I spent the dreamiest 5 days in NOLA, and Melissa's gorgeous shotgun home from the 1870s was a great base from which to do that. You have plenty of privacy as you are on own side of the house (with your own bedroom, sitting room and bathroom) and you share the charming kitchen and garden.

Bywater was a fantastic area - couldnt recommend staying there or in the Marigny more - great cafes, restaurants and neighbourhood bars... sufficiently far away from the day-trippers and spring breakers if you wanted, while also a convenient 20 minute walk in when you did want to mix into the throng.

Melissa was the most wonderful host - she met me late when my flight landed after midnight on a Friday, and gave me all sorts of tips and insights into the city. She is a photographer with an interest in life in NOLA, and she drove me to a second line sunday parade - something I never would have got to experience without her! We had some great chats, and I would not hesitate in staying there again when I next go back!