This is an great place to stay. The staff is incredible nice and helpful, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and in a great location. Restaurants, shopping, waterfront access, and night life are right outside the door. I felt very safe walking around alone at all times of the day and the hotel does have overnight security and the building is key access only over night as well. Yes, it is in the middle of the a very social area. While I could faintly hear the noise from outside, it was what I would expect and experience living in an active downtown location. And, the hotel provides earplugs in the room if you need them. I did not and slept just fine.