When we went to New Orleans two months ago, we stayed at the Homewood Suites on Poydras. I liked the

My girlfriends and I are going to New Orleans for the first time in mid August. What hotels would anyone suggest? We want to be close to French Quarters but we don't want to stay in a hotel there. We want to be able to walk to the action.
norwegian star cruise ship Will also echo the idea that for the most part you do not want to be walking around at night outside the Quarter, and even here, I'd stick to streets with some foot traffic and within the area mentioned. You don't have to confine yourself to Bourbon St., though -- Royal St. is fine in this area and more pleasant to walk along, in my experience.
I have stayed at the W and it is nice but I think it is usually overpriced compared to other hotels. I loved the Omni Royal Orleans norwegian star cruise ship on Royal street. It is right in the french quarter, but away from Bourbon so no noise and a more charming norwegian star cruise ship location.
I'm not sure why you don't want to stay in the French Quarter (NOTE: no 's' - there's norwegian star cruise ship only one Quarter!) but especially for the first time, it's the only place to say. After saying that, I would suggest the Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans /French Quarter. It was the Ramada Inn on Bourbon until this month and is located norwegian star cruise ship in the approximate center of the Quarter on Bourbon Street (always a plus since you can walk pretty much everywhere and don't need a car). It's too much fun to have a balcony room and people watch, but you won't get much sleep from staying there - the back rooms facing the courtyard are much quieter, if that's what you prefer. My thought is that I'm NOT in NOLA for sleep and can do that when I get home. Enjoy the city!!
When we went to New Orleans two months norwegian star cruise ship ago, we stayed at the Homewood Suites on Poydras. I liked the hotel, but it seemed just a little far away from the FQ. Although we did walk to the FQ several times, I would rather stay just a little closer next time. I noticed some nice looking hotels on Canal Street, which is one of the "boundary" streets of the quarter. norwegian star cruise ship Don't worry; it's perfectly nice with lots of restaurants and shops right there. norwegian star cruise ship The hotels are chains, I think, rather than unique boutique hotels, but it all depends what you are looking for. And the location would be great for walking all around.
The Iberville Suites was OK - nice to have a separate room ala suite; but the rooms are small and pretty dated. The W on Poydras needs some work; the one in the Quarter is a great location but i'd agree its a bit overpriced.