My husband and I and our two grown children were in New Orleans for a wedding in December. This charming apartment -- with a fully equipped kitchen and even a washer and dryer -- fit the bill for our family. We felt welcomed and pampered when we saw the gift basket with wine and snacks. The location was perfect, just a couple of blocks from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar and an easy walk from shops and restaurants of Magazine Street. Parking on the street was plentiful and easy. The beds were comfy, and ceiling fans kept the apartment breezy even on a couple of unseasonably warm (nearly 80 in December!) days. The Garden District neighborhood is a gem -- after spending a few days here and seeing much of the city, I cannot imagine wanting to stay anywhere else. The homeowners, Pat and Tony, were helpful and friendly to these first-time New Orleans visitors.

The house is old, and its charm comes with other old house realities: some topography to the wood floors, doors that need a bit of coaxing, windows that rattle in the breeze. There's also a narrow flight of stairs. If you're a traveler who prefers standardization and newness, this probably isn't the place for you; then again, New Orleans as a whole may not be the right fit. But for travelers who like convenience and character, this is a wonderful choice.