The most unique feature of Le Richelieu is the free parking. This is the only hotel in the French Quarter that offers free self-parking and easy access to your car. If you've visited New Orleans before, you know that paying a $20 to $35 a night to park your car is not unusual, so this was a great plus.

Since we were in town during an off time, we got a good rate on a suite -- $175. When we arrived, we were upgraded to the Paul McCartney Suite (he stayed here several years ago), which was very nice. We had a full kitchen (but no microwave or coffeemaker), a separate bedroom, and a great balcony overlooking Chartres Street. If it hadn't been so cold and windy, we would have spent a lot more time out there, watching the horse-drawn carriages go by and enjoying the great view. A little table and a couple of chairs would have been nice, though.

The staff was friendly and helpful, and room service (mostly breakfast items and sandwiches), was reasonably priced and good. The bar downstairs was nice and cozy, and the lobby is lovely. Our suite was clean and nicely furnished, although there was no place to work. To use my laptop, I had to sit on the edge of the bed and balance it on one knee.

I really enjoy this location, near some of the oldest restaurants and sites in the French Quarter. The Old Ursuline Convent is down the street, and the French Market, Cafe Sbisa and Central Grocery are right around the block on Decatur. Irene's is nearby, and the Croissant d'Or is near enough to grab some great pastries for breakfast. Bourbon Street is far enough away not to be annoying, yet close enough to get to if you want. Royal Street, with its great shopping and restaurants, is a block away.

We really enjoyed our stay here, but I would have appreciated a little more. Since we were in the hotel's premier suite, it was disappointing not to have a microwave, coffeemaker, or work desk. And the carpeting was a little too grimey to walk around in our socks. Maybe we were spoiled by our stay at the Windsor Court last year, but I'll probably not stay at Le Richelieu next time. Still, the location is great and the free parking is a bargain, so give it a try if you can get a really good rate.