New Orleans Garden District

We%26#39;re going to New Orleans for our daughter%26#39;s graduation from college in May. We have been looking at the Pontchartrain and the Qaulity Suites on St. Charles, but the comments on this site are making us hesitate. We think we found a good alternative in the Residence Suites near the Superdome, especially as it is a 2-bedroom suite (we are bringing our 19-year-old son). Is that an area that will be fairly accessible to the Garden District?

And is this is a pretty nice place?

New Orleans Garden District

I%26#39;m not familiar withthe hotel but if it is near the dome you will be just a short/brisk walk (5 -7 blocks, 175 yards or so) form the St Charles street car line that would take you to the other hotels you mentioned. I would also check with the Drury Inns and Suites in NO. Their prices should be competitive with the others you mentioned. It is beside the Street car line and is avery nice hotel that is centrally located between the Garden District and the FQ. Some have said that they get better rates dealing directly with thew hotel. Be sure to get the $5 all-day pass and you can use all 3 lines with unlimited on and off travel and see the area. I stay often at the Hyatt which is just beside the dome. the area is nice enough.

New Orleans Garden District

If you want to be near or in the Garden District try some B%26amp;B%26#39;s. We love the McKendrick-Breaux House in the lower GD. If that%26#39;s too much $$ try some of the newer chains in the Warehouse District -- Embassy, Springhill, Courtyard

The Quality Inn on St. Charles is right on the street car line with a stop directly in front. If you are going to be going to Tulane or Loyola, it would be very convenient. It is not, however, in the Garden District and the location, while I think safe, isn%26#39;t a particularly pretty or charming area. It%26#39;s pretty busy and metro. Right next to a Wendy%26#39;s, but right across from Emerils. I don%26#39;t know what it%26#39;s like inside, but if you are mostly interested in convenience for getting to the universities, it might be a good choice.

The Pontchartrain is quaint and nice. Although it shows a little age, we still love it. We had the Richard Burton suite (named for a frequent guest of that name) once, complete with a bust of Marc Antony in a vignette off the living room. You won%26#39;t get that at the Quality Inn.

A bit farther toward downtown is the LaFayette on St. Charles Ave. This is an elegant boutique hotel with only 44 rooms, including a few beautiful suites. It%26#39;s 15 minutes from Tulane/Loyola by streetcar which runs in fron to f the hotel.

You%26#39;re only going to make this trip once, so why not skip the chains and grasp a little of old new Orleans?

We just got back from Loyola%26#39;s ';family weekend'; and had a fantastic stay at the Maison Perrier. (you can see plenty of positive reviews on tripadvisor under B and B';s) The location is perfect if you are going to Tulane or Loyola. If you dont want to rent a car, or prefer to leave it at the Perrier, the St Charles streetcar is only a short two block walk in a lovely neighborhood. The proprietors couldnt be more helpful---maps,dinner reservations etc. Our last stay was at the Ritz Carlton and we really prefered the service and accomodations at the Perrier.

I know that I%26#39;m responding to an old post but this may help someone. The Pontchartrain is closed and being converted to a senior%26#39;s home. It was a fine old dame for many many years and will be missed. I can%26#39;t recommend the Quality Inn Maison on St. Charles St. It%26#39;s not in a very good area. The rooms are ok but the bathrooms are weak. You really need to be further west on St. Charles to be in the Garden District. Consider the Hamton Inn or a B%26amp;B in the area.