melissa

Hello there my dear fodorites. This girl is going to New Orleans alone this weekend and will be staying at this hotel. My brother reserved it for me as he knows more about NO than me. He said it is outside the the FQ, which is preferable (he is such a protective guy) to staying at a hotel within. He said it is walking distance from FQ and after mapquesting it, I agree. But I have never been there so I need someone else's opinion. Preferably someone familiar with the area who is not a relative. My worries aren't really if it's too far a walk from everything but more about what the atmosphere is when it gets dark. It's at 201 Baronne Street. Should I be flagging a cab to and from in the evening? Your help would be so helpful. Thanks!!

J Correa

Yes, this hotel is only a block or so from the Quarter. That area is commonly refered to as the Central Business District, which I believe is pretty busy during the day and much less busy at night. I would definitely get a cab at night.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with staying in the Quarter, esspecially if that is where most of the the places you will be going are. The Quarter is always busy, esspecially around Bourbon and Royal, and there are plenty of beat cops who will escort you anytime you don't feel safe.

My husband and I went to New Orleans a few months ago and I never felt unsafe in the Quarter. Basically, use common sense, stay between Bourbon and the river at night (don't go up to Rampart after dark), don't wander around on deserted streets, and if you ever feel unsafe, go inside a restaurant, shop or hotel. You'll be fine.

NOGuy

Your brother is backwards on this issue. FAR better to stay in the Quarter than the Central Business District although you probably won't have a problem at either place.

As for the hotel, I don't care for it. I've dealt with the owners in several business dealings and have the opportunity to visit. Yuck!!!

Ninsun

I've stayed there a couple of times - the rooms are fine, like a Holiday Inn. I chose to stay there because it was less expensive than the Quarter; there is nothing else to particularly recommend it. I agree with previous posters that I felt less safe walking there late at night(though I did on a number of occassions without incident) than I did in the Quarter.

kyra

Melissa, I would print this thread out and smack your brother on the head with it. What was he thinking? FQ is the safest place in NO if you're a single girl. It is never deserted and there are policemen doing their rounds 24/7. Big brothers are lovely but sheesh, they can be wet blankets sometimes.