We went to New Orleans last month, and stayed in the Royal Orleans, an Omni hotel, on the recommendation of a friend who has visited the city many times. It was the perfect location, a quick walk from the market and Bourbon Street, but relatively quiet. I was there with my husband and three of our kids, and our room was $129/night. Not bad at all for very luxurious accommodations, including a rooftop swimming pool. http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=17

JoAnne in Silicon Valley