My husband and I are planning a trip to New Orleans the week of March 19th. Neither of us have ever been there. Are there any areas of town that should be avoided because of safety concerns? Is it advisable to stay right in the French Quarter? We'd like to not have to rent a car. Please advise.

It depends on how soundly you sleep! In a way, I'm just kidding. I wouldn't want to stay right in the French Quarter on New Year's or during Mardi Gras, but that's just me. You could easily stay just outside or rather just inside the French Quarter and not have to rent a car. That's what we plan to do next time we go to New Orleans - stay just inside the French Quarter and not in the heart of it. Don't rent a car - you may not be able to drive it at times on Bourbon Street anyway - the crowds simply won't let you.

Try the Le Richelieu Hotel on the edge of the French Quarter. It's quiet and just a short walk to Royal & Bourbon Sts. Our room had a full kitchen, living room and bedroom. Check it out @
lerichelieuhotel.com. We had a rental car because we drove up the Mississippi and along the coast, but if your only in the quarter, you shouldn't need a car. You can walk to many fine restaurants.

If you stay on or near Canal Street you are close enough to walk to the french quarter and the riverwalk mall along the waterfront. I definitely would not recommend the doubletree. I stayed their last March and the service was terrible. I have stayed at the Marriot on Canal street and will be staying there again in June. It is large, but the service was good. Don't forget to take the St. Charles streetcar to the garden district!

Actually, the heart of the French Quarter is one of the most heavily policed - and therefore one of the safest - places in the country. I'd advise you to stay there rather than a fringe area of the French Quarter which CAN be dangerous. My current favorite place is the Royal Sonesta, which is right on Bourbon but has rooms overlooking a pool/courtyard that're quiet. There are lots of other good options, too. I agree that you won't need a car.

I don't know what your price range is, but we recently stayed at a hotel called the Soniat House. It's a beautiful, elegant, small hotel located on the edge of the French Quarter. I can't wait to go back, it was Perfect!

I need help--I once stayed in a large hotel on the edge of the French Quarter, and can't remember the name of it. It's a large chain, and sits right along the river. I had to walk through a parking lot area to get to the edge of the French Quarter. The lobby was beautiful, the room overlooked the river, and unbelievably enough, the room service food was incredible. Of course, work was paying, so maybe it just seemed that way.

Any help?

For your first visit, I'd advise staying in the Quarter but my preference would be a hotel away from Canal, Bourbon and Decatur. Check out Place d'Armes which is right in the heart of things but not outrageously priced. There are many B&B's in the area that I'd rcommend, but I'm not sure of your price range/requirements, etc.

I live in the Quarter and feel quite safe. Just be aware of your surroundings and take care walking late at night.


Ann - You might have stayed at The Hilton (connected to the Riverwalk) or The Westin which is now a Wyndham (inside Canal Place mall).

We have been to NO several times, the first time we stayed on Canal Street, because we were a little afraid to stay in the French Quarter. Mistake. Everytime since we have stayed right in the French Quarter. We usually drive to NO, but once we park our car, we never see it again till we leave. Our all time favorite place is Place d' Armes. Wonderful small motel, friendly service, ideal location. Another place we liked the location was Beinville House, right down from Jackson Square. The owners of Place d'Armes owns 2 other motels in the French Quarter, and we have stayed in one, but don't remember the name right off. It was a nice small motel to, but I did not like the location as well. I've got some favorites as far as restaurants, if you're interested.