Gwendolyn is a great host. Her home is beautiful and has that authentic old New Orleans feel. The décor is wonderful, just as in the pictures. Now, the neighborhood on the other hand, that is not in the pictures, you have to prepare yourself for. It's the hood. It's actually farther away from Bourbon Street than expected, so we had to rent a car. There is a food market around the corner that has the best food I've had in my life. As stated by one of my girlfriends on the trip "it will give you a food orgasm". It's simple and quaint if you're on a budget and don't want to be in the midst of things. The bed was comfortable, water was hot and the wifi was good. She also leaves complimentary water and soda in the frig you can help yourself to, which comes in handy if you're out late partying and drinking and need something late night non-alcoholic. It wasn't what we expected but it didn't hinder our trip one way or the other it actually got us away from the general public and forced us to see things outside the Essence festivities and really get to experience New Orleans, the good, the bad and the ugly...100