First time visit hotel n French quarter with parking

Question

Been looking at hotels that fit the above .. we want to be able to reasonably easily walk to all the attractions of NO but not in an unsafe area... we'll be there 3 nights, I've looked at the Best Western Courtyard which gets good reviews and is a good price but I'm not keen on rooms where everyone can walk past your room and look in from a shared outside balcony then I've read that the street it's on (Rampart st) is unsafe. Also looked at Royal Sonesta, Hyatt Centric.... has anyone any recommendations, or even recommend certain streets to be looking on ...?

Answer

It sounds like you’re looking for a hotel that’s in a great location, offers easy access to New Orleans' attractions, and has safe parking. The French Quarter is definitely the heart of the city, and staying close to the action is ideal for a first-time visit. I'll give you an overview of some good options, and then I'll touch on the areas and streets to focus on for safety and convenience.

1. Best Western Plus French Quarter Courtyard: You mentioned this one, and while it’s affordable and gets good reviews, I understand your concerns about the exterior balconies. Rampart Street does have some areas that can feel less safe, especially after dark, but the hotel itself is well-rated. If you’re set on staying here, it’s a good idea to request a room that doesn’t face the outside balcony, or choose one of the interior-facing rooms for more privacy. While it is on the edge of the French Quarter, it’s still walkable to most of the main attractions. However, if you prefer something a little more secure and central, there are other options to consider.

2. Royal Sonesta New Orleans: The Royal Sonesta is a fantastic choice if you want to be in the middle of the French Quarter. It’s located right on Bourbon Street, which puts you close to the heart of the action, but it has an upscale, secure vibe with a beautiful courtyard and pool. The hotel has a more sophisticated ambiance, and while it’s on a busy street, you can enjoy quieter nights thanks to the courtyard rooms. Parking can be tricky in the French Quarter, but the hotel does offer valet parking (for a fee), which makes it more convenient. If you're looking for something stylish with a lively vibe, this is a great pick.

3. Hyatt Centric French Quarter: The Hyatt Centric is another excellent choice for its location—just a few blocks from the main attractions, including Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. It’s slightly more modern compared to some of the more historic properties in the area, but it’s centrally located and offers a comfortable stay. The hotel has a nice pool, and while it doesn’t have a massive amount of street-facing rooms, it still offers a great experience. They also provide valet parking, and you’ll have no problem walking to key attractions. If you want a more modern hotel with a good balance of price and location, this is a solid option.

4. Hotel Monteleone: This is one of the most historic and elegant hotels in the French Quarter. Located on Royal Street, it’s very close to the shops, restaurants, and attractions of the French Quarter. It has a beautiful rooftop pool, great service, and the famous Carousel Bar. It’s a classic, luxurious choice, and with its prime location, it’s easy to walk to places like the French Market, Jackson Square, and Bourbon Street. They also offer valet parking, though it’s a bit pricier. It’s a great mix of elegance, convenience, and safety, and guests rave about the ambiance.

5. The Cornstalk Hotel: For a more quaint and intimate experience, The Cornstalk Hotel is a smaller but charming boutique hotel located on Royal Street. The hotel is in a quieter part of the French Quarter but still within walking distance of all the major attractions. With its historic charm and the unique courtyard, it’s a peaceful retreat after a busy day exploring. It doesn’t have a huge number of amenities, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and safe option with personality, it’s a lovely spot to consider.

6. The Hotel Provincial: Another great option if you're looking for something more affordable, yet charming, is the Hotel Provincial. This is located near the French Quarter but on a quieter street (Chartres Street), and it’s very highly rated. It offers a more low-key, relaxed vibe, but still gives you easy access to all the excitement of the Quarter. With its beautiful courtyard, pool, and historic feel, it's a wonderful, safe option with good value. Parking is also available here, though you’ll need to check on availability.

Best Areas and Streets to Stay In: For a safe and convenient experience in New Orleans, especially if you're visiting the French Quarter for the first time, consider these guidelines:

Chartres Street: This street is located on the quieter, more residential side of the French Quarter but still close to Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. Hotels here are often more peaceful and affordable, with easy access to attractions.
Royal Street: A great street to stay on for its blend of quiet elegance and proximity to shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s one of the more historic, picturesque streets in the French Quarter, and hotels here tend to be charming and safe.
Decatur Street: Located near the Mississippi River and French Market, Decatur Street offers access to a number of attractions, bars, and restaurants. It can be busier, but the area around here is generally safe and well-trafficked.
St. Louis Street: Close to Jackson Square and the heart of the French Quarter, St. Louis Street offers a quieter alternative to Bourbon Street while still being in the thick of things. It's also near many of the top restaurants and shops.

Safety Tips: While the French Quarter is generally safe for tourists, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit streets, and use hotel parking lots or valet services whenever possible. Stick to the well-traveled areas and enjoy the energy of the Quarter, but be cautious around the edges of the district, especially after dark.

In summary, if you want an upscale, centrally located hotel with lots of character and security, I recommend the Royal Sonesta or Hyatt Centric. For a quieter, more historic stay, consider the Hotel Monteleone or The Cornstalk Hotel. No matter where you stay, you'll be in the heart of New Orleans with easy access to all the must-see attractions!

First time visit hotel n French quarter with parking

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