As Melissa says in her description, the Bywater neighborhood is "not for everyone". It's rather worn around the edges but quiet, friendly and filled with all sorts of delights, including some very good restaurants. We really enjoyed wandering around the streets. It's a delightful refuge from the hubbub of the French Quarter. Melissa's house is typical of the neighborhood - also worn around the edges and filled with all sorts of delights. We were very happy to have rented a car. parking is easy and it gave us much more flexibility to explore New Orleans including the Lower Ninth Ward. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.