn is located. (Not saying anything about the property itself, mind you!!!)

Dan

I might add that Washington Square park, a perfectly lovely little urban park, is just a block to the south. This 930 location isn't THAT far away from where I'd like, I guess.

J_Correa

If you are planning to walk a lot rather than take cabs, I would definitely stay around Frenchman and Esplanade because thats where FM and the FQ meet. Too much further into FM and you might be out of walking distance - or at least I would be - LOL

EllinaB

Thank you, that helps!! OK, how about 3535 St. Charles Ave? Is that too far into the Garden District? That's another B&B I'm considering, The Hubbard Mansion.

Thanks!

bardo

I like the idea of a quiet place near Esplanade. Charming area. Close enough to walk everywhere without being overrun by tourists.

EllinaB

What about 3620 Canal Street -- The Block-Keller House? Is that too far north?

MoniqueU

I just want to say I am jealous!! I went to NOLA for the first time last Oct. Can't wait to go back!! Try Mike Andersons for seafood in the FQ.

bardo

3620 Canal St is TOO FAR NORTH and not a good location. Try somewhere else.

bardo

This B&B is in a fantastic location. Beautiful, quiet area and close to everything.

http://www.quarteresplanade.com/

PamSF

I'd check out The LaFitte Guesthouse. This is a b&b right in the quarter at Bourbon and St. Phillip.