This is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in. Very swanky and right across from the action in the French Quarter on Canal St. It''s a bit expensive, but well worth the extra cash not the have to taxi everywhere.

During the Mardi Gras season there are parades daily (if not hourly). There are two main routes, Uptown and Midtown. Both of these parade routes have one street in common, Canal. I can not tell you how nice it was to walk out of our hotel and be in the center of the parade action. Bathrooms can be a real issue during Mardi Gras, but not if your hotel room is only steps away.

Inside the Le Meridien is a great bar, but the restaurant leaves something to be desired. I wouldn''t hang around at the hotel bar too long . . . there''s plenty to do on the streets of New Orleans (see my New Orleans Balmy Summer entries).

A tasteful, convenient representative of the upscale French chain. The Canal Street location is excellent for those who want to be able to walk to the French Quarter easily but have peace and quiet when they come home. Very comfortable (especially the beds) and dependable service. There''s a heated swimming pool and full service health club free to guests, but if you''re going to use these make sure you bring some appropriate clothing--wrap/shorts for the pool and exercise areas.

The concierge was very helpful--he made an excellent call for us to dine with the locals at Copelands before a Tipitina''s Uptown show--a good tip because we were going to be dressed very casually and didn''t want to have to change after dinner.

This was a pretty nice hotel and was right on the parade route. It was so convenient and worth the money. The beds are small (twin size), so keep that in mind if you are trying to get more than two people per room.

I must admit, I stayed here for the night of my wedding, and got the penthouse suite for free--so perhaps I am a little biased. But BOY, was it something! However, I can vouch that the other rooms are very nice, too, and the staff is OUTSTANDINGLY polite and ready to help. Order a bottle of the house champagne--it's French and fabulous. This hotel is conveniently located on Canal Street, close to everything. There's a pool and in-room amenities.