In my eyes, Bywater is THE place to be! A calm safe villagy feel .. in walking distance (20 min) to the action in the Frenchquarter. Carmen offers bikes too .. well, walking felt easier to me than driving them!
If you are a 'night owl' and in Nole to enjoy music events all night long, choose a place closer to the center, as France Street is at the far end of Bywater.
Carmen's place is not perfect, but cute, and if you love salty snacks you will be delighted about the generous offer in the kitchen cupboard ;-))
an other major plus: the small 'has it all'-shop right at the corner is open 24 hours ;-)
We were a bit dissappointed though that Carmen didn't show up to welcome us or let us know where the bikes are. We waited 4 hours for her to come over, allthough she lives litterarly next door.