Have narrowed my search down to 3 hotels, but just can't make the final decision. I am unfamiliar with NOLA and have been advised that there are areas to avoid. Would like to be close to the French Quarter, but not on top of the action. Which would you pick, and why?

LePavillon
Hotel Monaco
Alexa on Royal

Wouldn't mind a hotel that spoils me a bit. I will have worked 20 days straight prior to this short 4 day break.
Thanks in advance.

It really depends on what you want out of NOLA. Personally I want to be in the center of it all so that means the French Quarter. My preference then would be the Alexa. I have not seen the other 2 hotels but I was in NOLA in August scounting sites to host a reunion and the Alexa was convenient, quiet and very nice.

The Alexa is a really nice hotel, even better if you can get it for the $79 web site price! It is on the corner of Royal & Canal St. so it is not in the "heart" of the French Quarter, but it is well within walking distance of everything. (You will be right down from the Riverwalk.) Parking is $20.00 a night & if the town is busy you'll have a wait. Enjoy New Orleans!

Thank you both for the thumbs up on Alexa. Does anyone have any feedback on the other 2 hotels?

LaPavillon and Monaco are both in the Central Business District. In fact, my office window looks out on Hotel Monaco. Both are excellent as regards service and accommodations. Also, both are quite at night and not, as you say, "on top of the action". I would add however, that the CBD is somewhat deserted after dark and if you are the least bit concerned or frightened you might not want to walk back to your hotel at night (even though the Quarter is only a couple of blocks away). The "safer" walk would be to Hotel Monaco, as it is right on St. Charles Avenue. Another plus for the Hotel Monaco is that it is right across the street from the Hotel Intercontinental (thus more traffic and people around)and there is a street car stop right outside the their lobby door. I myself would not hesitate to walk it at night, but I live here and certainly understand reluctance of some once the sun goes down. However, you can always get a cab, and anywhere from Quarter to either hotel would be very cheap. Also, LaPavillon has a pool, if that is of any interest, Monaco does not.

Cajunboy, thank you. i hadn't given much thought to the pool since we are going to NOLA over Thanksgiving weekend. Here in NYC I wouldn't dream of swimming at that time : - ) What is the weather like in NOLA? Is swimming even an option?

Ellen,
you've been very helpful when I ask Manhattan questions. In NOLA, we enjoyed our stay at Soniat House....our first and only visit to the city. I notice aol is your isp; aol LA board is very active; wonderful advice offered by residents and many returning visitors.
Enjoy your visit to New Orleans!

Ellen - Thanksgiving weekend is also the weekend of Bayou Classic and the town will be absolutely packed. In fact, you may have a problem finding a room at all. If you stay outside the French Quarter I'd advise you to take a cab at night.

Forgive me, but what exactly is the Bayou Classic? I tried to find something on the net, but all I could come up with is some info on frying turkeys!

It's the football game between two black universities, Southern and Grambling I think. Swarms of college kids make Canal Street unbearable. I personally would stay as far away from the downtown or Canal Street area as possible!

Sorry I was vague about the Bayou Classic. Leonard is right about the two football teams, Grambling and Southern. We were there several years ago for our anniversary during this time and weren't really prepared for the crowds. According to one of the websites I've seen, this ballgame draws as many as 200,000 fans.

Wow. What day is this game? Can I expect a mob scene for just that day, or does the party pretty much go on for the whole weekend? I am reconsidering this trip.

Ellen, if you stay in the Garden District or the Esplanade Avenue area near the Quarter, you won't even notice the game. Downtown, you will! There's lots of college students "cruising" Canal Street so much that the NOPD has to divert traffic. It also does wonders (NOT!) for the Friday-after-Thanksgiving sales that are so popular in other places. Our FQ and CBD stores aren't crowded!

I had settled on the Hotel Monaco in the Business District. Will that be far enough from the maddening crowd, yet close enough to the action?

Wow, Ellen. The Monaco will be right in the middle of things, I'd say, as it's between Poydras (site of the game, battle of the bands, etc.) and Canal (loud rap music street party). I'm not saying not to do it, but I want you to be aware that this is going on around you!

Ellen: I did not know you were planning on being in N.O. over Thanksgiving. I truly love this city and never hesitate to praise it the heavens, HOWEVER, the one event I do wish New Orleans would stop hosting is the Bayou Classic. I will be less diplomatic than Dan from Tulane, that is the one weekend I advise people not to visit. Especially, if they are first timers. If you go to Google.com and do a search for Bayou Classic you will get several sites for information. Seriously, the Quarter will be a madhouse. Streets are blocked off and Canal Street is gridlocked because of all the cruising in cars. Many downtown hotels actually make patrons wear wristbands to verify that they are actually guests of the hotel. Because this is a rowdy college crowd (and their rowdier friends that never made it out of high school) it is not uncommon for one or two people to reserve the room and then try to get 6,7, 8 or more in the room. Every year it is rumored some of the Quarter businesses actually close during this weekend for "much needed renovations" just so they don't have to deal with the crowd that the Classic brings. Of course, because this is a predominately black event, there are the ubiquitous charges of racism and there have even been threatened lawsuits and investigations. It actually has nothing to do with racism, which unfortunately is a common allegation here in New Orleans if someone doesn't like something. Personally, I think it would be like the MTV spring break (18-25) crowd descending on your town for a couple of days and all that goes along with that, i.e. loud music (all the time and in this case rap music), no respect of others, stupidity, lack of responsibility and overall arrogance. Of course if you want to just spend your time in the Garden District or venture out of town to see the Plantations, etc. you could, but not seeing the French Quarter or eating in the restaurants down there is not seeing New Orleans at all. As much as I hate to say it, I would re-book for another weekend or go elsewhere for your well deserved vacation. IF you decide to come, please book a hotel out of the Quarter. Unfortunately, the Hotel Monaco would not be far enough out to avoid the crap that goes on with this event.

I have never felt so compelled to reply as I do to the original posting. NOLA is one of my favorite places to visit and do so quite often (going this weekend matter of fact) but after experiencing the above mentioned event last year for the first time- I will NEVER return at that time again- especially with my two teen-age girls. The Windsor Court was the only escape from the madness- although the noise could still be heard from outside. New Orleans is such a unique and wonderful place to visit- by all means save it for another time.

Thank you all. I think you have saved me from making a huge mistake. We are going to switch things around and go to Montreal instead. I will post on the Canadian board, but if anyone wants to offer suggestions as to where to stay, I would be most appreciative. Thanks again. I just love this board!