“The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.” - Carrie Bradshaw
I’ve just barely regained my senses, NOLA, a fever dream, a town not for those of fragile sensibilities or weak constitution. Here at Auld Sweet Olive the city accepted me, and I lived as a local.
Let me take you, dear reader, to one week ago. In the sweltering depths of New Orleans, where the humid air hung heavy with secrets, time stopped, and i found myself transmuted to an era past through the golden walls of “Auld Sweet Olive." A bed and breakfast like no other, run by an enigmatic innkeeper who exuded an aura of mysticism and allure that seemed to transcend the realms of the living and the departed. The tales whispered in the bayou painted her as a voodoo enchantress, a sorceress of of warmth and hospitality with powers beyond reckoning. To me, she was Kate.
The charming abode itself stands in defiance of time, its facade glowing and contenting, adorned with symbols of esoteric origin. Inside, the decor is an amalgamation of old-world charm and modern antiquity, as if the very walls held the secrets of generations past. Every detail exudes warmth and thoughtful care. At every interaction, Kate, a woman of ageless countenance, greeted me with a knowing smile that hinted at the hidden currents of fate intertwining our paths.
From the moment I crossed the threshold, a palpable energy hummed in the air, something ancient and primordial that touched the very core of my being. From the moment I retired to my room (Birch), every piece of me knew that I’d found my respite, and even the shadows in the long end of the dying day appeared to dance with an ethereal life of their own.
Our host, the affable and attentive Kate, revealed her artistry in the concoction of delightful elixirs that bewitched the senses. The flavors were a symphony of taste, each dish a carefully orchestrated arrangement of herbs and spices that danced upon my palate like a spectral waltz. The breakfast alone was a spellbinding ritual, leaving me satiated both in body and spirit.
But it was during the twilight hours when the true magic of old New Orleans unfurled. Under the luminous glow of the moon, incantations in the form of jazz rose like tendrils of smoke, and the atmosphere throbbed with an arcane resonance. Whether it was mere theater or something more profound, I could not discern, for the veil between the mundane and the extraordinary seemed to blur as I walked the streets Auld Sweet Olive calls home.
My stay at this bed and breakfast was an experience of mesmerizing enchantment. For a weekend I lived as a local, and drank from the sweet elixir of Marigny only Auld Sweet Olive could brew. I welcome you to...
Read moreMy partner and I were thrilled to have chosen the Auld Sweet Olive Bed & Breakfast to stay for our celebrate my graduation with a trip to New Orleans. New Orleans had been on my list for ages and this B&B provided the perfect home base to explore this vibrant city.
We had the pleasure of staying in the Laura Suite, which was both spacious and delightfully decorated with beautiful wood floors, sunshine for days, and French doors that open to the pool area. The king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, and we loved the antique touches and modern amenities. The in-room extra-large jacuzzi-style tub was perfect for relaxing after long days of sightseeing.
What truly made our stay special was the exceptional hospitality of Kate, the innkeeper. Her warmth and attention to detail made us feel like we were visiting our most fun and hospitable cousin. The surprise bottle of champagne to help us celebrate was an incredibly thoughtful touch. Each morning's breakfast was a delicious testament to her culinary skills and her ability to accommodate everyone's dietary preferences. We appreciated her guidance in navigating the city, and her easy conversation added to the delightful atmosphere.
The location was ideal. Nestled in The Marigny neighborhood, we were a short walk away from some fantastic restaurants and cafes, yet it felt removed from the bustle of central New Orleans. The Le Pass app made it incredibly easy to use public transit and explore the city beyond the neighborhood with easy access to bus routes and street cars.
Even though the December weather was too chilly to enjoy the pool fully, it looked so inviting. As an alternative, we took advantage of the hot tub – what a treat!
We highly recommend the Auld Sweet Olive Bed & Breakfast. If you're looking for a welcoming, historic place to stay and an introduction to true New Orleans hospitality, then this charming...
Read moreCould'nt have found a more pefect place to stay in New Orleans. Sweet Olive was fantastic in every way.
Where to start? Let's start with Kate, the innkeeper. From my first email to last text Katie was amazing. Perhaps the coolist Inkeeper in New Orleans, Kate was a dream, an old soul and very special lady. Reservations, room choice and great local suggestions and great morning chats over breakfast made this stay wonderful in every way. We felt so comfortable and at home at Sweet Olive. I am not a big fan of B&B's but Kate really change my mind. The house, a Creole style home in the heart of Faubourg Marigny, was perfectly curated and a far cry from the musty old worn B&Bs that keeps us away from them. The layout is not your typical B&B, it was quiet and felt very private, although the other guests very lovely. Wine, beer, soda and snacks available all the time, Breakfast was thoughful and delicious. We stayed in the Sweet Olive room, with a king size four poster bed which was incredibly comfortable. Not a huge room but we never felt cramped or uncomfortable. The private bathroom was lovely. The room temperature was perfect and our own private porch was a perfect place to enjoy coffee, a glass of wine and a fine cigar, I spent alot of time out there enjoying the comings and goings of this very cool neighborhood, everyone passing by exchanged a friendly wave and welcoming converations. Such a cool neighborhood; arty, funky and historic and just far enough from the bustle of The French Quarter, but still within walking distance to all. We really fell in love with the neighborhood. Great music on Frenchman's Street, a wide variety of restaurants, shops and cool bars kept us far away from Bourbon Street. We will surely return to Sweet Olive when in New Orleans again, we...
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