Glenn

I made the mistake of staying at the Crescent Hotel last year. It was like Susan said. TERRIBLE! Dirty rooms and very scary neighborhood. In fact, I was told someone was mugged on my very floor within the hotel! And the garage is scarier still.

Stay in the French Quarter but don't rent a car.

STEPHANIE

Thank you again guys. Does anyone has experience with the hampton inn suites in the convention center area? The Rants and raves just shows 1 feedback.

John

The Hampton Inn would be far preferable to the Crescent on Canal. (Thanks, Susan, for missing me while I was in Europe!)

You may want to take a cab back/forth to the Quarter at night but it'll only be a few dollars. The Vieux Carre' (French Quarter) shuttle bus runs up/down Convention Center Blvd. during the daytime hours and you can hop it when going to the French Quarter or Faubourg Marigny (the neighborhood next to the French Market). It costs $1.25 per ride but I'd recommend a 3-day bus pass ($12) which allows you unlimited on/off privileges on the buses as well as the St. Charles and Riverfront streetcars.

FYI - Our local team, LSU, is one of the squads in this year's Sugar Bowl so hotels aren't expecting quite as much New Years business as they may have previously. This may bring rates down a tad!

John

Forgot to mention that I agree with the posters who suggested that you not get a car. Parking is expensive and driving is a pain!

If you want a car for one day just to see some sites, you can pick it up downtown on January 2 and then return it to the airport on January 3. This also saves cab fare!

Lana

The Parc St. Charles is a very nice Best Western within walking distance to the Quarter. That $69 rate mentioned in another reply is a great rate. I stayed there in October and paid $129 and parking is $17. I have stayed at the Royal Sonesta for $85 and parking is $20

Bob

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn Convention Center and found it to be a very nice adequate Hotel. They have parking available on site but I don't believe there are in/out parking rates available. The hotel is across the street from the convention center and about a seven block walk to Canal street Which is the entrance to the Quarter. We have never had a problem walking at all hours as long as you stay on well lit streets. Not much to drive to from there unless you want to take swamp tours. Most everything is centered around the quarter and (CBD) downtown central business district. The new WW2 museum is not far from the hotel. As for the sugar bowl, The city will be packed and LSU fans will fill up the hotels with fans but this year the city is very much on the lookout for price gouging. Metarie is way way out there.

Bob

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn Convention Center and found it to be a very nice adequate Hotel. They have parking available on site but I don't believe there are in/out parking rates available. The hotel is across the street from the convention center and about a seven block walk to Canal street Which is the entrance to the Quarter. We have never had a problem walking at all hours as long as you stay on well lit streets. Not much to drive to from there unless you want to take swamp tours. Most everything is centered around the quarter and (CBD) downtown central business district. The new WW2 museum is not far from the hotel. As for the sugar bowl, The city will be packed and LSU fans will fill up the hotels with fans but this year the city is very much on the lookout for price gouging. Metarie is way way out there. Good luck with your trip.

LJW

You do not need a car in New Orleans. Mostly everything is in walking distance. Buses are plentiful and frequent. Many hotels have travel desks.
I would recommend hotels between Canal or Poydras Street.
I do not recommend the French Quarter because you will not be able to sleep.

Sam

If you get a room AWAY from the street (duh) the French Quarter is just as quiet as anywhere else. Works for me every time in New Orleans, New York, L.A., etc.