I just had the pleasure of spending a few days in New Orleans, you guys, and had the best time! Gina from the Shabby Creek Cottage and I celebrated our birthdays with a girls’ getaway weekend. And rather than staying in a hotel, we used Trip Advisor’s vacation rental property site, FlipKey, to find a beautiful home that would fit our needs.  

Our experience felt way more personal and special because of staying in a residential area, almost like we were one of the locals. Well, locals with cameras, no sense of direction in an unknown city, wide-eyed and excited to see the sights!

There were so many options on Flipkey, with the ability to select the property features in any area (pretty much anywhere in the world). We found the cutest rental (here) in a beautiful historic mansion (but still close to everything) to spend our time. And wow!, were we ever happy with our decision (this location is said to be perfect for Jazz Fest!).

We chose a small studio apartment (beautifully decorated by the homeowner – with a few fun DIY accents too)! Take a look at how pretty and comfortable our little home away from home was – sweet decorative accents and smart ideas for small space living…

Minimalistic small space living was a pleasant change and so motivating to make de-cluttering a part of spring cleaning this year.

The description: The flat is open, airy and just plain sexy. It features high ceilings, large windows, painted hardwood floors, central air, a queen sized bed, flat screen TV, petite couch, an Eames rocking chair and a few other things. The kitchen has all stainless steal appliances, microwave, washer/dryer and an expresso machine. It really feels like a suite in a boutique hotel, its about 500 sq ft. In addition, all linens and toiletries are provided.

Small? Yes. But still way roomier than a hotel room.

The Mansion has some incredible history: it was built by the Storyville Madame Josie Arlington. Although it was her private residence, it was known that she entertained some of favorite client’s here. Josie’s once famed parlor is now a private flat on the west side of the estate with its own private entrance. The bathroom was small but made the best use of space.

Modern, clean, full of charm and beautiful architectural detail. The homeowners were very genuine and friendly and even treated us with a sweet mid-morning snack. 

Knowing our obsessions with homes, the homeowners invited us to tour the main house and another rental they’re working on…that decorating and home improvement eye candy was a definite highlight for these DIY girls! Stunning! I guarantee you’ll see their home on the glossy pages of a home magazine one day in the future. And again, getting to know the property owners was way more fun and interesting than strictly polite business of hired hotel staff.

We kept the theme of our getaway schedule-free, stress-free and low key but still managed to eat amazing food, win $9 at the penny slots, walk the French Quarter,

 sample beignets

at Cafe du Monde,

shop Magazine Street,

take a cemetery tour (or two)

and to drool over the history, beautiful trees and architecture in the Garden District, actually in the entire city to be honest. 

If you haven’t been to NOLA, it’s definitely a spot you’ll want to add to your bucket list (if you need a travel buddy – let me know! I’m ready to go back!) and if you have visited, what was your favorite thing about the Big Easy? I’ll share a bit of what I loved most next week. 

Disclaimer: I was offered a free trial, in part, through FlipKey. As always, opinion is 100% my own.