F 1

Hi

I will be in New Orleans this April attending a conference. The conference will be held at the downtown Sheraton, but I am exploring other options for accomodation. The Sheraton is giving me a rate of $219 USD for a quad (there are 4 of us travelling).

My 2 criteria are 1) very close to the Sheraton to ease getting to/from the conference and 2) something as nice as the Sheraton for either the same price or cheaper.

Obviously we'd prefer 2 rooms instead of one quad, but we are looking to save some cash so we'll take the quad if we have to.

Thanks!

bollar

I like the Windsor Court, Renaissance Pere Marquette and the Omni Royal Orleans. The first two are quite close to the Sheraton. No idea on how their prices compare to the Sheraton for the weekend you want.

F 1

Good info. I will look into those.

Anyone else?

Califgirl

We may be going to the same conference. The Sheraton & Windsor Court both show sold out. Has anyone stayed at a local B&B, or smaller hotel? Any recommendations? We don't mind staying a little further out - in fact we would like to stay in the French Quarter (okay, maybe not ON Bourbon st.), How is the transportation to get to the convention Ctr? We were not thinking of renting a car, but should we?

Thanks for your insight! This is our first trip to New Orleans.
Chris

Enjoy life and great vacations!

Smaug

The Marriott is right across Canal Street from the Sheraton. That's probably the closest hotel.

Also, a lot of people like the "W" hotels. There are two in New Orleans.

If your convention is during Jazz Fest, then that may account for the sold-out hotels.

If all you are doing in New Orleans is in the French Quarter/Convention Center area, then I would not get a car. You'd be paying just to park it for the entire visit. However if you are wanting to explore a bit outside of New Orleans ("cajun country"), then a car would be necessary.

Transportation to the convention center? There are taxis, of course, but personally I'd walk.

Have a great time!

bollar

IMO, the Marriott is among the worst in the system, though it is well located next to the Sheraton.

Of the two W hotels, the one in the Quarter is cool, but I was not impressed with the one on Poydras.

MIFlyer

Some of the mid-priced chain hotels are within walking distance of the Sheraton. If you want two rooms, they may be your best return for the dollar. If you are willing to walk a few blocks, look at all the usual web siites. We have enjoyed the Hampton Inn, Coutyard, etc. Current favorite is the Hilton Garden Inn. Found the Marriot, Hilton Convention Center & Sheraton to be just what one would expect of a convention Hotel.
OK, so we are at the Hilton this week. Sometimes conveniece is the deciding factor.
Have fun in April
MIFlyer

Matthewski

I would not rent a car if you are staying in the quarter...you end up paying 30+ a night for parking at your hotel, and will probably end up hiring taxis anyway. You might check out the Crown Plaza at Bourbon + Canal...they always treat me nice, and it is easy to find your way back after a trip to Pat O'briens or the casino.

BMWcouple

The Wyndam on Canal is an excellent hotel with great views of the Miss. River and super comfy beds/pillows.

blvdeast

I've stayed at the JW Marriott on Canal St next to the Sheraton twice in the last year (not the Marriott across Canal St) and had great rooms and service - it's been recently renovated and was formerly a Meridien (I think) - easily walkable to the conv ctr and the quarter

sandy labourdette

What are your dates of travel? I might be able to help.

BamaVol

I was moderately disappointed with the Embassy Suites 2 blocks from the convention center last weekend. My meeting was at the Doubletree on Canal but I wanted the suite since I had my family along. The Doubletree looked much nicer, although I was in a meeting room and ballroom only, not a guest room.

I did find a decent Mexican restaurant a block from the convention center. Don't remember the name but between Julia and St Joseph, S. Peters and the convention center.

pterostyrax

The best hotel value in the French Quarter is the Iberville Suites, part of the Ritz Carlton complex, and is just across Canal from where the Sheraton is located. As the name implies, they are suites with a sink, refrigerator, and French doors between the sitting area and the bedroom. The bathroom is fairly nice, but nothing fancy. The rooms overlooking Iberville street have a nice view of the French Quarter.

For the person wanting to stay in the French Quarter, try to see if the Soniat House or the Hotel Provincial has rooms available for a real Old World New Orleans experience. Both of these hotels are renovated French Quarter buildings whose rooms are furnished with antiques. Stella! restaurant is located in the Hotel Provencial, and is currently our favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Either of these hotels will remove you from the madness of Bourbon Street/Jackson Square, but keep you close to everything.

If you want to really experience the best room in the French Quarter in terms of French Quarter ambiance, try and get room 64 at the Soniat House. It is not cheap, but the experience is worth it. You have a balcony overlooking Chartres Street, 14' ceilings, a large living area, heart of pine floors, one of the most beautiful old four poster beds you will ever see, and a nice, large bathroom. Forget about modern amenities like a fancy TV, CD player, etc. You stay at the Soniat House in order to be immersed in the charm of the old south.

Chfmikeokc

The Hampton across from the Convention center is very cool, 4 poster beds and high ceilings (sic?) and it's usually a great price