New Orleans Marriott for first timers

Question

Hi all, we are coming for the first time from London from 25-30 December and have booked a cancellable room at the Marriott New Orleans (555 canal street one).

It looks central but reading some reviews should we be concerned about safety at this location. We live in London so are used to normal city life and precautions but equally feel comfortable here walking around at night, well most of the time with again the usual caveats.

We chose it for its location, fitness centre and budget at the time but wondering if we would be better elsewhere now?

As first timers we want to see what NOLA has to offer but feel as safe as we can. I previously looked at NOPSI which is a bit further away. Any tips would be helpful on whether to stick with this choice and would you just Uber around or are the reviews about safety exaggerated?

Answer

The New Orleans Marriott on 555 Canal Street is very centrally located in the French Quarter/central business district area, which makes it convenient for first-time visitors to access major attractions like Bourbon Street, the French Market, Jackson Square, and riverfront activities. Many guests choose it for this convenience, especially if they want to minimize walking distances between key sights.

Regarding safety, Canal Street and the immediate area around the Marriott are generally busy, especially during the daytime and early evening. The hotel is in a well-trafficked area, but like any urban city center, it is wise to stay alert, especially at night. Some reviews that mention safety concerns often reflect typical city-level caution rather than major risk. Since you are used to London city life, normal precautions—keeping valuables secure, staying on well-lit streets, and avoiding empty side streets at night—are usually sufficient.

Transportation options in this area are plentiful, and using Uber or Lyft is common and practical if you want to limit walking at night or to get to neighborhoods like the Garden District or Uptown. Many visitors combine walking for short distances during the day with ride-sharing for longer trips or nighttime excursions.

If you are considering alternatives, the NOPSI Hotel is a slightly quieter and more boutique option, located closer to the Warehouse District. It offers a more resort-like feel and is also within walking distance to many attractions, but Canal Street is slightly more central for hitting the French Quarter immediately. It really depends on whether you prioritize proximity to the Quarter or a slightly quieter environment.

Stick with the Marriott if you want maximum central access to the French Quarter and riverfront attractions. Use Uber/Lyft for evenings or longer trips.
Take usual urban safety precautions: stay in well-lit areas, secure valuables, and avoid wandering empty streets late at night.
Consider the NOPSI if you prefer a quieter, boutique-style stay, but be prepared for slightly more walking to reach Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.
Both hotels are suitable for first-timers; your choice should reflect whether convenience or a boutique atmosphere is more important.

Overall, the reviews about safety are not exaggerated—they reflect typical urban caution. With standard precautions and using ride-shares when needed, staying at the New Orleans Marriott is a reasonable choice for first-time visitors wanting central access.

New Orleans Marriott for first timers

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