French Quarter shelter

I know there are numerous New Orleans-help threads on here, but I figured I'd start another one real quick to see if I could get some quick feedback.

A buddy and I are planning the annual trip to New Orleans and will stay in a French Quarter hotel. I've been several times, and I like the Sheraton and the Astor Crowne Plaza.

I'd like to stay somewhere less expensive, if at all possible. I've seen a couple places online (Bienville House, French Market Inn) with prices better than the normal $120 or $130 per night prices you get at the Sheraton or the ACP. Anybody stayed somewhere in the Quarter/off Decatur that wouldn't run as high and may not be as romance-centric for a couple fellas on a man trip?

 

Stay at a new, nice hotel. Do not, under any circumstances, stay at an antique hotel in the Quarter. I'm 0 for 2 and will not make that mistake again.

 

And do not stay at a bargain-rate hotel, either. I hit a La Quinta in Metairie once and was looking out the window every two hours to make sure my car wasn't getting broken into. Rough night.

 

I've stayed at both the Hyatt and the Whitney. Both are on Poydras, which is about eight blocks from Canal.

 

My hotel of choice in New Orleans is the Renaissance Arts on Tchoupitoulas. I've stayed there so many times I can spell Tchoupitoulas without having to look it up .

It's within decent walking distance of the Quarter, and it's across the street from Lucy's, one of my favorite bars in the world. You can usually get it for around $100 with the VIP rate. I don't know if that's more than you were looking to spend, but I absolutely love that hotel.

 

Try the Monteleone. It's on Royal one block off Canal and one block off Bourbon.

 

Seconded. Stayed there recently with no worries at all. There are safes in the rooms if you're worried about valuables.

 

Anybody ever stayed at the Royal Sonesta? It's actually in Bourbon Street, which might be a draw for some and a strike against it for others.

And I've learned via another thread that the Hyatt next to the Superdome is still shuttered.

 

I've always thought the Monteleone looked cool, but just checked the prices for the time I'm looking for. No lower than $161.50 per night. So that's out.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming if you know anything else.

 

For a second I thought hurricane season was getting too intense too soon ...

 

Try Le Richelieu. It's on the end of the Quarter furthest from Canal Street, but a good place just the same, and you may be able to get in for under $100.

 

Anybody know about any of these?

They seem to be the less expensive options of the places I've briefly "researched" so far.

St. Louis Hotel
Bienville House
French Market Inn
Prince Conti Hotel