New Orleans
 

My sister and I are going to New orleans for the first time in March! We have reservations at the Royal St Charles However, I am beginning to second guess myself because I can't find any reviews on the hotel. Is that a bad sign? Just looking for something semi-cheap, clean, safe and near all the attractions. <BR><BR>I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Went with a girlfriend in November and stayed at the Dauphine Orleans in Dauphine St (parallel with Bourbon St) Good, mid-price, safe and near the action - but not too near.

Thanks!<BR>Anyone else have any info?

To begin with, Nawlins is a high crime city - year in, year out, the stats bear it out (check FBI website). That said, it's a city loaded with unique and marvelous sights (not to metion great food and entertainment). Also, please note that cheap and safe usually don't go together in a large city. I'd suggest you exercise basic "large city street-smarts". If your hotel is on St Charles street then you are lucky - that is one of the most scenic and safest areas of the city if you stay within 3 blocks either side of St Charles. The Quarter is also pretty safe, except on the Rampart street edge (across from the projects) and on Bourbon street later at night when the hucksters and drunks take over. Do not go out at night alone and stay within the confines I mention and you should be just fine. If in doubt, ask the police as they will tell you if a neigborhood is known as a high-crime area. Some favs of mine are: riding the St Charles Steetcar, walking through Audubon Park, visiting the French Market in the morning, breakfast at the Coffee Pot, lunch at Napolean's, and dinner at The Andrew Jackson. Hope this helps !

Thanks. Does anyone have any specific information on the Royal St. Charles hotel?

Never heard of it, but try the web pages forum at nola.com

I live off St Charles Ave in New Orleans and have never heard of it. What is the address and I'll check it out for you. Don't listen to the Crime guy. Over 1 million people here for MArdi Gras and not one incident. It's like any big city in America. Most crime is Drug deals gone bad, not tourist.

The address is:<BR>Royal St. Charles Hotel<BR>135 St. Charles Avenue<BR><BR>I would really appreciate any information. I am getting a little worried that no one has heard of this hotel. <BR><BR>Thanks, again

New Orleans has a new hotel open almost weekly. The main business in that area is tourism. Almost any office building is now converted to Boutique Hotels. There are millions of tourists per year. There are hotels in places I least expect them. It is possible that this just opened and you have asked too soon. I have never heard of it nor recall seeing it but by the address it is most likely near an old restaurant Kolbs that closed and was being converted. So too was the building next to Kolbs. With Mardi Gras it is impossible to go to that area with the grand stands and lots of people. So no one is able to see it this week. If any of us have a chance we will stop in and let you know.

I posted an answer to this on another thread a few weeks ago but can't find it. My company puts clients at the RSC. It's fine. Located at Common and St. Charles, just 1 block from Canal. It's a typical business hotel with little charm but if you got a good rate, go for it.

Thanks for everyone's help!!<BR>Can't wait to visit New Orleans.

Liz, I've never stayed on St. Charles, simply because I like being inside the Quarter close to everything. I don't know what kind of price range you have in mind, but check out www.bedandbeverage.com <BR><BR>These are apts. with full kitchens ( a plus if you don't care to eat out ALL the time, and you can keep cold drinks handy), free cocktail hour 4:30 - 6:00, and you're very close to the French Market/Jackson Square/Bourbon Street. Not the most luxurious of places, but I never go to N.O. to lounge around in my room. I've stayed there the last three times I've visited. I always feel safe, the managers are friendly and helpful, and I love the convenience to everything.