Upon entering the apartment for the first time, I knew the month I’d booked would not be enough time. If you are thinking that you want to experience New Orleans not as a tourist, but as it would be like to live here, then staying with Lee would be an excellent choice. The other 30+ reviews mostly cover everything I wanted to say, but I’ll pile on another in case it’s not already obvious that this place is a gem.

It’s an old house that’s been well renovated, but all of the charming original details are still there. The high (13 foot?) ceilings, wood floors, and classic New Orleans shotgun layout is probably unlike any place you’ve stayed before. There’s a backyard with a garden and a cute, somewhat private little back porch that I found to be a nice place to step outside for a smoke without having to get dressed or even put shoes on. The place feels like a home and not a rental.

The neighborhood is St. John and like all real neighborhoods, it has everything you need within walking distance. Restaurants (some of the best in the city), bar (on the corner), grocery (couple of blocks), wine store, wine bar, beer garden, drug store, gym, dry cleaners, music venue (Chickie Wah Wah!), parks, bike/jogging path (Lafitte Greenway), and on and on. It’s also quiet and convenient, being centrally located in the city. It’s a very safe neighborhood. That said, it’s New Orleans, not Disney World, and you should always pay attention to what’s going on around you.

The place was well provisioned, so I didn’t find myself needing much. I liked that Lee was next door - only a text or knock away for anything. Being so close, we’d cross paths occasionally and I found it nice to sit down in the backyard for a chat with her. She’s easy to talk to and knows New Orleans well. I hope I have the opportunity to stay with Lee again.