There are so many hotel choices in New Orleans! I prefer to stay in the French Quarter near Bourbon Street because I feel better not having a long walk to my hotel really late at night. Another plus to having a hotel on or close to Bourbon Street is that you have a clean restroom nearby, some of the club's restrooms are nasty by the end of the night.
The last time I was there I stayed at the Prince Conti Hotel.
http://www.princecontihotel.com/
Its location is very convenient and the price was really good.
Another place I have stayed at in the past is the Bourbon Orleans. Their location is great, but they had some really rude workers.
I've never stayed at the Royal Sonesta, but I want to next time. It looks very nice.
Have a fun trip. New Orleans is one of my favorite places to go.