Help, N.O. Hotels (New Orleans: wedding, pre-k, live)

[Eeyore]

I am trying to choose between staying in a "city view king" room at the Ritz Carlton/French Qtr. or a Room with balcony at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel on Bourbon St. The rooms are the same price.

It is our 2oth wedding anniversary.

I will not have a car and will pretty much stay near the quarter. When I go elsewhere I will take a guided tour or the streetcar.

I am not a partier. I like good food and good music and that is why Im going back to my favorite city in the US.

I dont care about spas and mini bars and exercise rooms. I care about staying in a great room. I want to be able to relax and enjoy my time in my room.

I dont want to worry about coming back on foot late at night. I think both places are fine for that.

Does anyone know much about these 2 hotels?

thanks in advance.
eeyore

[Drouzin]

I would imagine that the room on Bourbon might be a bit noisy. I would check on that before choosing, but the balcony sounds nice. I live 15 min. from the Quarter so I've not stayed in either hotel, but I thought that the noise might factor in your decision. Try asking around in the nola.com visitor's forum, perhaps you'll run across someone who has stayed in the hotels you've mentioned. Thanks in advance for visiting NOLA: )

[san phlegmatico]

I had the occasion of staying at the Ritz, pre-Katrina. It was during a major event week (Voodoo Fest, I believe) -- hosting a widely diverse and lively band of guests. I found it to be superb overall: a touch of elegance, luxurious accomodations, and good service.

The 'jazz brunch' was out of sight -- one of the best I have enjoyed in New Orleans, a city known for excellent jazz brunches.

You would have quick and easy access to Quarter attractions without the cacophony and revelry of some of the Bourbon Street hotels -- assuming this factor is appealing to you, of course.

**The Monteleone in the Quarter is another hotel I would recommend. Not sure about the going rates these days (it was on the high end in years past). An exquisite virgin white edifice that looms overhead the antique district of Royal Street: a timeless, grand NOLA landmark.

[Drouzin]

Ooh the Monteleone! I've heard a lot of good things about the Monte. Some family friends will take a weekend to play tourist and stay there. They love it. Unfortunately, it's too shee-shee-pooh-pooh for my wallet, but maybe one day...

[njkate]

Bourbon Orleans will be noisy especially Friday/ Saturday nights into the wee hours...if that's a major factor I would stay at the Ritz...

Enjoy as I'm jealous NOLA is indeed one of my favourite cities to visit

[peggydavis]

I stayed at a hotel on Bourbon Street on a Friday & Saturday this June and it was very noisy. Then early in the morning a street washing machine goes by and makes a lot of noise.

We were on the 3rd floor so that helped some. It was worth it to watch the incredible life below. Food was incredible. Very nice time. When we go back I will stay at the same place.

[Eeyore]

Thanks for all the replies. I checked a website with reviews from patrons and both hotels reviewed well -- except several people said the front desk staff at the Bourbon was rude.

I tried the nola.com site. I found the forums and I found a section for visitors....but I didn't see a forum for visitors. Did I miss it somehow?

I'll let you guys know what I decide.

thanks again
eeyore