Auld Sweet Olive Bed & Breakfast

This bed & breakfast is a “must stay” in New Orleans-from start to finish, the experience felt like pure magic! The attention to detail throughout the property added a unique charm that sets it apart. From the moment I stepped through the door, the host, Jonell, made me feel instantly welcome. Her bubbly personality and bright smile were like being greeted by an old friend. Her warmth and exceptional customer service continued throughout my entire stay, making the experience all the more memorable. The rooms were not only beautifully decorated but also impeccably clean and thoughtfully arranged for comfort and style. As a woman traveling solo, I especially appreciated how safe and welcoming the neighborhood felt — it allowed me to fully relax and enjoy every moment of my stay. If you’re looking for a place that’s both cozy and unforgettable, with a host who goes above and beyond, this is that place. I can’t wait to return!

Beautiful place. Great host. Nice location. The bed and breakfast is only a 5-7 minute drive to French Quarter yet it's far enough away that noise wasn't an issue at all for those who like quiet nights and quiet mornings. My daughter and I walked to several restaurants in the area and we also stopped by the Co-op a few times. A must try restaurant for breakfast (within walking distance) is Who Dat Cafe. Everything was delicious. I plan to visit New Orleans again and I would definitely stay here again.

As a NOLA native, I know that a quiet place to sleep in a vibrant neighborhood is something like a unicorn. This charming bed and breakfast in the Marigny did not disappoint. My room was clean, comfy and quiet as was the private bathroom. The shared spaces had a nice vibe with interesting artwork and lots of books. I felt at home relaxing on the front porch. The innkeeper was really sweet and attentive. Breakfast and coffee exceeded expectations. I don't bring cars when i travel to New Orleans because I see them as unnecessary in the city. This neighborhood has it all within walking distance. There is a food co-op across the street and several coffee shops, bars, and restaurants within a 5 minute walk. When I got hungry, I just walked in one direction until something smelled good. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Sweet Olive and intend to stay there when I return.

My 17 year old daughter and I had a lovely stay here for two nights. I forgot what it's like to stay at a real bed and breakfast - had a lovely connection with another guest over delicious blueberry pancakes. And after a very sweaty walk in the NOLA July heat we returned for a refreshing dip in the pool! It was the best. The host was warm and lovely; very attentive and a great cook! Definitely returning with other dear ones!

We booked a night for a mini-staycation and couldn't be happier with out experience. We checked in to the Sweet Olive room at 3pm and was given a tour of the place and the pool area. After a dinner out we came back to use the pool and have a few drinks before bed. It was the quiet, comfortable, relaxing night we were looking for, plus there was a great little breakfast set up from 8 to 10am. We'll be recommending this oasis in the heart of a bustling neighborhood to everyone.

We booked a night for a mini-staycation and couldn't be happier with out experience. We checked in to the Sweet Olive room at 3pm and was given a tour of the place and the pool area. After a dinner out we came back to use the pool and have a few drinks before bed. It was the quiet, comfortable, relaxing night we were looking for, plus there was a great little breakfast set up from 8 to 10am. We'll be recommending this oasis in the heart of a bustling neighborhood to everyone.

We choose to come and stay here the week of our honeymoon recently and it was one of the best decisions we had ever made. Kate and her friends and family are so hospitable, and really helped make two slightly nervous Mid-westerners feel right at home. She had the best food and sight-seeing suggestions while also being a tremendous cook. Don't ever miss her breakfast! Its organically sourced and excellent quality! The bed and breakfast is located in a quiet and safe neighborhood and is only a quick walk to the French Quarter or bus stop. The facilities are excellently maintained and they seem to have extras of everything you might ever forget to pack by accident. All in all, we have already recommended this B&B to many of our couple friends, and we hope to be back soon again ourselves. Do yourself a favor and book now!

We had such a great experience here. First it was fun living in a NOLA neighborhood. Stew the man of the house had the BEST recommendations. The caretakers on side all care. Breakfasts were enough to get the day started and creative. Pool was awesome. We were in it 3 times a day. 10 min walk to Frenchman’s and 20 min walk to the quarter. Loved every minute of our stay ! Thanks !

This was by far my favorite place I've ever stayed. It's cozy, well curated, and so close to everything you could ever need! Kate is the world's most amazing innkeeper and she guided us to some of the best food I've ever had. The sweet olive deserves a million stars and I can't wait to stay again!

Just, stay here. Just do it. Don't even look at another place to stay, this is your home away from home in NOLA!!! This property is stunning and inviting. Kate, the in keeper is a QUEEN and the ultimate B&B Mama. You will feel at home from moment one here. I'm a NOLA native but live out of state now, and I will be staying here EVERY TRIP HOME from now on. There's a heated pool and a hot tub. There's fresh, homemade hot breakfast every morning. There's a beautiful living room where you can curl up with a book or play any one of the many games they have available. Or you can just drink. ;) The location is perfect. You can get anywhere you need to by a quick uber. Lots of great local bars and cafes and places to eat/drink that are walking distance (hello, Marie's!) The Marigny is such a special place and you won't regret staying here. We literally cried when we left. You will leave a piece of your heart at Auld Sweet Olive. We are coming back, Kate!!

5 out of 5 stars. This was our first ever B&B and didnt know what to expect. Had a few glitches totally our own fault, since we arrived after hours to find parking and get in room.from the moment you walk in the place is so homey and peaceful. Really makes you want to stay in all day. Hard to describe how Refreshing it is to have breakfast with a room of friendly neighbors and break bread. Wonderful experience. Sparkling clean and refreshing. We loved this place and totally see ourselves coming back soon.

The breakfast on the two mornings we stayed was superb. The host was quite entertaining. Met some really cool people at breakfast every morning. Host was super gracious to let us go pick up sandwiches at the Verti Mart and sit in court yard after our check out time, as long as we had our bags out of the room so they could clean. Location was great and the inside of the rooms was stellar with all of the finishes on the walls. Happy to return. I was born in New Orleans and always love to stay in places that fit the character of the city, this one has it down.

We stayed at the Sweet Olive for five nights, from Lundigras through Saturday. We were in the Courtyard Suite which was generously sized and very private. Our friends stayed in another room, so it was great to have communal spaces both indoor and out to relax together. The house itself is beautiful but comfortable. The host, Lola, is wonderful. She makes a lovely breakfast every morning, different things each day, and while we were there was easily accommodating some vegetarian guests-all very tasty! We got to know several other guests during the week over breakfast, and hanging out in the living room in the evenings as everyone returned for the night. We spent our days exploring the city and the nights catching shows in the Quarter and on Frenchman. The location is great, close enough we walked several times (but uber/Lyft was inexpensive if we didn't). And best of all it's quiet! Having stayed closer in on previous trips we all agreed this was the perfect mix, close but not too close. I would recommend to anyone I know traveling to nola!

Loved our stay at Auld Sweet Olive! The room was comfortable and quiet (hard to find in that area!) and was such a cool place overall. Breakfasts and snacks were great, and Kate (manager) was the best. She's super friendly and accommodating, gives great dinner/drink/things to do recommendations, and she's very flexible with guests' needs. Would totally stay again! Thank you!

First of all... Check the dates on the reviews. The current owner, Nancy, bought Sweet Olive's around April or May 2013, and has transformed it into a lovely place. Dave, Dale, or anyone else has since moved on and is longer affiliated with the B&B. I came to NOLA for business. Since my days were going to start early and end busy, I needed a conveniently located, quiet and private place to stay. Sweet Olive's was just that, and more. Here's the breakdown: THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The Marigny is a bit on the hipster side. It's gentrifying, but still has a certain character that only New Orleans can provide. I walked to Frenchmen St. and the Quarter with no issues. There are small cafes and coffee shops nearby, even an organic co-op (grocery store) across the street! If you want to stay in an actual community where real residents of the city are, the Marigny is perfect. Safety is not an issue. THE ROOM: I stayed in the Cypress Room, which was comfortable, clean, homey, and had a private bathroom (shower only). After working all day, it was amazing to take a hot shower and collapse into a room that actually felt like a home. The AC worked great. There was a fan. And the adorable bathroom had fluffy, soft towels, artisan handsoap, and herbal hair products. (I got a tour of a few other rooms. The suite looked fantastic!) Everyday, my room was tidied up. Even my shoes were arranged and organized. THE HOUSE: It's a beautiful, restored New Orleans home with some classic French architecture. I was able to sit in the main room with a glass of wine and quietly work on my laptop. SO MUCH better than sitting in a hotel lobby or busy coffee shop. It was a laid back and well-equipped oasis from work. (I might have spent some time in the hammock in the courtyard.) Plus, Nancy has books available for reading or trading, snacks and drinks, and tons of interesting decorations. (Her Emmy is in the kitchen, next to the dry goods. Not even kidding.) THE BREAKFAST: A full spread with continental items and at least one hot protein, like goat cheese frittata or baked egg cups. Coffee, tea, orange juice, and milk. Sweet bread, muffins, bagels, toast, english muffins, and all the fixings. Bananas, oranges, apples, etc. The menu was printed out and framed with the weather forecast for the day. THE HOST: When I called the check availability, Nancy answered from her car and made plans to meet me with fifteen minutes. No one else I called was that personal and accommodating, and that's what hooked me. Nancy was around if you needed her. She made sure everything was stocked for you. And she was always a kind and smiling presence without being too overbearing. She had great tips for the neighborhood if you needed them. And we had some interesting conversations about travel, etc. She's lovely. THE PRICE: Are you supposed to post rates on reviews? Since I was on business, my budget was fairly non-negotiable. The room was less than what I've paid at stock hotels in other cities. And for the quality, breakfast, space, and experience, it was a steal.

My husband and I stayed at Auld Sweet Olive over New Years and had a wonderful experience. The location is great (right in the heart of the Marigny) and the B&B itself comfortable, beautiful, and creatively decorated. I always have the specter of a stereotypical overbearing innkeeper in my head when I book a B&B stay, and was a little worried we might be scolded for not knowing exactly when we'd arrive, or coming back super late from a night out, etc. I couldn't have been more wrong. The innkeepers here are both friendly and incredibly laid back. They've lived in Nola for a long time and are full of information about what to do and see, but also happy to leave guests to their own devices if you'd prefer. We were in town to visit friends a few blocks away, so we didn't get to spend too much time hanging out at the B&B itself. But we were very grateful for the comprehensive and delicious breakfast spread every morning, the comfortable bed and eclectic Nola decor, and the wealth of resources available to us via the innkeepers. Auld Sweet Olive was just perfect, and we'll definitely be back.

Beautiful place in and out. You have to ring the bell so you are greeted by Nancy. Very nice and personable woman. She gave me a tour and a list of what's around. Walking distance to bars and restaurants and my room reminded me of when I was a kid. It had everything including bottled water. The decor was fabulous and even the courtyard. Too bad I only stayed for one night. I highly recommend this place. The airport shuttle will take you to French quarter suites on The same street and you can either walk or take a bus from there. It's definitely worth the cab ride. Buffet breakfast at your kitchen table. Very classy. Thanks Nancy for an enjoyable stay.

Awesome Bed & Breakfast place just outside Frenchman Street with an absolutely charming owner, who defines the expression "Southern Hospitality." Apparently she was a former producer of reality shows (she has a few awards and Emmys on the wall in the public area) who decided to retire from the rat race and open this B&B in New Orleans. The house is beautiful and spacious, with a beautiful patio that you can entertain guests or just hang out in. She is also an excellent chef and lays out an amazing gourmet buffet breakfast in the morning. Nancy is also really happy to help out with any questions or suggestions about New Orleans: where to go, eat, and drink. I stayed at the Marriott on Canal St, but felt more relaxed and at home here, as Nancy does her best to make you feel entirely welcome. This place is also within walking distance of some really awesome bars and authentic restaurants. Don't be put off by the surrounding neighborhood of Marginy, it's gentrifying and the people are friendly. Pretty hipster actually. You can walk to Frenchman St for some really good jazz. Nancy is an amazing host and very generous, going out of her way to make me feel welcome. The house is beautiful and well kept, it was just restored when she bought the place in 2013. The room is spacious and really comfortable, for the price it's a steal. One of the best kept secrets in NOLA!

I wanted to stay at the B&B with my wedding party, and of course, I needed to plan a year in advance. When I contacted the Innkeeper, I was told the calendar was not open yet for those dates, so they could not give me pricing. Then they "opened" the calendar to give me pricing, but did not hold the rooms, so it was partially booked before I could come down, two weeks later, to see it. I'm sure it's a great place, but don't try to arrange a full house event. They are obviously not interested. Maybe they are always full anyway, and don't need you.

I cannot say enough good things about this place and its host. Such beautiful decor, sufficient amenities, yummy breakfast, welcoming and warm host. I love that it was far enough from the busy main streets but close enough to walk. Would absolutely stay there again if given the chance and am absolutely recommending it

Where to begin !? Auld Sweet Olive is a very comfortable, very laid-back yet professional establishment. I was going to take a week long vacation in Houston in July 2011, and due to the sudden death of a close cousin, I needed to change my location and dates to New Orleans (where I am from). I immediately thought about trying a different approach, looking at bed and breakfast style accommodations. In my good luck, I have a friend who knows Dale and David, the Sweet Olive owners. I was thoroughly delighted to see that they have a truly great deal when staying four nights: The 4th night is free! Obviously, this doesn't include major holidays. That is an amazing deal at any establishment, much less one as nice as this! I stayed in the Palmetto Guest Room. Very well-appointed, and with a lot of storage and a truly awesome bathroom with excellent hand made soaps! The staff was courteous, professional, and around just enough to see to any needs. No need for meddling people in your personal business, UNLESS you engage in conversation with them. Clara was amazingly nice. She is a true New Orleanian. I can't even tell you how amazing the incredibly generous spread was for breakfast. Jams, breads, fresh fruit, berries, cream cheese, muffins, bagels, you name it. Extremely generous and ever-evolving. I was very pleased. By the way, parking is extremely easy, as it is located across the street within a stones throw of the front door. Also, it is a secure lot off the street. Seriously, it can't get easier than that! By the way, WiFi is free! The house was very pretty and very well taken care of. I do not see the validity of some of the negative reviews that have been posted. Perhaps they were expecting the W Hotel or Intercontinental? Get real. This place is amazing. I will absolutely stay here whenever I am in town. No doubt about it. Michael D

The hotels were booked ahead of our visit to New Orleans. While I noticed a few negative reviews on Yelp, I thought tthey were anomalies. WRONG! I was horrified when the owner, Dave, called me when I was an hour late and yelled at me as soon as I said 'hello." I could barely get a word in. I've never ever dealt with anyone so rude in the hospitality business, let alone all my life. This was the only rude person I encountered in all of Louisiana. I bit my tongue and checked in anyways since I knew the hotels were all sold out and I had already paid for my stay a few months in advance. As soon as I pulled up, he was waiting outside with his hands on his hips yelling at me for being an hour late. I tried hard to be the better person and kill him with kindness. The rooms were clean. The entire place could use a touch up - it's a little run down. Neighborhood is a little sketchy. The website is not reality. It is not a scenic 'stroll' to the French Quarter. The property is not as nice. This place is not for everyone. Breakfast was ok for me, but again, not for everyone. Coffee, bagels, muffins, cereal, yogurt - all store bought. I've stayed at many B&B's and this was the worst ever. A new owner took over last week, so there is hope.

I am originally from New Orleans. When I come home for a visit and I don't stay with family, this is my go to spot . Miss Clara makes sure that things are ship-shape. And if you need company Happy will gladly make time for you. The overall theme is New Orleans, the coffee is great and the pasteries are fresh. It is close to lots of great coffee houses and cafés.

Pretentious and disgusting . Stifling . The inn owner unreasonable. By no means an authentic New Orleans stay ..avoid at all costs.i

This Inn is an ok place to stay, I might stay there again one day. It would benefit greatly from more TLC and an increased presence and involvment of the owners. And for crying out loud: replace those broken down great room furniture, they are fit for donation ....

Beautiful room and Nancy was wonderful and so accommodating, room is beautifully decorated. I agree with another yelper that the neighborhood is a little sketchy, it was about 20-25 mins walk to french quarter and was told by Nancy where to go and where not to... Wish it was closer, otherwise very nice

I have been staying at the Sweet Olive for at least five years now--it is absolutely my first choice when staying in New Orleans. The B&B is unique as each room was hand-painted by a set designer, and the craftmanship is amazing. You would swear the wood grain paneling in the Oak Room is 3D. Nope, expertly drawn by hand! The harlequin pattern in the grand hallway (shown in the photo) is my favorite. It was made by stripping the original varnish in alternating diamonds, then refinishing the floor to preserve. The hallway is also a mini-history of New Orleans, complete with historic Mardi Gras posters and the costume David (the co-owner) wore when he was king of the Endymion Mardi Gras parade. The location is absolutely perfect. A short walk to the French Quarter, so there is plenty of parking and no bands of drunken revelers to deal with. And they are directly across the street from the new holistic Wellness Center that just opened, which features a gym, organic food co-op, Mediterranean Restaurant, and more. Even closer than the French Quarter is Frenchman Ave, where all the great jazz clubs are located. The staff is friendly and responsive, and Ms. Clara is New Orleans personified. If you can get her to sit for a moment over coffee, ask her about growing up in NoLa. You'll listen with rapt attention for hours! The Sweet Olive is absolutely my home away from home in New Orleans. Five stars.

Rather than repeat the details from Jack M's wonderful review, I just want to add to the positives and say that my fiancee and I, my mom and her friend had a great experience here. The rooms are comfortable & spacious (for the price), and the whole place is virtually a museum of old New Orleans, from the aforementioned Mardi Gras decor to the many many books all over the huge comfy lounge full of antique furniture. We also had a great time saving money by bringing our own wine and kicking back in the courtyard till the wee hours. We didn't meet Dale, but found David to be very welcoming and he didn't so much as sneer when we had make a last minute booking change - mind you, I don't think they were doing too much business that weekend. Best upside: the rates are unbelievable for the location and quality. Downside: the bathroom floors weren't very clean. But Miss Clara is 78 years old, so we still tipped her. The neighborhood is great, despite some nearby construction. Didn't get to check out the Healing Center, but you're one block away from a different kind of "healing center": Marie's Bar - a safe, friendly dive bar that offers great po-boys out of the back kitchen and a chance to knock a few back with the locals, including Miss Clara. Just a few blocks away on Elysian Fields are Phoenix - for the leather & denim boys, and John Paul's - the friendliest bar I've ever been to, and one of my favorites in the whole city. And that's coming from a straight man. If you want to know more about JP's, I'm going to give it it's own review. You could stay here for days without ever going to the French Quarter. Take a daylight stroll through the Bywater and check out Dr Bob's art... thing, Elizabeth's for the best breakfast ever, and Euclid Records for the vinylphiles.

We had a great 3 night stay here. Hosts Lola and Vincent were so warm and welcoming and had tons of insider recommendations about the city. They made our trip wonderful and special. The place was super clean, quiet and comfortable. Want to come back!

Great little B&B in the Marginy district. Not too far off the beaten path. Beautiful vaulted ceilings and original woodwork throughout. Extremely comfortable. Our caretakers were knowledgeable of the area and had a plethora of suggestions. Continental breakfast is included. Revolving selection of locally baked treats, bagels, jam, yogurt, fruit and more. Happy, the house dog, is cute as a button. Can't beat for the value. Within walking distance of Frenchmen and the Quarter. Would definitely choose again.

Because Auld Sweet Olive has a new owner, I thought it only fair to give another review. If you are going to New Orleans, you are coming to one of the most historically rich cities in the US. Please, do not rob yourself of the most beautiful and contagious qualities of the city; the undeniable passion and pride that its people have for it. I will never understand why people would prefer to line the pockets of Arne Sorenson and stay in one of the Marriott's sterile and non-specific rooms. Anyway, my point is that when you stay in a B & B you are staying in someone's home and business. Someone who loves what they do so much they live it 24hours a day, 365 days a year. That kind of passion is exactly what you will find at Auld Sweet Olive. We stayed in the Courtyard Suite and it is wonderful. The large walk-in shower, the huge comfortable king-size bed and the fully functional kitchenette are perfect for any length of stay. The proximity of the Sweet Olive to neighborhood bars, restaurants and stores is fantastic for walking the wild, weird, wacky and wonderful streets of New Orleans. If you're going to come to NOLA, do it right- stay at the Auld Sweet Olive.

We absolutely loved staying at Sweet Olive. We knew we didn't want to stay in the French Quarter so when a friend recommended Auld Sweet Olive I immediately booked it. The owner, Nancy, was so lovely and accommodating and took lots of time with us when we arrived to explain the neighborhood, give us maps, and tell us her favorite local spots to explore. The house has a rich history and is really beautiful. The breakfast was delicious and Nancy's baked goods are out of this world. I'm pretty sure all of the negative reviews are from before Nancy was the owner as I can't imagine anyone having a bad experience with her! If you're going to New Orleans I highly recommend a stay at Auld Sweet Olive. Great neighborhood, walking distance from Frenchman Street, the French Quarter and less touristy spots like the Bywater district. We slept well, were well fed in the morning and had a great experience at Sweet Olive!

I searched high and low for a place that would make our New Orleans trip special. It was my birthday, our 15th anniversary and our first trip away from home without kids. Nancy was great from my very first email and I knew I had found the right place. She sent me some very informative emails with recommendations that ended up being spot on and really helped me to plan out our trip before we even arrived. Auld Sweet Olive is a beautiful old house with so much character. We arrived late but made arrangements so Nancy was there waiting for us and gave us a tour. Our room (garden suite) was perfect. It had its own entrance which was great and it was very quiet. The bed was really comfy, too. Breakfast was cereal, baked goods of some type, fruit and a hot dish every day. It was perfect to get our day started but not too much which is good because there are so many restaurants close by. The absolute best part about staying here was the love that Nancy has for this city. With her guidance we were able to see the best of New Orleans! Frenchmen Street is an easy (and pretty) walk and there is so much to see there. The bike tour she referred us to (confederacy of cruisers) was the highlight of our trip and had the same local pride vibe that we felt from Nancy. If I had to list one negative it would be that our legs were a bit sore from all of the walking. It isn't that far to walk to the French Quarter but you also do a lot of walking there. We walked a lot of miles 3 days in a row. In hindsight, renting bikes would have been a great idea. You definitely don't need a car but consider bikes or be prepared to walk. A LOT. The good news is that you walk off all those extra calories that you will be drinking and eating. We had such an amazing time that we are already planning our next trip back and we are bringing friends! Can't wait to stay here again!

My brother and I had a delightful time at the Auld Sweet Olive. The new owner, Nancy is very gracious and accommodating. I think that some of the negative reviews were based on the last owners. Our rooms were so sweet! You can see on the website how special the wall murals are. The artistry was remarkable. Rooms do not have televisions but the wi-fi was good. If you want a conventional hotel surrounded by corporate businesses, this is not for you. If you want a sweet, homey b&b in an a bohemian neighborhood, you will be very charmed. We can't wait to go back!

This place is the best.....charming, quaint, wonderful home and in walking distance to everything!!! Jessica is wonderful and super helpful in providing us suggestions on what to do while we are in town...we will be back!!!

Me and my boyfriend stayed here for 2 nights in September and we absolutely loved it! The location is nice and only a 5 minute taxi ride from the French Quarter. Staying here was so much better than staying at a hotel. The B&B was far enough away from Bourbon Street where we could actually sleep without all the noises but close enough to be in walking distance. The owner, Nancy, is about as nice as can be and treats you with respect. Even though we were an hour late, she was understanding and welcoming. She was very helpful with recommending restaurants and things to do close by. She didn't steer us wrong with any of her restaurant choices. The rooms were nice. Nicer than any hotel I've ever stayed in while in New Orleans but way cheaper. The maid service was fantastic! Our room was spotless, clothes folded, and everything upon returning from a day out in the French Quarter. It was a lovely surprise. Breakfast was great every morning. Mostly, homemade pastries, breads, and other goodies along with fresh fruits, fresh coffee, and any other breakfast needs you could think of. I'm definitely spoiled now and will never stay anywhere else while in New Orleans.

I spent hours - days, even - researching B&Bs for our trip to New Orleans, and while I noticed a few negative reviews for Auld Olive, the cute website and location won me over. So I was horrified to find out, four hours before our stay was to begin, that the owner was an absolute asshole, and we didn't have a place to stay. Here's the skinny: After an exhausting plane ride from the west coast, our flight out of JFK was held up (with us on the plane of course) for two hours, and our arrival time was pushed from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Not wanting to inconvenience Dale and David, the owners of Auld Olive, I called and let them know the situation, thinking that some advance notice would alleviate the inconvenience a bit. Instead, after letting the man who answered the phone know about our arrival time, this is the response I got (imagine a very angry southern drawl): "I have to WORK in the morning!" Uh.... Yeah, Stunned silence for a moment, then I ventured "I'm sorry about that but I guess I thought that maybe you could leave a key somewhere..." "This is MY HOUSE! I can't leave a key out! I should just cancel your reservation right now!" At that point, I gratefully agreed. There was no freaking way we were going to stay with a person like that. I should add that when I originally made the plane reservation, I contacted Dale and David to apologize for the late (11 p.m.) arrival, mentioning that in my experience these late-night flights often arrive even later, and suggesting that pre-arranging some sort of key-drop might be best, but they assured me it would be fine. It was not fine. While it was certainly stressful to arrive in New Orleans at 1 a.m. with no reservations, on a weekend where nearly every room was taken (it took us 1 anxious hour at the airport, calling random hotels from the phone book 'till we finally found a vacant but obviously very expensive room), we consider ourselves lucky for not having to stay at Auld Olive. I tend not to write negative reviews, but in this instance I had to. Spare yourself, and book a room elsewhere.

This place has a lot of character. Cute and clean rooms and super comfortable beds. It's an easy walk to Frenchman St. and the French Quarter. The breakfast, however, left a lot to be desired. They have bagels, muffins, and the like, but they're not particularly good. I was hoping for a hot breakfast, but I guess that's too much to ask from a bed and breakfast these days. In fact you might be better off getting breakfast elsewhere. Both owners of this place have day jobs, so they're not too involved in the day-to-day running of this place. Honestly, the few interactions I had with them made me feel as if they didn't want to be bothered.

Lots of character to this place! Super nice owners. Great value! An easy walk to the French Quarter. Would stay again for the price alone.

Me and my mom stayed with Nancy in March and we plan to stay again when we go back. The place was gorgous and Nancy was the epitome of down home hospitality. The staff was awesome as well they were ready and willing to accommodate at all times they were on staff. The B&B is centrally located as well and if you have not rented a car and are in good walking shape its not a far walk to the French quarter. Give Nancy Gunn your business and you cannot go wrong. Miss ya' Nancy, Jim and Charlotte.

Nancy at Sweet Olive is great! She makes the place feel very warm and homey. And she makes delicious things for breakfast (but, this is not a European b&b, so don't expect a big spread). Sweet Olive is a good, affordable place to stay and is a comfortable walk to Frenchman Street (great area!) and a bit further to the FQ. It has some sketchy areas not far from it, but my boyfriend and I had no problems. And you can easily call a cab to come and take you into town. One advantage is the area of town is quiet, so you get away from all the downtown NOLA craziness. We didn't spend much time at the b&b itself, but it's a great place to chill if you want to--there is a nice porch and garden area that is beautiful. No tub room, though, despite what the website says...(it's been turned into a storage area). The only issue I had with Sweet Olive was the noisiness. We were woken up by the breakfast preparation (we were in the room adjacent to the dining area), and the structure is old so you can hear EVERYTHING that happens in the hall and communal areas. Ask for a different room if you're a light sleeper.

It "only" took us a year and a day to finally make it to New Orleans...but when we arrived at the Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast, I knew that it was exactly the right choice. I'd planned a birthday trip for my boyfriend in October 2012, but due to unforeseen circumstances ended up cancelling our trip. Fast forward to October 2013 when I finally re-booked the trip, deciding against staying in the French Quarter and instead opting for the residential Marigny neighborhood which is when I stumbled upon the Auld Sweet Olive. From my first interaction with Nancy, the Innkeeper, I realized what a special place I'd found. I asked if Nancy might be able to put together a little birthday basket with some wine and other goodies for when we arrived. The only guidance I gave was the general type of wine my boyfriend preferred and the price point I'd like to spend. The basket couldn't have been more perfect. Pralines, beads, Mardi Gras favors, an umbrella (for Tropical Storm Karen that was making her way onshore), Saints gear and rain ponchos and of course, a fantastic bottle of wine. Tasteful, charming and delicious! Nancy greeted us warmly, and instantly we felt like we were at a friend's home. She is in her element as an Innkeeper, though admittedly, I suspect that Nancy likely succeeds at anything she puts her mind to. We were excited to see what was in store for breakfast, having read about Nancy's deft hand as a baker. Eggs in the hole, scones, muffins, goat cheese tart, fruit, yogurt, nut breads, coffees, teas, juices...were all scrumptious. We purposely dragged ourselves out of bed before 10am after some fairly late nights so as not to miss these treats! We chose the Olive Room which true to its photos and description was spacious, clean, comfortable and quaint. Loved the handmade soap and the fantastic bed linens and pillows! The private exit to the patio proved especially delightful for sitting outside in the mornings and for wine in the evening. The taxi service suggested by the B&B was great, prompt and took us anywhere we needed to go, all over the city for pretty much $10. The neighborhood was safe and artsy with a lot of character which we loved; we walked most everywhere including the French Quarter and the lovely and lively, but slightly less touristy, Frenchman street. I could go on and on but suffice it to say we will be back to the Auld Sweet Olive and you should book your room today

My wife and I stayed here on our honeymoon in late July and had the absolute best experience. Nancy was very accommodating and very pleasant. She made us feel right at home, even letting us borrow her beach bag for when we went to the beach one day and letting us use her umbrellas for the out-of-nowhere down pours that NOLA has. Nancy gave us great recommendations on where to eat and listen to great jazz music. It was the perfect distance from the quarter, close enough that we walked everyday we were there. The rooms were very clean and were pretty good size too. I would highly recommend that you stay at Auld Sweet Olive if you are visiting New Orleans!

Awesome! Welcoming, charming, friendly, clean.... truly a charm. Thank you, Auld Sweet, for the unbelievable hospitality.

I hate leaving a bad review, especially for the place we stayed on our honeymoon, but I just did not enjoy my stay here. When we arrived the owners were more than a little peeved that they had tried to call us that day and couldn't get a hold of us. Gee sorry, I was GETTING MARRIED. Apparently they had tickets to an event and we were holding them up. They gave us the key and no real welcome into the home before they left. The room was very cute, but the walls.... they are PAPER thin. I could hear every conversation going on in this small place. You are warned. The neighborhood was a little sketchy, but we didn't have any real problems with that. Breakfast was muffins and tea, the tea was very good, though I guess I was expecting a bigger breakfast at a bed and "breakfast". My biggest issue is that I never really felt welcomed here, more like I was an unwelcome visitor then a paying guest. I was happy when we left.

I hesitated writing a review of Auld Sweet Olive for a selfish reason: I'm afraid this small B and B will become so popular that it's rooms will all be booked months in advance. It would be wrong, though, not to acknowledge such excellence in hospitality. Auld Sweet Olive is a giant step above the average B and B. The house is genuinely charming. The walls of each room are painted by a set designer in different tropical vegetation themes (the name, BTW, isn't a cute version of "old" but a reference to Stephen Auld, another set designer who once lived there). The proprietor could not be more accommodating (armed with menus from what looked like every restaurant in NOLA, for instance, she spent 15 minutes helping make the perfect choice), but at the same time not to the slightest degree intrusive. Winner of local cooking awards, she bakes a different dish for breakfast every morning, all perfectly delightful. Perhaps we were just lucky, but the other guests were unusually interesting. Conversations over breakfast weren't just pleasant but actually stimulating. The only downside of Sweet Olive is that it is nine or so blocks from the French Quarter. That's a pleasant walk through the Marigny, a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. It seems perfectly safe, except perhaps late at night, but it does mean that you have to be a bit more planful about your activities. On the other hand, once back at Sweet Olive, you can enjoy a night without noise pollution.

A friend and I stayed here during the Essence Fest a couple weeks ago. I secured this reservation back in February after talking to the owner, Nancy. She was very pleasant and helpful on the phone when I asked her several questions about the bed and breakfast and about New Orleans in general. When we checked in, she was there to greet us and give us the lowdown on the B&B, including our rooms, breakfast, and how to get around. We stayed in the Magnolia and Oak rooms. I loved this setup. I'm a private person and really don't like to share my space outside of my husband and kids so I was very grateful that we each had our own room and bathroom. Our rooms were separated by a door which could lock on my side of the room. The pricing was very competitive and in line with the rates of other hotels and B&Bs for the special occasion weekend. I almost panicked because I forgot my Lysol which I carry with me when I travel for peace of mind. However, the rooms were clean so I had no worries. And my bed was very comfortable. I had breakfast the first day by myself since I was up way too early and it was continental breakfast with a little more. I tried the savory bread pudding that had veggie sausage, onions, and cheese. It was delicious. Along with fresh strawberries, juice, and some pastries. The walk to the French Quarter was about 12-15 minutes. Frenchmen street was nearby and that's a cool area to visit with great food and music. I'll probably spend more time in that area on my next visit. All in all, it was a great stay, Nancy was a gracious hostess, and I felt safe staying there. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone considering a visit to NOLA! I can't wait to come back.

Great southern hospitality. Gracious host, and Miss Clara (the housekeeper) was a sweetheart (she helped me get a taxi to the airport on the way out). The breakfast was pretty lean (continental style) so be prepared to supplement. The soap is specially made for the B+B and smells incredible.

My boyfriend and I were very pleased with our accommodations at the Auld Sweet Olive. When we travel, we keep pretty busy during the day, and are looking for somewhere safe, clean, and comfortable to crash at night. This b & b met all of our needs! It is in walking distance of the French Quarter, and we were glad not to be staying in that rats' nest. Dale, Dave, and Jessica (it seems Clara has passed away) made sure our needs were met without getting in our hair. Honestly, the Sweet Olive was the highlight of New Orleans for us. I don't think I'll be returning to that stinking, broken city, but if I do, I'd stay at Auld Sweet Olive.

Best place I have ever stayed at delicious food,vary clean, sweet owner. I loved it soooo much!

I guess sometimes peoples opinions differ, but man I can't imagine anyone not giving this place 5 stars. The price was perfect, the part of town wonderful and welcoming and 10 mins to the quarter. There were charming accommodations and the owners were awesome, great little breakfast, they gave us free soap(the soap was handmade and took a year off your life) plus they had a tree that had these sweet fruits that me and my lady loved. This is not the place to come and party for mardi gras. Its is a place to come and enjoy life.