My friend and I are visiting NO for the first time. We abhor large chain hotels and would prefer a place in or near the French Quarter with real NO charm. Price/good bargain is a definate consideration (and while we're at it -- not kidding at all -- those reported to be *haunted* is a definate bonus!) Any visitors or natives have any suggestions?

I have heard that Lafitte's Guesthouse in the 1000 block of Bourbon is haunted - room 40, if I'm not mistaken.

Ellen, my husband and I stayed four nights at the Lanaux Mansion last year. We loved it - well located, with maximum privacy, but absolutely charming. We had our own private entrance to the property and room entrance was outside. I liked that. Breakfast was a fresh basket of fruit and beignets in our room. The owner, very unobtrusive, is a tour guide I believe...anyway, here's the website. Prices start at $159.
http://www.historiclodging.com/lanaux.html

Definitely check out the Maison Dupuy. We stayed there around New Year's a few years ago and loved it. It was a bit expensive on New Year's Eve, but we stayed the few days after and it was a pretty good deal. Our room overlooked a little courtyard and it's walking distance to the French Quarter. On top of that, my husband and I *swear* we heard a ghost as we were leaving the hotel one night.

You might try the Dauphin Orleans on Dauphin 1 block from Bourbon. Request a courtyard room. Also, the St.Louis Hotel has rooms that all overlook a courtyard. Request an upper level.

I loved the Dauphine Orleans. It has a great history, but I don't know if it's haunted.

Lanaux Mansion is beautiful. Ruth, the hostess, is a wonderful lady and the private cottage is so nice! It is nice to be so close to the French Market, Frenchmen Street (Marigny) and the Vieux Carre (Quarter).