I rely heavily on reviews within this forum..so I thought I would add mine on the Hampton Inn in the Garden District. It was perfect for us...my daughter and I were traveling to Tulane and I was looking for accomadations between downtown and the school.

Service and Hotel: The staff was very friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. We arrived at about 10:30 for check in and they were not ready for us...but quickly found us a room. The room was clean enought...but the really great thing was how comfortable the bed was. It had 6 comfy useable pillows and a down comforter covered with a duvet...as most of us do not spend a lot of time in the room ..this great bed and hot shower were just perfect.

It is about a 2 mile distance to Tulane which was perfect for a walk....

Within the area is a Rite Aid to pick up incidentals , The Superior Grill which has great tex mex and huge magaritas, Columns is 2 blocks away with a great bar and really nice Sunday Brunch, Cannon's is just up the street...

The Hampton Inn worked really well for mom and daughter wanting to see a little more than the french quarter...although we have done that too.
T

Generally clean though housekeeping was not thorough. Breakfast mediocre at best. Front desk gives incorrect advice/travel directions. Good aspects were the quiet area and the free internet access in the lobby. The quiet area part is important because much of the city is still in bad shape, and only 1 streetcar (trolley) line is up, and that's the one that goes along St Charles (line 12.) There is limited public transportation; you will wait quite a while for a bus. The hotel is in the Garden District, which is 2+ miles from the French Quarter and has the look and feel of a suburb with is mansions (these as far as I know are not open for public visits.) The area is very good though for mid-priced hip restaurants (Magazine Street, about 5 or so bad blocks away) and mid-priced shopping (antiques and boutique clothing stores.) The area between St Charles and Magazine is not good at all. Note: The French Quarter businesses (what is left of them) charge too much for their products, and the downtown are is largely rundown and tacky. So the Garden District is a good base, maybe another hotel should be chosen though.

I stayed here for a Tulane event (they generously paid for it, at $119 per night. That was probably a special/bulk rate so I don't know how that compares to rack rates.) It is a nice, consistent hotel, with great rooms and wonderful breakfast included, and free parking. The location would be great for Mardi Gras (right on the beginning of the parade route) or for anyone who wanted to stay in the Garden District/closer to Tulane than the Quarter. This place is definitely nicer than what you'll get for the same price downtown. The staff was very friendly and the entire stay was just pleasant; you got the feeling things were run very smoothly and efficiently. The room was very large and I would say this would be a good choice for those with children, or a car. There is a bus line currently running down St Charles Av to replace the streetcar (to which they are still repairing the damage from Katrina at least through this fall,) so you wouldn't NEED a car to get to the Quarter, but if you do have one, you'll get free, secure parking here which is hard to come by. I'm surprised it's only rated 2 stars. The only drawback, if any... it IS a chain hotel, so you won't get any quirky, historic New Orleans charm. on the flipside, I've stayed at plenty of hotels that DO offer that and I have found it to be more of a 'gamble.' Things were consistent and safe and pleasant here. Overall highly recommended, if it's in your price range.

We were in New Orleans for a wedding and enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn. The Garden District is a beautiful area, and the hotel is surrounded by tree-lined streets so you almost forget you are in a city! It is only a short cab ride to the French Quarter (street car was still not running) . The breakfast was plentiful and our room was clean and comfortable.