We've had about a dozen airbnb experiences over the years, but staying in Calvin's amazing space, with its 13 feet tall ceilings, its 10 feet tall windows, and a balcony overlooking an energetic area of Magazine Street is probably the most fun we have ever had. We enjoyed spending long mornings drinking coffee, eating fresh bagels from just down the street, and enjoying the local scene as it painted itself on the canvas before us as we watched from those tall windows or from the balcony itself. Magazine Street itself has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and shops to keep you busy, but when you want to see other parts of New Orleans you can take a bus, or the St. Charles Streetcar, either east to the French Quarter or west to Audobon Park and Zoo. We had a car and made multiple trips to a marvelous sculpture garden and botanic garden adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art, but with just a bit of effort I'm sure that public transportation would get you to those places too.
Calvin is an excellent host, full of good suggestions for restaurants and other things to do in the city. We didn't need him often, but when one or two things needed fixed (the all important coffee maker, for example) he responded with assistance very quickly. My only regret is that we didn't spend more time chatting with him, because he's an interesting guy who probably has many good stories to tell.
Although you don't have the advantage of a full kitchen in this apartment, we found it easy enough to make breakfast most mornings by taking advantage of an air fryer/convection oven, a double burner which provided plenty of heat for frying eggs, and a trusty toaster. We brought with us a small waffle iron, which also helped a lot come breakfast time. The queen sized bed had a very comfortable mattress, something that two 70 year-olds really appreciated. We also loved that we could isolate ourselves in the sleeping area by closing two huge pocket doors which divided the bedroom area from the living room.
I will stress that the apartment is located in an energetic area, something we found very attractive. During our stay we were lucky enough to see and hear a couple of wedding celebrations taking place in a local park, both of which concluded with a throng of wedding goers dancing down the street accompanied by a small band. Those looking for a place of silence and complete tranquility should look elsewhere, but who comes to New Orleans for silence and tranquility?! Another practical consideration is the 21 steps one must climb to gain entrance to the apartment. For us, this was just good daily exercise, but we realize that some could have problems with this aspect of the residence.
Again, we have never had a more enjoyable airbnb experience than we had with this charming, extraordinary apartment. We hope to return again and hope that others get to enjoy it too.