We recently stayed at the Sheraton for a football weekend. The front desk was very helpful and pleasant and allowed us to check in at noon if we wished to take a smoking room or we could wait a little later for our reserved nonsmoking room. We elected to check-in and found the room to be very nice. Little residual smoke oder, great view of the river and casino area.
Close to the quarter, the river front, the casino and for us, a pleasant walk to the Superdome. The beds were great although the bathroom was a little small and without an exhaust fan. The parking was somewhat congested as a result of the weekend football so we elected to spend the early afternoon walking and returned around 2pm to find that they had brought our car down and had it waiting for us.
I would recommend the Sheraton and would stay there again.

Nice hotel, nice size rooms, wireless internet, and VERY comfortable beds with down pillows. We had a great view of the river. It's very close to the French Quarter, a few blocks, but far enough away that the noise is not an issue. Staff was great so was the service.

The Sheraton on Canal Street met or exceeded my expectations for this type of hotel. Although I did not fund the stay (it was a conference paid for by a national foundation), I know that the rate was not particularly competitive ($169 per night), although it may be possible to obtain better rates with discounts. The hotel's location is marvelous as its a very short walk to Bourbon street and even shorter to Royal Street, the latter being filled with
art galleries and antiques stores; its also a short walk to the Cafe du Monde, Riverwalk, Canal Place and other local attractions downtown. The room was comfy--in fact I felt like I was swimming in the huge king bed--and quiet, a trait I value above much else. The staff was pleasant enough, especially the folks who worked the catered meals--I had no trouble getting a vegetarian meal at the conference though I had not ordered before. I don't know what the nearby competitors charge, but
if the price is right this hotel is right. I recommend it! There are undoubtedly more charming boutique hotels close by, but for the large standard hotel this fits the bill.

I attended a convention there at the beginning of November, and actually I had planned to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, a few blocks away, but the reviews on TA made me pause, especially since a travelling friend bailed at the last minute due to health.

So on a Sat. before departure, I cancelled the Hilton without penalty (I had reserved with the Hilton system) I searched the web for a deal on the Sheraton. The best I could get was $200/night, but when I registered I enrolled in the Starwood Preferred Guest program (no cost, a few minutes of time) BTW,
this "deal" was on their website.

I checked in early in the day. I mention this because I think it may be relevant. I was given the offer of an upgrade. I wanted a view and they offered a high floor (43). I took that, and when I went I realized that I didn't get the river view, but I got Club access. This was a deal.

First, the room. They must have some rooms that aren't up-to-the minute according to other reviews, but mine was like walking into Pottery Barn. I loved it. Comfy bed and many pillows to boot. Also free water. (In the regular rooms, one is billed - $4.95, I heard) I could have stayed there for a long time. It was like home. (Our house isn't exactly Pottery Barn, but it's close enough that I felt very at home.)

The Club Access. That gives you breakfast (nothing hot though) and cocktail hour appetizers plus internet computer for free (free printing) plus the Clubroom had a fantastic view of the Mississippi. The wall facing the River was all glass, and the view was wonderful.

The value. A little expensive, but since it's deductible that makes it a little easier.

Safely. Right on Canal Street. Always busy. I walked a number on times after dark in the FQ alone feeling perfectly safe although I did sign up for a group tour of the FQ on Halloween, my first night.

Location. Good location. Near the FQ but not in it. Within walking distance to the Riverwalk which is very quiet...if not dead. I wanted to take a trolley to City Park but didn't find one, and I didn't want to pay the taxi. (24 out of 30 trolleys were put out of commission due to Katrina, according to a local.) In the opposite direction from the FQ is the warehouse district and the home of the WWII Museum, definitely worth seeing.