Bradley N.
Yelp
But first ... are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced ... ?
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Yes, this is going to be the Jimi Hendrix edition of Yelp today, and the subject is bed and breakfasts. Something covered more extensively on TripAdvisor and BedandBreakfast than Yelp. But honestly, why even use those other sites when Yelp can perform equally well, if not better?
So ... let talk B&Bs. Check that:
Let's talk about bed and breakfasts that qualify as "great."
Because truth be told lots of B&Bs are quite good - people take pride in them and it shows. But not many qualify as great. For that to happen you need four things to come together in a trapezoid of tremendous proportions:
1. There will be ample amenities - the little touches that say B&B, not hotel.
2. There is great attention to detail - borderline perfectionism works best.
3. The balance between private and public space will be right - tricky, tricky.
4. And the location will be ideal for exploration - this is the hardest one of all.
Get 3 of 4 right, on average, most of the time, and you're doing pretty well. Maybe even making a profit.
But get 4 of 4 right, even some of the time, and that's really great.
Ashton's gets 4 of 4 right. But that's because they are experienced.
In what? In running a B&B, certainly, but also in living in New Orleans, which is harder than it sounds. Remember Katrina?
They do here. It caused some major damage. You wouldn't know that unless you asked, of course. But that's part of the experience part I'm talking about.
(1) Amenities? Aveda bath products, for one. Sweet-smelling bath salts, too. An excellent Tea Forte selection, for another. Lapsang souchang? Sure. A rooibos blend? Of course! Served in Deneen custom logo ceramic mugs, no less. And 24-7 snacks, from homemade cookies and roasted pecans to chicory coffee to chips and cheese puffs and Abita beer chilling in the fridge (1 of 2 ). And exceptionally good breakfasts using local recipes and ingredients. Served from 8:30 am to 10, no reservations needed. Just show up. Earlier arrangements are possible, too.
(2) Attention to detail? It starts at the web site. Great photos, an easy-to-use reservations system, clear descriptions of the rooms and premises. Once you're at the B&B, the details simply get better, from the innkeepers themselves to the support staff, who keep things in place and elegant, all the time. Need a cab? Press the speed dial button on your phone. Need that wifi password? It's on your desk. Want to turn up the heat or slow down the fan? Press a button or two, and it's done.
(3) Privacy is a good thing at a B&B. And not just for the newlyweds. The rooms here provide that, but so do the common spaces. And conversations are available in the dining area, at breakfast, or with the innkeepers if you so desire. They'll give you as much detail about the city as you need, but they won't impose it. Some people here are return visitors. They don't need the grand tour a second time around.
(4) Esplanade Ridge is an exquisite part of the city, but also a lived-in one, unlike the French Quarter and downtown riverfront district. You can walk to these places if you want (30-45 minutes to Jackson Square), or call a cab ($8-9), or head North to the city park, stopping at Cafe Degas along the way. It feels nice to be in a neighborhood where locals live, work, and go to school. It's just that you happen to be staying in an old mansion and not a normal-sized home. The place is built for more than one family to enjoy, and I think the innkeepers and their staff appreciate this fact.
For a day or two, or maybe more, you can be part of the Ashton's family, too. You'll probably enjoy New Orleans a lot better that way. Because it's nice to be part of something great like that.
