St. Charles Guest House: 1748 Prytania (nearest cross street is Jackson), (504) 523 6556 A new addition to the list, its basic and very reasonable, even during Mardi Gras. The rooms are funky, but clean, and all the windows in this old house are trapezoidal, and you need to be aware of the slope in the floor, but that all seems part of the charm. No phone or TV in the room (but they do have WiFi), but the bed is comfortable and it’s a well kept house with books everywhere. The staff will help you get settled and is a good resource if you need anything. Be warned, that since Katrina they do not accept credit cards, so its cash or personal checks. They even have a pool (unheated). Update: My friends Bill and Sue recently stayed here and they complained that roaches in the room, be warned! When you call, ask for Dennis. Here’s their WWW site https://www.stcharlesguesthouse.com/ (Stan, Pike)
Garden district Bed and Breakfast 2418 Magazine Street 504 895 4302 As B and B goes, it’s an interesting place, no two rooms are the same, very old furnishings and run by an equally interesting couple. Built in 1860 and all 4 rooms are “suites”. Reasonably priced but be aware they do not offer much of a breakfast here. https://www.gardendistrictbedandbreakfast.com/
Columns Hotel: 3811 St. Charles, not a big place, but lots of Southern charm and interesting furnishings, off season, the rates are not too bad, the Pretty Baby Suite is only $230.00 a night and is a trip into the past. (See Bars section for more info) Call 504 899 9308 for reservations or look up their WWW site.
Hotel Villa Convento: 616 Ursulines St. in the Quarter, 504 522 1793. This funky old hotel, which used to be an apartment for Ursuline nuns, is not for everyone as its getting a little shopworn, but is popular with the young European set. A quiet neighborhood in the quarter near the Convent. Prices at 79.00-215.00 includes continental breakfast (which we passed on) they also have garaged, off street parking for $6.00 a day, although its 5 blocks away. check out their WWW site as the rate vary a great deal with the rooms. (updated 8/08)
The Hotel Royal : 1006 Rue Royal, 1-800-776-3901, Built in 1830 as a private residence, this elegant inn is only two blocks from Jackson Square and has bargain rates considering the location. Rates range from 95.00 for the courtyard to $165.00-200.00 for junior suites to master suites at $225.00 if you want a room facing the street its $300-350.00 for a balcony on Royal Street.
The Richelieu Hotel :, in the French Quarter, 1234 Chartres St. 504 524 8179 or toll free 800 535 9653, Our new favorite for a hotel if your looking for a nicer venure in the city. They like to say at the Richelieu that everyone who worked there is a concierge. Its in a quiet part of the French Quarter and has guarded off street parking. (under renovation currently closed)
Bywater B&B: 1026 Clouet St. in the Bywater. 504 944 8438 A delightful place, neat as a pin and decorated in all manner of local funk and interesting art. The owneer is charming in a local off beat way, but runs a tigh ship here. Better than average free breakfast and a very nice outdoor sitting area. A small place, only 4 or 5 rooms but it’s priced right. Check out their WWW site: http://www.bywaterbnb.com/index/
(note on hotel prices, all prices are for non-Mardi Gras times, prices increase dramatically during Carnival and most places book a year in advance for Mardi Gras)