My husband is going to a meeting in NO in March, headquartered at the Hilton Riverside. I'm looking for a place within about a 10 min walk of the Hilton (my husband is a very fast walker!) that's in a reasonably safe (I don't want to feel that I have to take a cab at night), reasonably quiet location. Price isn't a major consideration. I'm thinking about the Windsor Court, International House, Maison de Ville, Bienville House, Le Pavillon, Soniat, Le Richelieu, and Hotel Provincial, and my head is spinning from going back and forth between their websites and this forum! Am I leaving out something great? Maybe the Monteleone? The Ritz sounds very Ritzy---is it more or less expensive than the Windsor Court?
I know that a few on my list are a bit of a hike from the Hilton, and some are only quiet if you get a courtyard room. Given that, won't someone please put me out of my misery and tell me which one to choose (or at least help narrow it down to two or three)? Thanks!

Diane:

I was in New Orleans for a seminar recently at the Hilton Riverside. While there I checked out some hotels in the French Quarter. Out of the hotels you named, I would chose the Monteleone. It seemed like a fine hotel with a great location (on Royal Street, if I recall correctly, probably within a 10 minute walk of the Hilton Riverside). I liked the idea of being on Royal Street rather than Bourbon, because you are in the quarter, but not right in the heart of the noise and mayhem on Bourbon. Also, Royal Street is lined with many stores and antique shops. I also liked the Omni on Royal, although that would not be within 10 minutes of the Hilton. Both appeared to be elegant hotels that offered the amenities I would be looking for ... nice atmosphere and rooms, good service, restaurant on site. I believe the Monteleone is an older hotel, very elegant, and the Omni is more recently built. I hope this helps.

I have to say this is the first time I've heard anyone debate whether to stay at Windsor Court or Hotel Provincial! These hotels are quite different and about $150 a night separates the two.

Maison de Ville is the best located of the group but it can be noisy. Soniat, Le Richelieu and Provincial are all fine places a quick walk from most of the Quarter but more than 10 minutes from the Hilton. Windsor Court and Int'l House are downtown so you have to cross Canal. They are close to the Hilton, however.

The Omni Royal Orleans would be my choice if I was the one picking! Great location, great hotel and superb staff.

We stayed at the Marriott and it was a very nice hotel. close to everything and very clean. Doesnt have a fancy name though.

Thanks, everyone. I just checked out the Omni Royal Orleans website---now I have one more to consider!

Diane

I just came back from a Thanksgiving trip to New Orleans. We stayed at the Windsor Court and could not have been happier...great location,quiet, and impeccable service. The new Ritz Hotel is beautiful,but it is pricier, and I'm not crazy about its location...although it's not too far from the Hilton. You might also want to check out the W Hotel which is located right next to the Windsor Court...it's not traditional like the Windsor Court, but it is definitely upscale and very cool! The Whiskey Blue bar in the hotel is very hip and happening!

Why not just stay at the Hilton? I've stayed there in the past and found that the hotel was nice and the Quarter was within easy walking distance along the riverwalk. There's a mall downstairs as well as a new upscale one just down the way. I'd recommend taking a walking tour of the garden district while your husband is off at the conference as well as considering a 1/2 day tour out to the plantations. I went on a private tour (Isabelle's) a few years ago and loved it! And they pick you right up from your hotel.

A little break from trip-planning for holiday planning...and I still haven't booked a hotel! I don't want to stay at the Hilton---too big and impersonal. I'm leaning toward Windsor Court or Monteleone. ???What do you all think???

I think you are worrying way too much. To the point of being neurotic, in fact!

From what you have said you might consider the Maison Dupuy. We really enjoyed the small size and the convenience of the location. We stayed at the Monteleone and really enjoyed it in a different way. The Monteleone is really a large hotel too (of course not as impersonal as the Hilton).Co-workers who have gone to the larger hotels have commented that next time they would stay in a smaller hotel.There really are so many choices in New Orleans! Have a great time!

Thank you all. I'm really not neurotic---just a type A who's quit her full-time job in favor of a less stressful lifestyle---and I have to find _something_ to worry about!