Thursday, June 3, 2010

STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS

Making up for my lack of pictures out and about in the French Quarter {I was sure my face and camera were going to make close contact with a lamppost}, I have many pictures of the Bed and Breakfast, H.H. Whitney House, where we stayed in New Orleans. Staying at B & B's has become a passion of mine when traveling, and this one made me fall in love. Built in 1865, she had been lovingly restored by the owners, Glen and Craig, a loving couple in their own right.
This is a perfect example of what one likes to do after a night out in the French Quarter. These are the resident stray cats that keep the grounds free of rodents and judging from their scars, protect the same from other invasive felines. They were known as Cat and Cat.
A side view of the inn. The balcony above is off our room that we spent our last few nights in. The air conditioning went out in the back half of the upper level and we were moved to this room, which was actually more to our liking.
This is Donna, a distant cousin of Glen's, who maintained the kitchen and made out lovely breakfast every morning. An aspiring pastry chef. some of our morning fare included banana pancakes with a Banana's Foster topping, homemade waffles with whipped cream and fruit, ham and cheese croissants and baked apples. This picture was taken at 4:00 a.m., the morning we had to get up to catch our flight. She actually got up that early so we would have fresh coffee and bagels before we left. I loved the warm, homey kitchen and passed a lot of time there talking with Donna and getting to know her. She was an absolute sweetheart.
The beautiful dining room. Sigh...
Rather abruptly, we are popping into our bath. Isn't it pretty? I loved the shower and all of the thoughtful touches.
This is the sitting room. I never thought I could like a leather couch but I took a few good cat naps on this one.
And our bedroom off the sitting room. The bed sat in the middle of the octagonal room filled with windows. We had a lot of thunderstorms at night and it was like one big light show. I loved it.
Back downstairs {are you dizzy?}, the buffet in the dining room which held our coffee, morning juice and fresh rolls and muffins.
The elegant parlour...
From the balcony off our first room, which faced the back of the inn, you can see the diversity of the surrounding homes, many of them abandoned or in terrible condition. This area sustained water damage during Katrina.

Looking over the backyard into the garden of the inn...

...we had a swimming pool and hot tub which you rarely see in a B & B. Craig threw a wonderful Memorial Day bash here and we met many new friends and got to know the other's staying at the inn. He made the best margaritas I have ever had in the little gazebo/bar.


I hope you have enjoyed the tour of the inn. If you ever go to New Orleans, I think you should consider staying here. We had the best time and it came to feel like home. Thanks for stopping by. :-)

61 comments:

Penny said...

Looks fantastic Jane! Glad you had a great time. I'm looking forward to hearing more.

Linda said...

Would you believe I have never stayed at a B&B! I'm putting it on my bucket list after reading this post though! This B&B looked and sounded amazing and with such hospitality!

If I venture to New Orleans, I'll most definitely look this place up!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, oooh, it looks absolutely fabulous!!! I love how you describe your breakfasts too, super yummy! (Food would be my priority too!)... The rooms are just gorgeous, and so is the view... sounds like you had such a nice time, I am happy for you! I also LOVE Cat and Cat! xoxo Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Oh, that sounds wonderful! I've never stayed at a B&B before. Those breakfasts sound amazing!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Looks like a wonderful place to stay! We stayed in our first B&B this year in Savannah and it was like being treated like royalty! I have never been to New Orleans but would seriously consider this one, if and when we go! Hope the rest of your trip was wonderful!~Hugs, Patti

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Such a pretty place to stay in. Glas you had fun:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

It is hard to believe what that area went through just a few short years ago...the water marks on the building were a reminder of the devastation! Mankind is amazing when it comes to picking ourselves up and starting over...
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time, Blondie! Enjoy! :)
Hugs..
Mona

GwendolynKay said...

What a beautiful retreat. And Donna is a blessing too.
Gwen:)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
What a lovely place, full of history and nostalgia. The bath is so cute and the bedroom surrounded by windows, I like that.

That was so nice that the chef got up early to make you coffee and bagels...that's very special.

hugs
Sissie

Sue said...

It looks wonderful. We have always felt more like hotel people. We like a television in the room and have often felt that when we get away, we didn't want to end up making small talk to strangers over breakfast. I'm starting to think we should try a B & B. These days they tend to have phones and TVs...and we travel more often, so having total peace and quiet isn't as important as when the kids were still around.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

What an amazing time, love all the pictures!
XO

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Janie,.
That looks so much fun! And the B&B kind of reminds me of Galena, minus the snow. Cat and Cat, now that is cute! Looks like a great trip and of course I can't wait to see the pics of you Christine.
Hugs and we need to plan our trip sometime soon,
Cindy

Barb said...

Hi Janie,

What a fantastic tour. I love b&b's.
If I ever get back to that part of the country.....a stay there is on my list. What a charming place. I think it was a good thing your ac went out. What a wonderful room.

big hugs,
Barb

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oddly enough, I have never stayed in a B&B. Of course I hardly ever go anywhere either. They look like they took care of you in style. You must be rested and ready for summer. It's going to be 100 tomorrow here and 101 the next day!
Brenda

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

What a pretty B & B. I enjoyed seeing all your pictures and reading about your trip. My brother sold a home he had on Bourbon Street a year or two ago. He and his wife spent a couple of years renovating it and had their daughters wedding there. It was amazing!

How sweet that the host got up and made sure you were off with coffee and bagels! Sounds like such a nice time was had.

Kim said...

I'm so glad you remembered to take lots of pictures for us Jane. What a gorgeous place! I've always wanted to stay at a B&B. Nearby Cape May has some of the most famous B&B's in the country! What's my problem???
xoxo,
Kim

Karen said...

What wonderful trip y'all must have had. Loved the pictures and the food sounded scrumptious!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Pamela said...

Thanks for the wonderful tour Jane!What a beautiful place ...so sad about Katrina and all the damage it did!
It's wonderful that people travel there ...put money back into their economy to hopefully rebuild what was damaged.
Pamela xo

Rebecca said...

Oh, I think B & B's are the way to go too! This place looks fabulous! Can't wait for more!

Hugs,
Rebecca

The Decorative Dreamer said...

This looks so inviting! I would enjoy staying here too! I've been to New Orleans once many years ago and loved the city! I would love to go back someday...Thanks for sharing your trip!

Melanie said...

It's lovely Jane. We went to NOLA in 2000 and we stayed at a B&B. It was a wonderful couple and we enjoyed it so much. Looks like you were treated well and I agree with you....that kitchen is very homey.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
The B&B looks wonderful. That was my favorite part of owning the B&B, meeting and talking with the guests. I met so many nice people!
xo
Robin

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

How fun, Jane! What a charming B&B!I am heading to NOLA soon to celebrate a big birthday and will be staying in a hotel near Jackson Square. I can't wait to read your restaurant reviews. I have already started my list. This is my 3rd trip and I have some favorites to revisit! Happy weekend...hugs...Debbie

xinex said...

The B & B is so charming, Janie. I am glad you took a lot of pictures.It looks very warm and welcoming and I can see that you had a great time. I finally posted our pictures on my blog. Come see!...Christine

koralee said...

Thank you for the great tour...that is one place I would love to visit. xoxo

Lori E said...

Great vibe from this place. More pictures please. Take us along for the ride. Feed us, pour us cocktails and tuck us into bed.
Thanks, I needed that.

Pondside said...

Hi Jane - it looks like you had the New Orleans experience we all dream about! I'll definitely keep the name of this B&B in case we go down there any time soon.

Kerry said...

that looks like such a great place to spend some time. I've only ever read about New Orleans...would love to visit some day.

Anonymous said...

Morning Jane! Looks like you had a great time in New O! Isn't it amazing looking at the front of the building how it looks great and then you see the back view and are reminded of the horrible damage! I'm always attracted to wrought iron balconies!lol Really pretty. The food sounded yummy too! I'm laughing at your opening comment about the camera and walking into posts! I know exactly what you are talking about - I can never walk and click for fear of smashing into something!!!lol Glad you had a great time. Enjoy your weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

susan said...

Jane-You got there! I love New Orleans and don't get to visit as often as I used to. Bourbon Street can certainly make you look like something the cat dragged in (as my MIL used to say) :). The B&B looks like a great place to stay and there are no better cooks/chefs in the world! Thanks for the anniversary wishes!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Ohhhh sigh... How glorious!

Yes, B&B staying is the bessssssssst!

:-)

Susan Freeman said...

What a lovely home. I especially like that kitchen. We have made a habit of staying in B&B's during our marriage. They are so charming and comfy and feel like a home away from home!! I'm glad that you had a wonderful trip!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Privet and Holly said...

I'm also a big B&B fan! I'll be staying in two sweet ones in just a few weeks ~ can't wait! Your images really captured the feeling of the neighborhood and I bet you returned home with a bit of NOLA still in your heart : ) Have a great weekend!
xx Suzanne

Lovely Scribbles said...

Whoa, Jane, what a fabulous B&B! It has so much character, and it sounds like you had a wonderful time there.

Oh, and I do agree - you and I have a lot of similar tastes! :)

Debbie said...

I'm glad you had such a nice visit in New Orleans Jane! I was there a few years back...pretty crazy city at that time!
I love the bath at the B&B! too cute!
Did you take a carriage ride at night?
Can't wait to see more pics.
Debbie@houseatthelake
xxxooo

Glennis said...

Wow, what a great looking place!!! Hope you're having a wonderful time.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Jane, I can see why staying at B&B's is your passion. This one is gorgeous!!! Our first vacation ever was spent in New Orleans many years ago. I fell in love with the French Quarter. Could have spend days there. If only I would have had a digital camera then.. lol... I hope you took a carriage ride while you there.. We did it was wonderful. Thank you for bringing those memories back... hugs ~lynne~

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Jane, now you know I was just a drooling over that DR and all those antiques...Girl what a fun place to stay loved seeing this and those lazy cats ha ha!! May you have a GREAT weekend my dear friend...Hugs and smiles to you Gl♥ria

Paula@SweetPea said...

A B&B has so much more character than a hotel. I loved looking at the pictures of this one and I just know that you had the best time there. The food sounds really good, too!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I have always wanted to see New Orleans, love your pictures, love that Inn!

Funny, I've never liked leather couches, but sometimes I come across a really broken in one with the right worn brown leather, and I say.. "this would be nice!".

Mary said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip Jane - the B&B is lovely and I bet they made you very welcome.

I'll be checking the mail - thanks again dear.

Good to be home, however it was such a fabulous trip to Africa I already long to go back!!

Denise said...

Hi Jane, I was trying to leave a comment yesterday but think I got sidetracked from the computer and it didn't post? Just wanted to wish you a great weekend, love the pics you shared.

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Hi Jane,
I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in New Orleans. It IS hot down here and I can't imagine having a room without air conditioning! It's a good thing they weren't full and were able to move ya'll to another room! whew!
:)

cheeky rose said...

Oh just loved that bedroom, what a fabulous place to stay

Gypsy Heart said...

So glad you had such a wonderful time! I'm even more grateful that you had A/C the whole time. Guess you can tell I don't do heat! It's been in the high 90's every day here with tons of humidity ~ wayyy too much, too early.

Love the pictures...everything looks so warm and inviting, much like walking into a good friend's home.

Thanks for sharing!

xoxo
Pat

Kathleen Grace said...

This looks fantastic! I would rather stay in a beautiful B&B than a hotel any day. I have never had a bad experience in one.

Debbiedoos said...

That place looks awesome! So much fun. I have always wanted to go there...now I do even more. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

Unknown said...

What a lovely Inn, looks like you are having a wonderful time.

Karen

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, I'm so glad you had a good time in NOLA! I love your pictures of the inn. Looks like a fun place. Makes me want to go there for a visit, too.

Thanks for sharing with us...

XO,

Sheila

Joyce said...

Wow I want to go to that Inn too. Glad you had a good time. I just love B&Bs for the history of the house and for those wonderful morning breakfasts.
Joyce

Shellbelle said...

What a lovely B&B, I'm with you, they are the only way to go. So happy to hear you had a great trip and can't wait to see more.

(I want to go there if only for the food!)

Tina said...

What a beautiful Inn, Jane! I love how it was furnished and a pool in a B & B, you lucky lady! it looks like you had such a wonderful time and I am loving seeing all of your gorgeous pics, thanks for sharing:) I hope you are having a wonderful start to your week ~ Tina xx

KTW said...

What a lovely B&B! I'm so glad you had a great time.

I've stayed in a B&B only once and it was in NYC. It was WONDERFUL! :) Can't wait to go back someday.

Silver Strands said...

Just found your blog and I"m glad I did.. Enjoyed scrolling through it.
And I think it's great that your nickname comes from your husband :)
oxoxox
Denalee

Nancy said...

On the previous post, Mr. B's is one of my favorite places to eat. So elegant and peaceful in an old school way.

I remember one stormy night in particular, the wind just howled in the fireplace. The backyard looked as though a micro tornado had hit. It finished off a large umbrella and broke the old windows waiting to be carted off. Thankfully, the newly installed, that day, windows were spared.

Lovely B & B! It is difficult to convey the remaining devastation. So many think everything is done by now. Unfortunately, contrary to popular opinion, neither insurance or the government has funded the repairs.

Beautiful pics. Again, glad you had a good trip.

Unknown said...

WOW, i love this place! I am glad you had a great time! This is so beautiful!
Thank you for your visit! You are the best!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Jane,
It is cold and rainy today, just yucky! And in about a half hour Dan and I have to drive to Milwaukee (a 3 hour drive) to pick up Jacob from the airport. He's been in AZ. visiting Josh. And he is coming in at midnight! We're going to have to drink a lot of caffeine and take turns driving.
I am pooped already and today was Dan's last day of school and he's really pooped.
We should plan something in August. Take Care,
Hugs, Cindy

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks like a wonderful place to stay! I loved that kitchen!!

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
Like you I love B&B's, we even played at being innkeepers, for a few months, here at the Presbytere a couple of years back.
Your stay in New Orleans sounds fabulous and I will definately bookmark this B&B for a possible future trip.
Thanks for the recommendation and for stopping by NL today.
Maggie

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Such a gorgeous place, Jane! Bananna pancakes seals the deal for me!

xo
becky

prashant said...

I'm looking forward to hearing more.
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