Hello, welcome to cruise-chat. I went to New Orleans, just prior to Katrina. I bid on priceline for a 4 star hotel in the French Quarter. It was for the week before christmas. I bid $50/night, and I got the marriott on canal st, which is the outer border of the quarter. It was 2 short blocks walk to bourbon st. If you bid, I would definately do a 4 star, or a 3 star if you are even less picky. Otherwise, I would suggest the Sheraton or Marriott on Canal St, they are both on the quarter edge. If you want a boutique hotel feel, try the Hotel Monteleone, right in the middle of the quarter. The Omni Hotel, a hotel chain, is also in the middle. Harrahs and the Hilton are farther from the quarter, walkable but farther. Good luck.

Lori' Lori