There are many choices for Hotels in New Orleans, the most popular being hotels in the French Quarter. Picking a downtown hotel in or near the French Quarter or New Orleans Convention Center is a good idea, because while New Orleans is a safe and fun city, there are some unseemly and dangerous areas, and they are hard to clearly identify. New Orleans is a classic southern “checker board city”, meaning certain blocks can be quite safe followed by others that are not, and the transition can occur unexpectedly for the unfamiliar visitor. That being said, any downtown New Orleans hotel near or within the French Quarter is pretty safe for tourists and very well policed. An alternative to Downtown New Orleans is the garden District where you can find some nice bed and Breakfast type accommodations. If you are planning to visit for Mardi Gras or the New Orleans Jazz Festival, find a New Orleans hotel can be quite difficult, so make your New Orleans hotel reservations well in advance.
The French Quarter is a popular downtown New Orleans tourist area which is geared to the unique culture of the City which perfectly encapsulated in the local motto “Le Bon Temps Roulette”, which translates from French to mean “let the good time roll”. The French Quarter is ground zero for the Mardi Gras, which annually brings in millions of revelers, and for most tourists and conventioneers. The French Quarter runs from Decatur Street along the Mississippi River north to North Rampart Street, and is bounded by Esplanade Avenue on the east and Canal Street on the West. Perhaps the most famous street in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street, which is home to numerous bars with live Jazz music
Another great area of New Orleans worth a visit is the New Orleans Garden District which is laced with antebellum style southern mansions and architecture. Also home to Tulane University, you find the Garden District genteel and relaxing, providing a nice contrast to the hectic pace of the French Quarter. Take the famous Saint Charles Trolley from the Quarter up through the Garden District to the “River Bend” and back for a leisurely tour of the Garden District. Another trolley ride is the Riverfront Trolley which meanders along the riverfront. Although more popular with tourists, for an authentic experience take the Saint Charles.
Renowned for its food, music and drink, New Orleans is sure to please. As one who lived in New Orleans, I can tell you there is no other city like New Orleans in the United States. It has its own culture, dignity and pride.
