I wouldnt characterize the area as unsafe. Apply universal precautions (stick to well lit areas, dont walk around with your wallet open, etc) and you should be fine. The area of the GH is mostly convention buisness. Plus, the GH has access to the riverwalk near its restaurant downstairs. So you would not have to walkl on the downtown streets to access the riverwalk if you did not want to.
The GH is a large and new hotel. I found the customer service to be top notch when I was last there.