John
Omaha, Nebraska
Any recommendations on nice hotels that are close but not too close to the French Quarter? I would prefer small independent hotels to large chains. I'm asking because a friend once stayed directly in the French Quarter and said it was near impossible to sleep because of the noise, and I like my sleep!
I would suggest staying in the Central Business District just adjacent to the French Quarter on the other side of Canal Street.
If you want to stay more towards the
One word of advice should you ever find yourself stuck in a hotel on Bourbon Street
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I stayed in the
St. James Hotel on
Magazine Street, which was a few blocks from
Jackson Square but far enough to stay away from the craziness. It was quiet and had a great restaurant. Highly recommend.
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Debbie's got the right idea - staying in the CBD is a great choice for proximity to the Quarter, without any of the baggage of actually staying in the Quarter. The only place she left out is an old favorite of mine, International House. It's modern and a little quirky, with a wide open lobby and a pretty fantastic bar. The rooms are quiet and affordable, if a little on the small side. The International House's sister hotel, Loft 523, is around the corner. The staff at both are great, and the nearby restaurants like Lüke and August are great, accesssible options when staying in the CBD.
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The Hotel Modern: They have a great bar and a great place restaurant. It's right off the street car line, about a mile to the quarter- so walkable.
The Whitney Wyndham Hotel is a refurbished bank. The rooms are spacious if basic, but the restaurant, built into the former bank lobby, is nice. Free WiFi, centrally located in downtown.