As a resident of the "Uptown " area (off Magazine St near Audubon Park/Zoo), allow me to retort. NO is certainly more diverse than your standard AL suburban community but it has a quirky "charm" that we feel makes it a great place to live... and an even better place to visit!

So to answer your question: best place to stay is hands down the FQ. Yes the nearby Windsor Ct is plush and popular with celebrities but it's accordingly expensive. The Westin at Canal Place has the best views in the city and you can't beat the location. I am partial to the Ritz on Canal and it's adjoining step-sister, the Iberville Suites. But generally speaking you should have a great time staying anywhere in the FQ.

Another caveat: Bourbon St is a dump and becomes increasingly so after 10pm. I recommend walking around the quarter during the day. Get drunk early and go to bed! Or hop on the green line street car for an afternoon stroll around Tulane, down Maple St to Carrolton then over to Jacque's for dinner on Oak St. Cab it back to the hotel (Ritz has great Jazz nightly) and you're done.

I could go on and on... But I hope I've at least answered your question with a little local perspective. Come on down and have a great time!