Enjoy a unique stay in a very distinctive city, where beguiling holiday homes range from an elegant penthouse on the site of the old brewery to quaint private bed and breakfast suites in the heart of the French Quarter. Choose an 8 bedroom house for your wedding or reunion, a stylish condo in the Quarter or, for a racy history, stay in a B&B that once housed an infamous bordello and welcomes guests with extraordinary concierge services. Rentals are within walking distance ... or a streetcar ride to all the city has to offer. Candid guest reviews will help to guide your selection.

Despite a history riddled with wars, floods and hurricanes, nothing seems to dampen the spirit of N'Awlins folks for long. Each district and neighbourhood is unique, dotted with French influence and lacy ironwork balconies. The city is surprisingly compact, so wherever you stay is convenient to a variety of attractions. Start with beignets at Cafe du Monde in Jackson Square, go antique shopping, or take a paddle wheel river boat ride on the Mississippi River. A streetcar ride through the Garden District to the Audubon Zoo, or a haunted history tour interest all ages and interests.

Choose from a thousand restaurants in New Orleans! Muriel's Jackson Square should be on your short list with a fixed three course menu for around $30.00. In the Garden District, Coquette is in the same price range. And for those meals you will want to recreate in your penthouse kitchen, there is a day-long cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. From your holiday home, you easily mix city dining with home-cooked breakfasts and pre-dinner drinks on the terrace.

On the music front, partiers and music lovers spill through the Quarter for its renowned jazz. The Spotted Cat is a local favourite, and don't miss Preservation Hall - an historic and inexpensive jazz venue for first-rate music. It's right next door to famous Patty O'Brien's with sidewalk service of Hurricanes or Mint Juleps, while you wait in line for Hall tickets. Revelers fill the streets to enjoy the spirited processions that are near and dear to the city.

Compare holiday home living with hotel stays, and you'll understand the great value and special seclusion. With a range of sizes, locations and amenities, there is something for every taste and family. In a city the stays up late, it is nice to come back to your own private retreat.