I have never been to New Orleans and am thinking of going there in March or April (yet NOT during the huge hoopla time when everyone and their brother is in N.O.). Can anyone offer any help? I would like a nice hotel or B&B in the French Quarter. Do I need a car? Also, is the town really as romantic as some say? Please e-mail privately or here. Thankx in advance for all info given.

As a Louisiana native, I agree, DO NOT GO TO NO during Mardi Gras. The FQ is nice, but be very careful. Only stay on streets that are populated, and never go by yourself. I would recommend staying uptown at The Avenue Plaza or Ponchatrain, both on St. Charles Avenue. Its Beautiful, and you can enjoy the streetcar ride to the quarter. It is very romatic and is great in the spring temperate wise. Irene's Cuisene (Italian) is GREAT! and for a burger and atmosphere you'll never forget, try the Port o Call! (try not to get caught in the 'cajun' food scams, (10.95 for a bowl of red beans - etc) Walk down to the open air French Market, and try to catch a tour of Ann Rice's Orpanage! Hope this was helpful - Please e-mail if you need more info! We spend a weekend every month in NO!

I've traveled all over the US and I have to say that NO is the only city where I was constantly vigilant about my safety. But having said that, it's still a fun place and I wouldn't stay away just because of the crime, I'd just be careful, stay with the crowds in the French Quarter, etc.
The Windsor Court is the top of the line in NO - pretty expensive and worth it. In teh Quarter itself, try the Omni, which is old but restored and the staff is friendly - and the Royal Sonesta - but ask for a room away from the street, facing the interior courtyard.
As for the food - it's a gourmet's paradise. Try Bayona in the FQ for California cuisine - Graham's over near the Windsor Court is great and the desserts are unbelievable - out in the Garden District Commander's Palace is very popular with tourists but deserving of its reputation - make reservations a day early and have the souffle for dessert. Also in the Garden District, a great place called Gautreau's (not sure of spelling but pronouncec GO-tro's) - small, great wine list. If you love bread pudding, there's an old established place called the Bon Ton, a few blocks over from the FQ near Poydras, which has the best in the hemisphere, and serves a lot of Creole-style dishes - go for lunch. Later at night, stay away from the Quarter and go out to Magazine Street where there are a lot of nice, friendly bars - one of them had about 50 beers on tap - can't remember the name but that's how they advertise themselves. Toursits flock to the French Market in the Quarter - go early in the morning and have beignets and chicory coffee. Enjoy.

I have lived in N.O. for the last 17 years and never tire of exploring the town. All of the above recommendations on restaurants are good, particularly Gautreau's for upscale dining Uptown (try Brigsten's as well near the River Bend). As for safety, there a few areas in the Quarter (e.g. near Rampart street) that I wouldn't wonder at night, but these areas with little foot traffic are no different than many big towns.
As for hotels, I would recommend staying in the Quarter, given that many good restaurants and attractions will be within walking distance. The Monteleone is in a great area (upper Royal Street), directly across from one the better restaurants owned by the Brennans (Mr. B's) and only a few blocks from St. Louis Cathedral. I understand the rate is about $ 75/night, a very good value.
One event you may want to hit, depending on your tolerence for crowds, is the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival (aka "Jazz Fest") which occurs on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. It is a wonderful event, held in the middle of the race track in Mid City, with 14 bandstands of the best music N.O. has to offer. The food offerings also can't be beat. However, the crowds can be a little daunting at times, although nothing on the order of Mardi Gras. You might also call the tourist bureau to check the dates for the French Quarter Festival, which is much like the Jazz Fest, but on a much smaller scale. Let me know if you have any questions.

I have been to No 3 times I always stay at the Bourbon Orleans abt 115.00 a nite but great location and the rooms are really nice some have king beds w canopy also the Inn on Bourbon is nice standard rooms but great location abt 95.00.
shop at french market and if you have a chance take the cooking class at No school of Cooking in the Jackson Brewery 20.00 but well worth the class coffee, beer and lunch are included but buy your spices and cookbooks etc at french market its cheaper.
Whatever you do DON"T eat at Brennens it is the biggest rip. $40.00 for eggs benedict and 10.50 for a bloody mary. Be careful of pickpockets. Just dont go down dark alleys .
NO is the most fun place so you will have a good time.