Haiyan is the PERFECT host! This is a no frills experience so if you are looking for fluff look elsewhere. BUT, the best part for me was Haiyan's kindness! The richness of the neighborhood, and hearing Haiyan's stories and meeting his family and friends. These things made New Orleans real for me. I was commuting to a nearby hotel for a conference with the free bike so riding through Central City and seeing real life made my experience! I did not envy my friends who stayed in an overpriced hotel. They envied me especially after a panel from the Ashe Cultural Center, Tulane City Center, and Blue House gave a talk at my conference about the Central City neighborhood where they are all based. They all wanted to come to my hosting neighborhood afterwards. And they did and Haiyan treated them just like they were a paying guest! Enjoy the stay here and do not try to make it anything other than what it is! If you and him have time sit down and talk to Haiyan, and his family and friends. You will be impressed!