I've done some research, but would like advice from the Fodors family... where do you stay in New Orleans, near the French Quarter or Bourbon Street? I'm only there for a single night layover - never been before - so just want a taste of the local....and one of my travel partners will complain if I go over $200. Ideas?

Shae, Bourbon Street is in the French Qtr.

When are you going?

Lots of great hotel deals lately. Have you looked at the Hotel Monteleone or Royal Sonesta - two of my favorites.

Thanks BayouGal - I was hoping you'd reply... neither of those will accept a single night booking. I'd love to spend more time, but it just won't work this time.

Date = December 30

I thought Bourbon St was in the French Quarter, but my husband (who HAS been to NO) rolled his eyes and told me I was wrong... thanks for helping me return the eye rolling - LOL.

LoL, Shae. Glad I could help with your turn to do an eye roll. ;-)

I'll look around and see if I can find anything. I'll post back here, but probably tomorrow. New Orleans is a very popular new year's party location, so that's why they want multiple night bookings, I guess.

Will you alone or with your husband? Do you have transportation?

Sorry to sound nosey, but I have adults daughters so you've automatically been thrown into that category in my brain since you don't mention children, and you just sound like a young adult to me - maybe I'm just overly motherly! Anyway, safety and transportation are more important to consider if you'll be alone.

In the meantime, Dan, mah, or some of the other locals might have more ideas, too.

ShaeC, you can tell him, as you roll your eyes, that not only is it in the quarter, but it's the major street in it. That calls for two eye rolls.

Bourbon St. not in the French Quarter? Are you sure he went to New Orleans, LOUISIANA?

Awwww.... thanks Mom! Yes, my eye-rolling-husband will be with me, but unfortunately, so will our penny pinching friends (another couple), thus the need to be somewhat economical... not that we do the $400 night catagory ourselves. None of us are young enough to enjoy the party scene properly - so hopefully we're a little smarter than that crew, but I do appreciate any safety advice you have to offer.

We're not planning to get a car... we're jumping off a cruise that morning and flying out 12/31, so we probably wouldn't have enough time to get out-and-about anyway. Thanks for you advice!


OO, thanks for the tip... two eye rolls were definately not over the top... wishing I'd have gone for the triple...He never makes these kind of mistakes, so I'm thinking I should get at least a week's worth of ribbng out of this!

Ah, Shae, you sound like such a doll! I hope we can come up with something good for you 4 . . . so you're looking for 2 rooms, right?

I checked my favorite hotel in NO, and they required a 3 night minimum for that weekend.

I checked my favorite chain, Hampton Inn, and they have availablity for 1 night at more than 1 locations.

Chain hotels will probably be your best bet. I'd book something FAST and change if you find a better deal or closer location later. I agree with BG - you are going to have a hard time finding a 1 night stay in the FQ. Book something and cab it in to the FQ.

yes BayouGal - 2 rooms.

Thanks for the info Starrsville... I realized tonight that we need to get this booked NOW... really wish we could stay for a few days, but alas... no such luck.

Okay, in a quick look-see, I'm thinking Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel off Canal is looking like a good choice, but I will continue the search. It's not in the FQ but within walking distance if you like to hoof it. The JW Marriott on Canal is another that looks available and nice.

Could you do priceline? I recall getting a great room many years ago in the French Quarter in the last week of December. It was $70 -- It was a W hotel that has since been turned into something else...

I was just looking at RFM, but wondered if it was too far... walking is no problem... 6 or 7 blocks?

I'll go look at the other property now.

BayouGal, you are so sweet!

Fishee - I never do Priceline... maybe I'll give it a try this time since it's only one night. I usually never feel comfortable going into the "blind" situation of Priceline, but maybe I can't afford to be picky this time.

Shae, what are trying to get close to? What is 6 or 7 blocks away? Do you have dinner plans?

It usually depends on how PL zones a particular area -- I recall there was a French Quarter option although you should always check against a map to see how they've drawn those boundaries. I don't think there are any 5 star options in that city but we did great and loved our W room.

www.betterbidding.com for tips on how to do this, also to see what other people are getting in NOLA. good luck

Just stayed at the Royal Sonesta this past weekend for 204 a night with a nice view of pool area. I would totally recommend this hotel. Right in the heart of the French Q. Have fun!

BayouGal - no plan for dinner or anything else. When I said 6 or 7 blocks, I was just trying to imagine the severity of the "walking distance."

Thanks Wash... Only have one night though and Royal Sonesta requires at minimum night stay during that time.

Think I'm leaning toward RFM...

Consider Dauphine Orleans. Stayed there a while back and enjoyed it very much. Reasonably priced. Under hotel parking.

Dauphine Orleans is my favorite and I checked it (see above) - 3 day minimum for that weekend!