Hotel Spotlight: Melrose Mansion in the French Quarter, New Orleans!

I'm frankly reluctant to tell you about the Melrose Mansion!  It's so hard to find a perfect place to stay in the French Quarter in New Orleans, especially during Jazz Fest.  As Jazz Fest was to be mine and Napper's first voyage sans enfant (without baby Ever), I researched long and hard for the ideal home base while there.  I love places with heaps of history yet modern in the right ways.  Good location for walking safely about, right price point.

After looking into old fave, the Southern Belle of NOLA, the Soniat House Hotel-- they only had their attic rooms avail (not worth it) for exorbitant prices and they demanded full payment ASAP by certified check -- mailed to them-- what?! that is definitely not modern in the right ways, I began my search in earnest.  I came across the glorious images of the Melrose Mansion.  It had some spotty reviews -- probably due to hotel stays before new owners gussied the place up about 6 months ago.  I rolled the dice and booked it.

And so glad that I did!  The buildings are beautiful- all historic dating back to the 1800s, one a former brothel, they have all been renovated in a manner that retains their history yet with gorgeous modern bathrooms, kitchens and furnishings.  Just the right balance.  We stayed in one of the Marigny Suites which was perfect- felt like our own apartment with the benefits of a hotel.  We also loved jumping in the refreshing pool after a long day in the sun at Jazz Fest-- incredibly special (and sobering!) to be splashing around in a pool in the balmy evening air of the French Quarter.  The hotel also offers complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese.

The location is also ideal-- on Esplanade which is a picture perfect tree lined street on the edge of the Quarter close to Frenchmen Street.  There's also a little market a block away for buying water, milk, snacks, etc.

Love, love, loved it!  Til we meet again Big Easy. xox