Hotel ​Recommendat​ions

Any recommendations on which hotel to stay at this year?  I've never been to New Orleans and last year was my first TechEd.  I was looking at the International House Hotel or JW Marriott but from some of the other threads, I now have concerns about the distance to the convention center and the lack of shuttle service. 

Thanks in advance.

I have decided to stay at the JW Marriott this year as it is closer to French quarter for going out. The last TechEd in New Orleans I stayed at the Lowes and did not find any problems with the shuttle. That said, Not sure what you mean by lack of shuttle service, as there has always been shuttles to the conference. Never had much of an issue getting there and back, although some years it took a little longer due to traffic.   

FYI, I checked it out last night and the hotels closest to the are starting to sell out.

Thank you both.  I've tried to book the International House Hotel from the very beginning but status still says sent.  I guess I'll have to contact the registration team to see what's going on.  Thanks again.

Never been there so I can't speak from any sort of educated experience but I'm staying in the Hilton Garden Inn. I liked the pricing and proximity to the conference center. It looked to be a decent choice, especially since I'll likely not even be there beyond a little sleep.

I'm staying at the Hilton Garden Inn for proximity and price.
Oh yeah, I got my confirmation number for my hotel reservation.  I sent them an email today and was informed that the only thing that is not provided to those that are in the "sent" status is the confirmation number.  The room is actually booked for the individuals.

I received my hotel confirmation last night.  The registration team did an amazing job of responding to my email within 15 minutes and 2 hours later I received my confirmation. 

@DBegley-I chose the International House Hotel.  I usually stay in big chains so this will be a change.  I saw good reviews on tripadvisor and the location seems good.  I was also looking for a no smoking hotel.  Almost all are, though I did fine one or two that have designated smoking rooms or floors.  I also like the free wifi.  The JW Marriott charges $12 or so a day for wifi.  Thanks again.

Last year I heard that the hotels were giving free wifi to TechEd attendees, can anyone confirm if this is the case again this year? 

My hotel last year did not offer it to me, but another attendee told me this and gave me the complimentary code.  

The last two years wi-fi was free.  May have been in 2010 as well, I don't see a charge on my hotel bill.  Last year though I had better luck on my phone from the hotel.  I had 4 bars of 4G everywhere.  Skype worked way better that way. 

I've been coming to TechEd for many years. Proximity to the convention center is not so important, unless you are able to get in at the center itself. Otherwise, the bus runs back and forth all day and hasn't been a problem. I'm at the DoubleTree because it is close enough to other things. There's a casino there, aquarium, etc. After hours of brain cramming, it is good to have some fun before you need to return to the room and work all night.

Time to hurry up and reserve your hotel room as the convention center hotels are selling out.

The following hotels near the convention center have been marked as "SOLD OUT":

1) Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center
2) Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
3) Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center
4) New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center
5) SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown
6) Residence Inn New Orleans Downtown
7) Courtyard New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center
8) Embassy Suites New Orleans Convention Center
9) Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans
10) Loews New Orleans Hotel
11) Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter

I booked through Travelocity the MS site said sold out but think its their allocated block of rooms that are sold out. 

You will no longer get the convention rate.  I booked late and staying at the Ritz Carlton and paying about 40 more a night.