We’re contemplating New Orleans for our 40th anniversary in February. We like good, local food, history, architecture, music, and walking. We’ll be flying in and using public transportation. Based on other threads, I’m gravitating toward the French Quarter but not Bourbon Street action. Good plan? If so, any hotel suggestions?

If you don't mind riding on the streetcars, you might find a better bargain on a hotel in the Garden District. I enjoyed riding on the St. Charles line. Have exact change when you board the streetcar.
There is also a streetcar line running down Canal Street as well.
For sure eat at least 1 begniet from Cafe du Monde.

Agree with staying in the Garden District. Very charming and quaint with great access. I would try The Columns Hotel. Can't go wrong.

French Market Inn, near the river and Jackson Square.

Some of or favorites:

The Dauphine

Boutique French Quarter Hotel in New Orleans | Dauphine Orleans - New Orleans Hotel Collection

The Royal Sonesta ( its on Bourbon St, but on the quiter area )

https://www.sonesta.com/

Le Richleau
https://www.lerichelieuhotel.com/

I haven't been to Mardi Gras in years, but it may impact hotel availability for your dates.

2019 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule | Mardi Gras New Orleans

Ash Wednesday is not until March 6 this year. So Mardi Gras is March 5..… although from the link above it looks like activities are going for weeks beforehand.

I always recommend staying in the FQ within a rectangle bounded by Canal, Decatur, Ursulines, and Bourbon Sts. Safe area, centrally located.

Might not be the cheapest area to choose and may be tough to book around Mardi Gras, though.

Based on one and only one visit, I'd stay in the French Quarter. So different. So much fun. Walk to everything or grab the trolley. Google 'best new orleans hotels in french quarter' and take your pick.

As a tourist, I want to be as convenient to the touristy area as possible. It makes it easy to pop back to the hotel to drop off purchases, change clothes or just take a rest. I know it costs less to do otherwise but it always has been the best way for DH and me to get the most out of our visits.

Been a long time but the Yelp reviews are still good for the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, on the corner of Bourbon and Orleans streets (entrance on Orleans). Has a real old world feel to it. Our room was not noisy at all.

Hotel Monteleone if you want to stay in the French Quarter. I like the Hilton on St Charles and There is a Marriott property two streets over that is good. Less Expensive, there is a Hampton Inn on Gravier that is also good. If you have extra cash, The Roosevelt is an option worth considering.

We have stayed at the Hilton that denisea mentioned. It was nice, and the location was good, but of course doesn't have the charm that others have. It was a good fit for us for our trip though and we had no complaints.

We loved Hotel Monteleone! It’s historic, in a wonderful area that felt safe and we walked a lot. It’s historic and the doormen and staff were wonderful to us and made our stay most enjoyable.

Agree with French Market Hotel. Charming room, friendly staff, great location. We sat on our balcony and watched 2 wedding parties marching by.

Thanks for all these helpful options! In addition to your suggestions, we’re looking at airB&B. Any particular neighborhoods we should avoid?

I like the Place dArms hotel.

Be careful with AirBnB in NOLA. There are a lot of unlincenced ones and the city is cracking down.