TL;DR

Charm: Slightly unassuming frontage hides a luxurious courtyard hotel.
History: Some of New Orleans’s oldest buildings, including James Audubon’s former home.
Privacy: Intimate cottages just a block from Bourbon Street.
Pool: Saltwater pool perfect for relaxing after a night out.
Check prices here

Slightly unassuming among the streets of a French Quarter lined with ornate architecture, the simple front of Audubon Cottages is the key to this NOLA boutique hotel’s charm.

Once inside, you’ll find a luxurious cottage hotel with a courtyard to die for.

These are some of New Orleans’s oldest buildings, one the former home of famed naturalist James Audubon.

The history is palpable. with even rumors of ghosts in some of the cottages.

The layout of the buildings offers a kind of intimate tranquility that is nice to find in any circumstance, but when you’re a block away from Bourbon Street, it’s a godsend.

The seclusion and history come at a price: with no onsite kitchen, the Cottages rely on their sister property, Dauphine Orleans Hotel, for many amenities.

However, you’re surrounded by the liveliest of the French Quarter’s bars and restaurants, and a short walk to the promenade along the water.

If fascinating history, privacy, and the perfect pool to relax in after a night of partying down the street are what you’re looking for in a vacation, grab yourself a cottage.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 7 cottages.
Style: Rich wood, ornate upholstery, and historical charm in each cottage.
Bathrooms: Modern walk-in showers and some jacuzzis.
Kitchenettes: Fully stocked for coffee or a homemade dinner.
See all rooms in detail here on the booking page

The decor matches the vibe: you’re enjoying a private residence as a New Orleans hoi polloi, in a building built in the aftermath of the Great Fires.

It’s turn-of-the-18th-century luxury, with modern touches, of course. Bedding is crisp, white and plentiful, decor is rich wood and ornate upholstery.

Each cottage has its own atmosphere. In some, grandiose portraits and antique tapestries line the walls, others have buttery walls with paintings of birds, or whitewashed brick supporting detailed botanical drawings that pay tribute to the Audubon legacy.

All cottages show their history, through exposed or painted brick, gorgeous wooden-beam ceilings, hardwood flooring, and even a fireplace. Most are two-bedroom suites with one or two bathrooms.

As you might expect, the historical influence stops in the bathroom door(s), and you’ll enjoy fully modern walk-in showers and facilities. Cottage Two even has a jacuzzi.

You’ll also enjoy the freedom of kitchenettes in all accommodation, fully stocked for everything from your morning coffee to a homemade dinner.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Local dining: Walk to nearby restaurants; no onsite kitchen.
Drinks: Water, coffee, soft drinks in cottages; cocktails at Hotel Dauphine.
Concierge: Recommendations for restaurants, bars, and local attractions.
Pool: Saltwater pool is a main attraction in a red brick courtyard.

If you don’t want to cook for yourself, and let’s face it, you’re on vacation, you are able to walk to a number of eateries that should satisfy all tastes.

You’ll find water, coffee, and soft drinks within the cottages, and cocktails at the nearby sister property, Hotel Dauphine.

The Dauphine doesn’t offer the same historical charm and oasis-like peace, but it has a spooky bar in an old bordello next door.

Otherwise, rely on your concierge for recommendations. They have their finger on the pulse of a quickly-changing restaurant and bar scene, and will point you in the right direction.

The courtyard is cozy and calm, but the real attraction is the saltwater pool, rumored to be one of the oldest in New Orleans.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

French Quarter: At the heart of New Orleans with jazz bars, museums, and galleries.
Nearby districts: Marigny, Bywater, Warehouse, and Garden Districts accessible by foot or streetcar.
Audubon Park: Perfect for a long walk or a round of golf.

You’re in the French Quarter! It’s the beating heart of New Orleans and the center of much of the city’s fame.

It’s a playground for revelers, history buffs, and anyone who loves a little culture in their vacation.

You’ll find jazz bars around the corner, museums covering everything from Irish culture to Death, and art galleries lining Royal Street.

Walk down towards the water for a stroll along the promenade that will take you to the Bohemian neighborhoods of Marigny and Bywater.

Or head to the nearby streetcar station to check out the Warehouse or Garden districts, which you’ll find slightly more calm if no less cultural.

Audubon Park is at the end of the line if you fancy a long walk through the greenery or a round of golf.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”It was a quiet bird filled oasis in the middle of the French Quarter. I just wish I could have spent some time in the pool. Excellent staff, seemingly available at any time. Cleanest place I’ve stayed in the Quarter….”

”The location was phenomenal and the staff couldn’t have been nicer. Loved the historic atmosphere and tranquil setting in the middle of it all. Would love to come back when it’s a little warmer/greener….”