What's the best neighborhood in Lafayette for a first time visitor?

One of the great debates in Louisiana finds its home just outside Lafayette.   Who has the better boudin, The Best Stop Supermarket or Billy's Boudin & Cracklins?

I suggest two hotels, both in same area of downtown, where most of the action is:

The Juliet Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

https://www.choicehotels.com/louisiana/lafayette/ascend-hotels/la250

This a great little boutique hotel that is not too pricey for its level of comforts.

http://bluemoonpresents.com/web/book-a-room/

This is a funky spot with some private rooms/baths, and some shared, with varying prices. It is also the premiere music venue in town, and as a guest you'll get free admission and a free beer, wine or drink.

The other option would be AIrBnB. Here is a search I did on the zip code 70501.

The main two areas you would want to stay are Downtown, and Freetown, where I live. Outside this zone, things get more chainish and far from the where most events are.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of further help.

If you're willing to forego most hotel amenities, try the Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse.  Beginning Wednesday each week, there are local musicians and bands playing cajun, zydeco and other great music on the Blue Moon's outdoor patio.  Nearby are other music venues such as Feed & Seed Lafayette, Artmosphere, and Warehouse 535, as well as several restaurants, such as Pamplona Tapas Bar, The French Press, and Tsunami.  The Juliet Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is located in downtown Lafayette near these locations as well.  The Carriage House Suites and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette are probably on the higher end when it comes to hotels in Lafayette.  Carriage House is in the River Ranch development, so it has several restaurants and nightclubs nearby.  De Gaulle Square Bistro and Bar in River Ranch is nice restaurant, but there are many others to choose from.