We can't emphasise enough how much we agree with all the good things other reviewers have said. Rita's is absolutely magical. The place is small ("intimate" is a better word), as stated, but very manageable for two people. Rita is an excellent host who respected our privacy completely but was also available whenever we needed her (which was very little). We were very comfortable, even with the cold snap which hit while we were there. We could hear the trains, but they never bothered us or kept us awake (light sleepers may want to bring earplugs).

The neighbourhood is amazing, a true Jane Jacobs mix of residential and industrial, shops and cafes. We walked home almost every night and always felt completely safe. Be sure to head the opposite direction of the French Quarter and explore the area, including places such as The Joint (amazing BBQ), Elizabeth's (praline bacon!), Euclid Records and Crescent Park.

Heading up to St. Claude, one finds an array of coffee shops and the new Artisan Cafe, with Wendy, one of the nicest waitresses in the world. A couple of blocks in the direction of the French Quarter are more restaurants and cafes, particularly Mimi's, which offers tapas on the second floor. There is only one thing you want to order from Mimi's menu: "Trust Me," a random creation by the chef. We ate there twice, and the second time we simply ordered three "Trust Mes," each of which was different and each an explosion of flavour.

The only problem we have giving Rita such a great review, is that it may be harder for us to book her place the next time we go!