Karen, I've been to NOla dozens of time and have only stayed in The French Quater once. I just got back from a Thanksgiving Weekend with my family there and we stayed at The Windsor Court Hotel (a little pricy) but the location was great 1/2 block off Canal St. a couple blocks from the quater. There was a Best Western located right next to our hotel and it looked nice. Staying in the quater doesn't mean you will be close to everything. There is a lot to NOLA besides the quater. Granted it can be noisy but I've always felt save. Good luck onl your choice. Have a great time and may I suggest wearing roomy pants.

I know it's right in the middle of everything on Bourbon Street that's bad, but that makes it right in the middle of the best of it, too. We've been to New Orleans 5 times in the past 5 years and have stayed at the Ramada Inn on Bourbon every time. Yep, the street is loud, dirty and crazy and I wouldn't miss sitting on the balcony watching everybody else for ANYTHING! I'm not into being part of the actual crowd but do love to watch it go by. If you don't want a noisy Bourbon Street room, ask for one facing the pool. They are nice and much quieter. But what the heck, you're in New Orleans, enjoy the show!!

We just returned from New Orleans. Stayed at Le Richelieu in the French <BR>Quarter. It was recommended by Fodors <BR>with a * and was terrific. The room <BR>was perfect, the parking free, and the <BR>people very helpful. The food was even <BR>good (We ate there every morning and once for lunch--reasonable too). It is <BR>a little ways away from all the action, <BR>but is quiet and we didn't feel afraid <BR>walking back after dark. I don't see <BR>how anyone can not like New Orleans. <BR>

I, too, recommend the St. Ann Marie Antoinette. It is closer in than the Maison du Puy (just a few blocks from Jackson Square) and the price is great. The Maison du Puy is very nice, but you can't beat the location or the rates at the St. Ann (I have stayed in both). The Fairmont is a lovely hotel, but it is actually located in the business district on the other side of Canal Street. If you want to be close to the French Quarter, stay at the St. Ann or the Maison. Good luck and have tons of fun!