Hotel Monteleone or JW Marriott? HELP!

I am deciding between Hotel Monteleone (';deluxe king';) or JW Marriott (king) for a week long stay at the end of September. I have not stayed at either and could use a little help deciding. There is only a $25 difference between the two (Monteleone is just a touch higher).

What matters to me:

Very clean room, service oriented staff, quality linens (girly-girl issue), good gym, prompt valet and an overall ';nice'; feel.

How I will spend my time (and dime):

- Daytime I will actively be pumping money into the art and boutique economy of New Orleans. I have always liked shopping the Quarter but may visit Magazine, too. I will probably do this via cab although I am open to public transportation.

- Day will start at Cafe Beignet on Royal (love the courtyard).

- I will also be taking some architectural photographs (FQ, Garden District).

- Evenings will start at Bayona, K-Paul%26#39;s (and a few TBA) and will end partying on/around Bourbon. Late night party girl if I take my Centrum Performance vitamins :)

I am on foot the entire 5 days (husband is working and will have the rental car).

QUESTIONS:

1. Is the general vicinity of the JW ';safe';(ish) for a single chic?

2. Will crossing Canal be an issue (I have always stayed in the FQ)?

3. I have read TA reviews of both hotels, but can anyone specifically describe the Monteleone%26#39;s ';deluxe king'; (room and bath)?

4. I appreciate the radical differences between the aesthetics of these two hotels; however, is one a stand-out over the other based on my above information?

5. If you were me, which hotel would you choose?

Thanks for your help and unbridled opinions!

Hotel Monteleone or JW Marriott? HELP!

Hands down Hotel Monteleone.

I much prefer a locally owned properties over a chain.

Monteleone is a treat, the service is wonderful.

that said crossing Canal isn%26#39;t a big deal.

don%26#39;t miss shopping on Magazine Street.

do lunch at Stanley%26#39;s or Coop%26#39;s.

Have a great time.

Hotel Monteleone or JW Marriott? HELP!

Zxylia,

Thanks for the input.

If staying at the Monteleone, how would you suggest getting to Magazine (cab, bus/streetcar, uber comfy shoes %26amp; pepper spray, etc.)?

Thanks again!

I%26#39;m a creature of comfort, so I%26#39;d spring for the $8.00 taxi.

There%26#39;s a bus on Magazine, starting from that side of Canal. But lately they run about 20 min apart. The Magazine St Merchants assoc have a web site (sorry, don%26#39;t have the link) where you can view their events, and even send off to be mailed a map and brochure. The colorful map shows which sections of blocks have what types of shops. Gat an all-day or 3-day bus pass, do one section for a while, stop for a snack, travel down o another section, etc.

.

If you%26#39;re mostly doing the Quarter, then Monteleone over the Quarter.

And it%26#39;s near your breakfast cafe -- Is that the one right next to the old police station? that was one of y two regulars in May. The other bkfst discovery, one rainy morning, was a coffee and pastry shop, with tables, sofas, etc -- weekends they have food and wine. Sorry I don%26#39;t remember the name. It was on a corner at Chartres and Conti, or Toulouse? Perhaps someone who knows it will chime in here.

And, if Bookit.com still has their 4-star ';mystery hotel,'; and if it is still the Astor Crowne Plaza right on Canal and Bourbon, for $79. Again, if onyone online knows, chime in! :)

I vote for the monteleone, very plush, linens are very nice. I also agree on the cab, city buses are not very nice.

Another hands-down vote for the Moteleone!!

We love the Monteleone. I can%26#39;t imagine staying anywhere else.

The JW Marriott is definitely newer and the rooms are just a tad nicer and bigger. You will also bet turn down service at the JW. You will probably have a better gym there as well. Crossing Canal shouldn%26#39;t be a problem at all. However, you should stay at The Montelone. It%26#39;s a boutique hotel, and will benefit from your business more than the JW. The pool on the roof on the Montelone is really charming and the carousel bar is really cool. It%26#39;s a dark, elegant bar, with a really slow turning carousel. Even if you don%26#39;t stay there, definitely go for a drink.

Another vote for the Monteleone. It%26#39;s true New Orleans.

Make sure to check out the Carousel Bar inside the hotel. Also from one girly girl to another spa Aria (inside the hotel) is great. Book early as they stay really busy. Bridgette is great for massage and reflexology.

Check out Rouge Beauty 901 Chartres, also Jackie%26#39;s has some cute stuff...I wish I could remember off the top of my head some other cute stores...I guess it%26#39;s time for another trip to refresh my memory...if you want to put money into art of course check out Royal street and a local coop right off Decatur is D%26#39;alley. Lots of local artists and jewelry. Prices are so reasonable. It%26#39;s at 914 N. Peter.

Have a great trip!