616 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | (251) 219-4428
Charming historic townhouse with a fun atmosphere
Convenient French Quarter location close to Bourbon Street
Small, basic rooms with comfortable beds; some with balconies and skyline views
Large courtyard with patio furniture and lush vegetation
Computer available for guests' use in lobby
Freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, and coffee in the morning
Building and interiors show signs of age
Plumbing problems
Small bathrooms with toiletries limited to soap
Hotel parking is six blocks from property
The historic Hotel Villa Convento is a budget, family-run guesthouse conveniently located in the French Quarter that dates back to the 1830s and boasts Jimmy Buffet as a former boarder. The historic Creole townhouse features exposed brick walls, balconies, and views of the skyline, but also comes with a set of drawbacks, which include old plumbing, mustiness, and other signs of age and wear and tear, though overall this quirky property is charming and full of character (and is even said to be haunted). Its 25 funky rooms are fairly basic, but comfortable, and some have lovely balconies. Amenities are limited, but freebies include parking, Wi-Fi throughout, and coffee in the morning. There's a charming outdoor courtyard skirted in lush greenery. There are several other comparable properties in the area that travelers might want to consider instead, however, such as the Frenchmen Hotel, which has a pool in its courtyard, or the Chateau Hotel.
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Scene
A quirky family-run guesthouse in a historic Creole townhouse
This three-story brick Creole townhouse, with black wrought-iron balconies adorning its front facade, sits on a quiet street lined with other slightly ramshackle old buildings. The historic family-run guesthouse dates back to the 1830s, and it's rumored to be the House of the Rising Sun. The funky interiors feature an eclectic mix of old and new decor and furnishings, including a venerable two-person elevator padded with floral upholstery fabric, glass chandeliers in the hallways, gilt-framed paintings by local artists, and a plethora of cheap Mardi Gras ornaments throughout. The hotel does not deny rumors of the property being haunted, and celebrates its off-the-wall-ness with such touches as a skeleton sitting at the piano in the lobby. Cosmetic repairs are needed throughout, from peeling paint to cracking walls, but this quirky property has its charms and is full of character.
Location
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, two blocks from Bourbon Street
The hotel is conveniently located in the French Quarter, surrounded by narrow streets and other 100- to 300-year-old buildings that range from up-kept historic properties to derelict structures. The location primarily suits tourists seeking to explore the French Quarter, as there are lots of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and adult entertainment a short walk away. And the hotel is situated two blocks from Bourbon Street and two blocks from the French Market. There's a bus stop just down the street, and the Ursulines streetcar station is two blocks away.
Rooms
Small, basic rooms and suites with eclectic decor, comfortable beds, and tiny bathrooms; some with lovely balconies
Quaint, small rooms have slightly old-fashioned and eclectic decor, with wood frame beds, patterned quilts or bedspreads, and rustic details like exposed brick walls and wood ceiling beams, plus some rooms have bright accent walls in colors like deep purple or peach. Some of the spaces show their age with worn furnishings, finicky plumbing, and rusty or slightly moldy bathroom fixtures, but overall the rooms are cozy and pleasant, with comfortable beds and modern comforts that include flat-screen TVs, ACs, hair dryers, irons, and free Wi-Fi. (Some units also have mini-fridges.) Some rooms also have balcony access, and suites have a separate sitting area. Bathrooms are small and fairly basic, some with floral wallpaper, and are outfitted with shower/tub combos and soap (but no other toiletries).
Features
Free covered parking, computer for guests' use, courtyard patio, and free Wi-Fi throughout
The hotel has sparse features that are limited to free Wi-Fi, parking (though it's six blocks from the property), and a computer available for guests' use in the lobby, as well as a small collection of books. There's also a lovely outdoor courtyard with patio furniture and lots of lush plants and trees. Free coffee is available in the mornings.
