If you really want to be in the thick of the French Quarter, I would be tempted to call in and see what the points cost to get a balcony room at the 4-Pts would be. It is right on Bourbon St and with a balcony room, you can go sit out and just people watch. The 4-Pts is a Cat. 4, so your cert would work there too. Of course, you'd be staying at a 4-Pts.

BTW, I've stayed at the RI close to the convention center before. It is a fairly easy walk to the French Quarter and there are a number of good restaurants not too far from there either.