Even once you're inside the courtyard area, the place doesn't look like much, but once we were inside our room we were pleasantly surprised. All of the rooms open up onto the patio area with inside balconies above. The rooms were well sized with large clean bathrooms. There was a nice little sitting area in the room as well. There are 25 rooms in all.

This hotel, like many others in the city, has limited on-site parking for $6 a night. We were not lucky enough to get into the lot for the night, but it was no big deal to park down on the Riverfront, and not much more expensive. Once you get rid of the car you can get anywhere on foot unless you want to leave town. This place is definitely not ordinary and is worth staying at just to experience.

The lobby of the hotel is small and graced by an elegant chandelier and an ancient elevator with padded walls. All the rooms are different, and the prices vary to fit most budgets. Breakfast is served in the courtyard, and it includes croissants from Croissant d'Or across the street.

Although the carriage tour drivers have begun calling the hotel the inspiration for the House of the Rising Sun, there is apparently no truth to this. But the hotel doesn't need any embellishment. The building is a four-story Creole jewel built in 1848. If you've had enough of the party on Bourbon Street and would like a change of pace, this is the perfect choice.