Going to New Orleans in January. Looking for a modest, quaint hotel with non-smoking rooms. Altho Seniors, we like to be where the action is, but not in a hotel catering to under-25's constantly partying.
Would like to be on or very near Bourbon Street. Also need referals to restaurants that will prepare food without bell pepper! Thanks

Try these sites:
www.nawlins.com
www.nola.com
www.miningco.com
They all have hotel listings. We were in NO in Sept. but stayed at a timeshare condo (which I'm sure rents to non-t/s people) it was quiet, clean, and walking distance to the French Quarter The Courtyards on Royal St. (1400 block I think). We ate at Mike Andersons 3 times, the Praline Connection (near the Courtyards), Gumbo Shop and of course Cafe du Monde in the French Market for beignets and their coffee. Have fun. (we're Sr.s too)

Dear Arlene: You may have trouble eliminating the bell peppers from most New Orleans cooking. I think every chef worth his toque comes in each day and orders the help to start chopping the peppers (and onions and garlic). And I'm not sure either that ANY place on Bourbon Street can meet your specifications--the whole street is very noisy and rather racy. Why not just settle on someplace like a room on a high floor at the Marriott, which is centrally located, VERY quiet, and which caters to a more established crowd? You can pick up the charm and local color by walking around. Have a good visit. Joan

We were i New Orleans last March. I suggest that you try the Hotel de la Poste. Its at 316 Chartres Street, just two block over from Bourbon and one block for Royal. You really are in the heart of the vieux carre without being in thick of the noise and nightlife. Its a lovely property built around a secluded central courtyard filled with flowering trees, a little bar and a nice pool. The buildings that surround the courtyard look a bit like Italian villas. It was very modestly priced. Call them at 800-448-4927. Its a very good location. May I suggest that you also save one meal for the Feelings Cafe. It in an area known as Faubourg Marigny. The building used to be the slave quarters of an old plantation. We had the very best 5 course dinner for as little as $24 per person. The most expensive 5 course items are only about $30. Its a real find. Hope you have fun. TC

Try www.priceline.com or call 1-800-priceline. It's the new service where you call or e-mail with your destination of choice, when you want to go, the quality of hotel you want and how much YOU want to pay. Then they call/e-mail you back w/in an hour to tell you if any hotels with your specifications accepted your offer. There is no cost. They were just advertised in USA Today last week, so I haven't tried it personally, but it sounds like a promising new concept.

My husband and I were in New Orleans two weeks ago. We stayed at Hotel Villa Convento on Ursuline Street. It is is small family run hotel, and was very quiet. It is, however, just a couple of blocks from Bourbon Street. The room we were in was very nice, but the hallways and lobby area could use a little sprucing up. We would definitely stay there again as it was convenient to everything.

The Place d'Armes on St. Ann is right in the middle of things. It's been years since I stayed there, but I remember it has lots of charm. I've also stayed at the Bourbon Orleans which is right in the center of things, but is a larger property. I agree that the Villa Convento is also in a good location on a quiet street but only a few blocks from the action, but I've never stayed there. Have a good trip.