this will be my first visit to new orleans and i need help. Are there any hotels which are next to or very close to the Fairmont on Baronne street. (attending a seminar and the Fairmont is fully booked, so too is the ritz carlton). How safe is it for a single asian woman to be walking back from this hotel at night around the area? what is the safest mode of transportation at 4:30am to the airport? Does the airport shuttle run at this time? Any recommendations for places to get a quick bite around this area? How far is it to the french market and how far is 2 blocks in terms of meters?
Thanks.

Have you tried Iberville Suites? It's connected to the Ritz-Carlton. To get the the airport at 4:30 am I'd take a cab.

Does it really matter that you're Asian?

Technically the Fairmont may be on Barronne but walking you will use the Canal St entrance.
Blocks come in different sizes.
The French "market" is in the far side of the French Quarter but only a 10 min walk from hotels in this area.
Cross Canal into the quarter and there are a hundred restaurants to choose from.The Palace Cafe on Canal is a winner!
You always need to be cautious walking in NO or any big city.

Depending on the size of the blocks...2 blocks should be 275-325 meters.

When we were in NO a couple years ago, I didn't have any worries walking around during the day and early evenning. There were plenty of people around. As the nights wore on, things seemed to get a bit more sketchy. Of course, as will any situation, use common sense - no dark, deserted streets, and that kind of thing. I think the most probable crime that would occur, if you were to be a victim of a crime, would be pickpocketing or purse snatching. So keep your belongings close to you.

The Fairmont doesn't have a Canal Street entrance. The lobby runs from Baronne to University Place, which changes names to O'Keefe downtown and Burgundy in the Quarter.

Dan: you are correct, my apologies!

They NEED a Canal entrance and one has been discussed for years. Not sure why they haven't done it!

thanks to all for the replies. Iberville suites is also fully booked. Is something happening in mid February? Very difficult to find rooms. So far, I managed to find rooms at crowne plaza astor, alexa and baronne plaza. From the map, they all seem pretty close by. I suppose walking along canal street should be quite safe at night. I've heard and read quite a number of precautions when moving around NO at night.

Crowne Plaza is new so I have not visited though I hear it is very nice. I have stayed at the Alexa and it is a great hotel for the rate - usually pretty cheap for N.O. The rooms are a little small, but it's a great location - 1/2 block off Canal. If you are the one paying, try Alexa. If not, Crown Plaza is probably the better place to be.
Ask your hotel for transportation to the airport - depending on where you decide to stay.
Being Asian will not single you out as NOLA is a melting pot. If you are meaning dinner time as "night", then you should be fine, but be aware of your surroundings as in any city and ask your hotel again for the streets to stay on once you decide where you are going. Some are darker than others. Your best bet would be to try to hook up with others at your seminar and venture out at night as a group. That is what I always do when in a new town.
It is more fun that way as well!