A lot depends on your budget. I'd definitely find a place in the French Quarter because you can walk to the fun spots in the area. Your hotel should be able to give you safety tips, but I think you'll be fine and have lots of fun.

If you're careful, the well traveled parts of the Fench Quarter are fairly safe. However, late at night, if you wander a block or two off the beaten path you can find yourself in trouble. Best piece of advice I ever got was walk on the opposite side of the street from where the cars are parked. Streets in the French Quarter are one way. Bad things don't happen a lot to tourists, but they do happen.

One caveat: Some people are surprised to find NO a little grungy in appearance. I guess pictures in travel magazines make it look pristine. It's not. At all. Just be ready for that and realize it's "part of the charm." I can recommend restaurants: Bayona, Peristyle, Commander's Palace (a cab ride) to name three. Most of those will require reservations several days to a week in advance. No matter what anyone tells you avoid "The Court of Two Sisters."

Have fun. November's usually a great month.