Has anyone stayed at the Du Vieux Marais? It's one of Rick's recommended hotels so that gives me confidence. However, I'd feel better if I heard from other(s) who've stayed there.
Steve and others,, one way to double check if a hotel reveiew on tripadvisor.com is to click on the reviewers name and see how many other contributions they have made. You can pretty well assume someone who has reveiwed multiple DIFFERENT hotels is not a plant. I myself contribute there regularily, and my reviews are legit,, but there are a few plants,, they are very easy to spot in my opinion .
I do find tripadvisor reader reviews VERY helpful though and always recommend one check them.