Usually when I travel to New Orleans, I stay at a hotel downtown. For this quick trip for a friend's wedding I wanted to try something different, and I'm absolutely glad I did. If you are looking for the quant appeal of a Bed and Breakfast, but want more privacy, Lemon Tree Manor is a perfect choice.

I've long been in love with NOLA's Bywater district, and this charming old French-styled remodeled apartment is beyond perfect. It is located minutes away from all of the marvelous things New Orleans has to offer, but the space is so serene and beautiful you won't want to leave the immaculately manicured grounds of the Lemon Tree house.

I spent my mornings sipping coffee, listening to birds chirp, watching locals walk up and down Royal, and listening to the faint sounds of some kind of music being masterfully played or sang. It was heaven.

Susan greeted us with a hug, lots of information about the area, and fresh baked brownies. She was the perfect host in that she was in arm's reach if we needed her, but gave us plenty of solitude to enjoy our mini vacation.

Let me add that the apartment was fully stocked with any and everything we could possibly need, and we paid at least $180 less than what we would have paid had we stayed in a hotel.

We got way more for much less. We'd rate our experience an absolute 10.