Originally Posted by
WillTravel
Every thing I've read, not that I know much about New Orleans, suggests that it's not really safe to be walking around outside the FQ. Do you know if that is the case? I'm not generally scared easily, but based on what I've heard I'd be reluctant to stay in the CBD and use a walking strategy late at night, or even other times.
The answer is, it depends. You can't really generalize. Pretty much anywhere in the CBD should be relatively safe during the day. At night, it depends on where in the CBD, how late, who is doing the walking, and how sober they are. For example, many of the CBD hotels are right on Canal or Poydras Streets; these are major thoroughfares and pretty safe. On the other hand, there's a Holiday Inn up by the Superdome (I think 3*) that I wouldn't want to be walking to after midnight.
Likewise, there are some parts of the French Quarter itself that can be dicey.
Being with someone or in a group helps, as does being aware or your surroundings. Getting drunk and wandering by yourself is asking for trouble; this is true in New Orleans, but also most major US cities.
In any case, a cab ride for 2, from anywhere in the FQ to any hotel in the CBD should be $10 or less. So if the CBD offers a much cheaper deal, I'd go ahead and take that, and if at all in doubt, use part of the hotel savings for the cab ride home.