French Market Inn

The French Market Inn has a long and rich history. It opened in 1722 as a bakery, and in the 1830s, it was purchased by Baroness Micaela Almonaster who transformed it into a popular inn among Creole families and out-of-town visitors. Reports of ghost sightings and spooky noises (including sounds made by the bakery's old pulley system) have been on record since 1832. 

But ghost stories aren't the only thing that has remained from its early days. The hotel's interiors are full of period details, and the furnishings complement that history. In the lobby, hanging glass chandeliers, oil paintings, exposed brick, a marble fireplace, and carved wood furniture vividly display the historic nature of the building. Many of the rooms face a charming traditional courtyard, paved with brick and decorated with greenery and a small fountain. Patio seating here provides a shady spot to linger, and guest often spot the inn's "courtyard kitty," Patrick, stretched out here.

French Market Inn is located in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans, a two-minute walk north of the Mississippi River. Jackson Square is a three-minute walk away, and the well-known Cafe Du Monde and the French Market take four minutes to reach on foot. Bourbon Street is a four-minute walk away, but for those looking for local haunts and bars for jazz aficionados, Frenchmen Street (which begins at Cafe Negril) is a 15-minute walk. There are a variety of dining options on surrounding streets, and the Toulouse streetcar station takes three minutes to reach on foot. New Orleans International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive away.

Rooms are elegant, but small, with exposed brick walls, upholstered headboards, luxurious silver and gold pillows, and gold bed skirts. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and safes. Some rooms have balconies with street or courtyard views, though these can be particularly noisy. Past guests have complained of interior noise and cleanliness issues in some rooms, as well as a lack of windows. Bathrooms have spacious wood vanities with rose-colored marble countertops, walk-in showers, and hairdryers -- though the shower curtains and white-tile floors don't match the elegance of the rest of the room. 

The best feature of the hotel is its attractive courtyard, which has a tiny pool, and a combination of lounge chairs and wrought-iron patio furniture. A business center with a single computer and a printer is also available for guests' use. And guests can purchase snacks and drinks from the vending machines on-site. French Market Inn works with an airport shuttle that will take guests to and from the airport, though the service is expensive, and it might be cheaper to take a taxi. Valet parking is also available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there is no extra charge for children under 12.