Most first-time visitors want to stay in the French Quarter. The allure is obvious but you’ll pay dearly for the privilege: rooms are usually smaller with fewer amenities, and will cost more than a comparable room in another neighborhood. There are marvelous high-end hotels, though, like the Ritz Carlton (921 Canal Street, LA 70112, +15045241331, www.ritz-carlton.com, $99-$395) and the Soniat House (1133 Chartres Street, LA 70116, +15045220570, www.soniathouse.com, $195-$295). Other options include the Olivier House (828 Toulouse Street, LA 70116, +15045258456, www.olivierhouse.com, $110-$250) and the Chateau Hotel (1001 Chartres Street, LA 70116, +15045249636, www.chateauhotel.com, $99-$209).

Outside the Quarter, try a B&B or a guesthouse for a more intimate atmosphere. The Faubourg Marigny, next door to the Quarter, has several attractive B&Bs. The Royal Street Courtyard (2438 Royal Street, LA 70116, +15049436818, Royalctyd@aol.com) and Claiborne Mansion (2111 Dauphine Street, LA 70116, +15049497327, www.claibornemansion.com, $112) are prime examples. Chain hotels abound in the Central Business District, but there are some attractive boutique hotels here too, most notably the International House (221 Camp Street, LA 70130, +15045539550, www.ihhotel.com, $89-$319) and the Monaco Hotel (333 St Charles Avenue, LA 70130, +15045610010, www.monaco-neworleans.com, $150-$355). The Garden District and Uptown have fewer hotels and B&Bs. A favorite is the Columns Hotel (3811 St Charles Avenue, LA 70115, +15048999308, www.thecolumns.com, $110-$180), right on the streetcar line.

[top]