At first glance The Quisby seems out of place on Charles Street - it is after the freeway and next to several fast food restaurants. The inner entrance and bar area are functional but not so inviting. But the rooms are clean, the staff friendly, and the location is quite ideal in the end. It is close to the #12 streetcar and alternatively you are able to walk to the Quarter or Magazine St (be more cautious at night), which is convenient. If you have a car you can park easily.
Sharing rooms is always a challenge but if you are traveling alone hostels are the best way to have a ready set of friends and interesting conversations. Since the bar is open 24/7 you are never alone and I felt safe and secure there. Women can ask for a female only room (extra cost I believe) but it is still random luck who you share with.
The coffee is decent enough and the morning food sufficient to propel you forward.
There are also lots of types of travelers who stay here : ranging from conference attendees extending it into a holiday or people who are moving to NOLA or just people who keep coming back to this incredible city for more.
My advice? Don’t be shy. Talk to people and team up for outings if you are worried about being alone in NOLA. This is how the magic works.