My fiance and I are planning a May or June honeymoon to New Orleans, and we would like to find a nice place to stay in New Orleans. I'm thinking French Quarter, but we'd like to keep our budget under $200 night. Proximity to entertainment and sites is more important to us than a fancy room (though we don't want a dive). Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I like the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street. It has a really opulent lobby (marble and crystal), which is such a contrast to the honky-tonk tawdriness which is Bourbon Street. The rooms is comfortable, though a bit snug. If you want action, ask for a balcony room overlooking Bourbon. If you want peace and quiet, ask for an interior room overlooking the lush courtyard -- most have balconies. You should be able to stay for your budget in the summer.

I should say the rooms ARE comfortable...

I am partial to the Monteleone (as are many others on here).

Also look @ Maison deVille although they may not fit your price point.

When we visited NO, we stayed at the Ritz Carlton, which we loved, and our room was about 200. It was suprisingly cheap for a RC.

My all time favorite place to stay in New Orleans is La Maison Marigny. On Bourbon, just the other side of Esplanade. Very small, very private. Excellent innkeeper.

http://www.lamaisonmarigny.com/index.shtml

We had stayed at the Monteleone. We got a special holiday rate of $99 per room.

The pluses:

- Good location, right in the Quarter but in a quiet sidestreet.
- Charming building and public rooms.
- Charming rooms, in historical New Orleans style.
- Good service, very nice atmosphere.
- Rooftop pool and gym.

The minuses:

- Rooms are not large (spacious enough for us).

If we go to New Orleans again the Monteleone would be our first choice.

We stayed at the Dauphine the last few time in NO and it was fine. One block off Bourbon so noise was not an issue. Comfortable rooms with efficient staff and free covered parking.

http://www.dauphineorleans.com/

Another vote for the Monteleone for convenience, quiet and comfort!

Another vote for La Maison Marigny!

We also like the Dauphine Orleans, especially for the location and the price. We always get a balcony room facing Dauphine.

I have stayed and will again this weekend at the Hotel St Marie on Toulouse Street.
Great location, clean, comfortable, staff was very friendly and helpful. Balconies overlooking courtyard. Rooms are $ 150 or less. (I paid $ 99 this weekend)

We always like the Monteleone. Well located and not a bad price. Although as mentioned some of the rooms are not as spacious.

Place 'd Armes - not sure of spelling - but it's right on Jackson Square and a great little B&B.

We have regularly stayed at the Ramada Inn on Bourbon for probably the past 15 years and will be going back in June. Personally, we like the Bourbon Street balcony rooms so we can sit and people-watch, but the rooms facing the pool/courtyard are much quieter. The hotel is very centrally located so a car isn't really needed, which is a huge plus since parking in the Quarter is scarce and expensive.

For the Quarter, we also like Place d'Armes. Quiet, very nice rooms and courtyard.

Outside but near the Quarter, our favorite is the Windsor Court. Really nice, upscale. We've found specials there in your range.

joe - I would be interested on your opinion on the current condition of the Ste. Marie. I have stayed there in the past and had great success but the last time it appeared things had been kind of neglected. Could you please bring us UTD when you return ? Thx.

We like the Place d'Armes too. We stayed there in summer 2007 - had a balcony room overlooking St. Anne street, which was great. Quick walk to just about everything in the FQ, however on a fairly quiet side street.