Audubon Cottages — Hotel in New Orleans

Secret gem in a perfect location. All I can say is "wow!", why didn't I know about this place before? We have stayed in the Quarter numerous times over the years, and prefer historic or unique properties with antique-type furniture. Our old favorites have either closed or switched to typical hotel room decor with a faint historic flair (I'm talking about you, Prince Conti Hotel!). The Audubon Cottages really fit the bill. Enter through a fairly nondescript door into another world - lush tropical semi-private courtyards off the stunning main courtyard. Each cottage is unique and is situated on a semi-private courtyard shared with one other unit. The 2 bedroom units are stunning and huge. The bathrooms are modern but classic. Good water pressure for washing thick long hair. Everything was spotlessly clean. No weird or musty smells. The very welcoming and friendly staff was responsive and always available by phone or on-site. (It is not staffed 24/7, but help is only a phone call away). We parked at the Dauphine Orleans a block up the street, an affiliated property. No breakfast service, but honestly, you're in the French Quarter! Go get some beignets at Cafe du Monde or have Eggs Benedict at one of the many nearby cafes. We walked everywhere in the French Quarter including all the way to the end of the French Market, to the river, and up to Canal St. Nothing felt too far and we never felt unsafe (but always pay attention to your surroundings anywhere in NOLA these days!). You can be on Bourbon Street in 3 minutes. Yes, there was some street noise at night, mostly from cars with their outrageously loud and bass-filled sound systems. A small trade-off for being so close to the action! Bottom line, highly recommend...

Audubon Cottages, March 25-April1, 2025|Our stay began on the sidewalk outside the cottages. We were greeted by an aggressively sarcastic host. We were both taken aback and non plussed. I think (hope) he meant to be funny but after a day of travel we were not in the mood. We were not off to a good start and the remainder of our evening was colored by our lingering sense of, “Is this the right place for us?”|Our host recommended bars and restaurants based on his long experience in the quarter. Our taste did not agree with his. He closed his welcoming speech by impressing on us the importance of not losing either of our two sets of keys. If we lost a set, we would have to pay for changing and re-keying all the locks for the entire property. |The property is a serene island amid the chaos of the quarter. The food is great, the jazz is up-tempo (not my fav, I am more of a Frank Morgan fan), the crowds are annoying. We are both in our 70s so you can gauge for yourself. |Local recommendations: Vacherie for coffee, rolls, sandwiches and ice cream near by on the SE corner of Touluse and Dauphine. Lunch at Antoine’s and wear a jacket. Breakfast at Brennan’s, again, a jacket, and reserve 9 a.m. Alternate less expensive breakfast at Café Fleur de Lis, NE corner Chartres and Bienville, arrive at 8 to get a seat on upstairs balcony. |Tours: Whitney and Laura Plantation; toursbyisabelle.com. The Hermann-Grima mansion: hgghh.org, on St. Louis between Dauphine and Bourbon.|We had take out from Vacherie on our patio the last evening. We were visited by at least two rats. Would suggest you do not leave your room door open. BTW: I noticed that discarded food waste sat in a bin out by the pool for more...

Secret gem in a perfect location. All I can say is "wow!", why didn't I know about this place before? We have stayed in the Quarter numerous times over the years, and prefer historic or unique properties with antique-type furniture. Our old favorites have either closed or switched to typical hotel room decor with a faint historic flair (I'm talking about you, Prince Conti Hotel!). The Audubon Cottages really fit the bill. Enter through a fairly nondescript door into another world - lush tropical semi-private courtyards off the stunning main courtyard. Each cottage is unique. The 2 bedroom units are stunning and huge. The bathrooms are modern but classic. Good water pressure for washing thick long hair. Everything was spotlessly clean. No weird or musty smells. The very welcoming and friendly staff was responsive and always available by phone or on-site. (It is not staffed 24/7, but help is only a phone call away). We parked at the Dauphine Orleans a block up the street, an affiliated property. We walked everywhere in the French Quarter including all the way to the end of the French Market, to the river, and up to Canal St. Nothing felt too far and we never felt unsafe (but always pay attention to your surroundings anywhere in NOLA these days!). You can be on Bourbon Street in 3 minutes. Yes, there was some street noise at night, mostly from cars with their outrageously loud and bass-filled sound systems. A small trade-off for being so close to the action! Bottom line, highly recommend...