Susan was the consummate host, welcoming us like family when we arrived, with warm hugs and fresh baked brownies! (Better than family, really...mine doesn't bake.) She replied to emails immediately, was incredibly accommodating regarding early check-in and late check-out, and was full of great tips and advice on where to eat, drink, and revel.

The apartment itself is even better than it looks in the pictures...absolutely stunning, immaculately clean, and fully kitted-out, with loads of fresh towels, slippers, robes, hairdryer, sunscreen, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, coffee, tea etc.), an incredibly comfortable bed, flat-screen TV with tons of channels, an iron and ironing board, umbrellas – we wanted for nothing. The outdoor area provided a beautiful, lush reprieve from the glorious heat and bustle of the rest of the city, and we felt safe at all times.

Location is to die for – close enough to the action of the French Quarter and Frenchmen, but in the wonderfully funky neighbourhood of Bywater, allowing you easy access to some of the best places in New Orleans, including Bacchanal (DO NOT MISS) and Vaughan's. Satsuma is around the corner for great coffee, fresh juice, and healthy ways to start the day. We rented bikes and rode EVERYWHERE.

If Lemon Tree Manor is available, BOOK IT – you'll never want to stay in some impersonal, overpriced hotel in the Quarter again.