I'm planning a trip to New Orleans in August and I found a few hotels so far that fall within the price range I want to pay. I'd love to get some opinions on the hotels themselves and whether or not I'd be getting a good rate if I booked them! We'll be staying five nights, from Thursday to Tuesday.

We'd like to be pretty centralized and close to the French Quarter, if not in the FQ. Pools are not really important to us and noise level really isn't an issue for us. We'd put fun and comfort over elegance, also.

International House - $129/night
Bourbon Orleans - $103/night
Prince Conti - $101.60/night
Dauphine Orleans - $107.00
Iberville Suites - $99/night
Le Richelieu - $100/night

I've read so many good reviews of Le Richelieu that I'm tempted to just book that and be done with it, but I wanted to get some other opinions as well. I don't want anywhere that is unsafe, uncomfortable, or has a rude staff.

Thanks in advance!

We recently had dinner in the restaurant that is attached to the International House Hotel (called Lemongrass - features fairly good but overpriced Vietnamese inspired fusion cuisine). We visited the public areas of the hotel after dinner - if the rooms are as classy as the rest of the place it would be a good place to stay for that price (it is a "boutique hotel" so it's best to inquire about room size before reserving). The staff appeared to be very helpful and friendly.

Karen, the weather in August is miserable. VERY HOT and humid.

Yeah, we've heard that and it really doesn't bother us.

Karen,
I just got back from staying at the Le Richelieu last week. We had a fabulous time and I would not stay anywhere else. It does not have the sparkling new luxury of--say, a Marriott on Canal--but it has the charm of the French Quarter.
It is located in a fairly safe, quite area of the Quarter right between Decatur and Chartres (two of the main streets).
The staff is exceptionally nice and helpful. There is a great courtyard with a pool and lounge chairs.
There is an adequate bar and room service/breakfast/lunch menu.
The beds were comfortable, but the room was small--but who cares, you don't go to NOLA to sit in your room!
I also paid $100 a night and felt it was a great deal.

stayed at both Bourbon and Dauphine. Bourbon is closer to Jackson Square and we liked the location. However, we had to ask for a room change because the floor was "squishy" wet and dirty! ...cigarette ashes left on furniture, etc. I do have to say the staff was very responsive to our "housecleaning" complaint and upgraded our room to a nice two-level suite. Dauphine was okay, too, except for the cockroach we found crawling behind the coffee maker in our room. Ick!! Guess that's common. Dauphine has a nice courtyard and guest house for continental breakfast, a pool, plus an adjacent bar.

If fun is your #1 criteria, I would choose the Bourbon Orleans. I was just there again this weekend and once again had a great stay. It is on Bourbon St. Close to all the major FQ sites.

Have fun!

Chazz

P.S. Bourbon and Dauphine price is right within same range we paid for our stay. sounds right to me.