We are planning a trip to New Orleans and want to book a hotel in the French Quarter. We are somewhat confused by the choice; tripadvisor does not really help. Can you give us recommendations for the following hotels:
- Royal Sonesta
- Maison Dupuy
- Le Richelieu
- Le Pavillon
- Monteleone
- Melrose Mansion
Which one would you recommend most? Or do you have another recommendation in this price range (150 thru 200$)?
We prefer a hotel with a year-round heated pool. Thank you.

We always stay at Royal Sonesta - it is a lovely classy hotel right in the middle of it all. Once you step inside, Bourbon St & the noise disapears and you can't beat the location. They do have a great rooftop pool - I'm not sure if it is heated. Many of the rooms overlook a very pretty New Orleans style courtyard and some have walkouts to the balcony. We've never been disapointed there and will be returning in July.

We love the Royal Sonesta balcony rooms over Bourbon. Also really like Omni Royal, but the rooms are smaller. Do visit the Monteleone Carousel Piano Bar even if you don't stay there.

Good luck with your planning!

I've seen the Monteleone Carousel Piano Bar recommended several times but never been there. What makes it special?

Check out their website, not sure if there are photos, but maybe. It's actually a carousel . . . and all of the hotel is beautiful. Plus the pianists are excellent. It is always a special night when we get by there.

Melrose Mansion has several "bait and switch" issues listed on tripadvisor. People report booking the beautiful main house but being shuffled off to the "annex" when they arrive.

I vote for Royal Sonesta, too. Our favorite rooms are the inside corner rooms overlooking the pool. We've stayed in several rooms there and those seem to be the biggest.

As for the Melrose Mansion, if you want to stay IN the French Quarter, it's on the far outer edge.

When are you going?

Two summers ago, my parents stayed at the The Iberville Suites (great location!) for $99/night and they loved it. Lots of the French Quarter hotels run specials in summer (off season).

From Southern Living:
This Ritz-Carlton sister property sits right next door and is perhaps the best-kept secret in New Orleans. You have access to all The Ritz-Carlton's restaurants, shops, and spa, and your pet is welcome here too. 910 Iberville Street; toll-free1-866-229-4351 or www.ibervillesuites.com.

The Carousel Bar has a great literary history...and it's just a fabulous little bar. It rotates There is also a piano bar area there. The hotel is rumored to be haunted. We had plans on staying there last year...but then Katrina happened

My girlfriends and I stayed at the Royal Sonesta in 2000. Great Hotel! The lobby and rooms are very nice! I would recommend this hotel. It's in a great location too. Have fun!

We will be staying over Christmas.

Thank you for mentioning Iberville Suites - they look good, are however closed until early 2007.

ttt

Royal Sonesta is great. See if you can get a room poolside. They have a roof top pool. These rooms have a walk out patio by the pool. If you are going at Christmas, get out before the crowds get there for the Sugar Bowl. It really gets crowded there and if you leave your parking space, you may have to park a few blocks away when you get back.

Just an fyi that the discounted rate Royal Sonesta is offering for the summer through their website is only good Sun-Thurs & then back to the regular rate on Fri & Sat nights. I ended up booking via expedia since they are offering good discounts on all 4 nights (I booked a deluxe king for a total of $525 - thought that was pretty good).

Snowrooster, you got a great deal! Have a wonderful trip, and come back to us with a trip report!

Our favorite is the Hotel Monteleone. Great location, beautiful lobby, quiet rooms, friendly & competent staff, relaxing rooftop pool, & the unique Carousel lobby bar. And as BayouGal & LittleSalty said, there is an entertaining piano bar.
We also liked the Iberville Suites (stayed there twice) but as you said it won't be reopening till 2007. The Ritz, it's sister hotel next door, is planning a Dec. 2006 reopening.
But our first choice would be the Monteleone. Enjoy!