Lafitte Guest House

Built in 1849, Lafitte Guest House is a historic French Quarter mansion-turned-hotel with charming blue window shutters against a white facade. Part boutique hotel and part art gallery, the ground floor and lobby are full of artwork by local artists, with lots of colorful pieces adorning the walls. Interiors feature traditional French decor and antique furniture paired with exposed brick walls, maroon carpets with elegant floral patterns, and chandeliers, creating an elegant atmosphere befitting of the French Quarter. Besides the chic indoor spaces, there's a lovely courtyard with patio furniture and greenery that offers a place to relax outdoors. With it's convenient location in the French Quarter and stylish vibe, the hotel attracts mostly couples who can be seen congregating in the courtyard or on a terrace. 

Lafitte Guest House is located in the famous French Quarter, directly on Bourbon Street, which is lined with cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. Jackson Square is an eight-minute walk away, and the well-known Cafe Du Monde can be reached in seven minutes. The cafe is also the starting point for the French Market, an outdoor shopping experience, while the Shops at Canal Place are about a 15-minute walk away. Those looking for bars with a jazz scene can head to Frenchmen Street (beginning at Cafe Negril), which is a 10-minute walk away. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a 25-minute drive. 

Most of the hotel's 14 rooms feature classic French decor that fits in with the rest of the hotel. These include a gold or cream color scheme, wooden beds -- many with carved or canopied headboards -- chandeliers, (nonfunctioning) marble fireplaces, floral patterned carpets, and antique Victorian furniture. The Attic Room is a bit more modern in style, with wooden floors and contemporary white, boxy bed frames. Exposed-brick walls and antique wooden furniture give the room a distressed, chic style. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and bottled water, plus some also have a balcony or a pullout sofa. The white-and-black-tiled bathrooms don’t offer a lot of space, but most have shower/tub combos (some have showers) and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. Small amounts of mold and mildew and cracked tiles can be found in some of the bathrooms. Guests should note that there have been some complaints on a variety of issues, including air-conditioning, cleanliness, and bothersome noise, though it should also be taken into account that the hotel is located on a famously boisterous street known for its late night revelry. 

Apart from the lovely collection of art, this hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a free breakfast buffet in the mornings, though it’s limited in quantity and diversity. Guests can also make use of a shared central kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, stove, and oven. An attractive garden courtyard and a few public terraces encourage camaraderie before a night out in the French Quarter. There’s free Wi-Fi, and guests can make use of a business center with a computer. On-site parking is available, unusual for this area, though it’s limited and costs a daily fee, and guests must leave their keys at the front desk so as to allow the maneuvering of vehicles in and out of the small space.