I rolled in - alone - between Christmas and New Year's and spent the most wonderful, pampered, charmed seven days that one could possibly imagine. Alvin and Ray have been at it for "a while" and they've certainly gotten it right. I requested MY room (No. Three) and it was awaiting my late arrival....temperature just perfect, everything sparkling and spiffy. I was thirsting for a Diet Coke and Ray had it at the door in a second. He had a deliver-in menu at the ready in case - since it was late - I didn't want to venture out and lots of "dish" about the latest greatest place to get victuals and have a great New Year's experience. The killer coffee, mango juice, piping-flaky croissants and fresh fruit in the (heated) gazebo every morning was the perfect start to the day and was accompanied by more news about the newest museum exhibits and in-house restaurants and other close-by purveyors of food and drink. When my actual New Year's dining experience was disappointing (they "lost" my reservation), my hosts admonished the establishment to the extent that the manager was on the phone inviting me back for dinner on the house and abject apologies. My departure schedule necessitated early, early rising and a knock at my door revealed one of my hosts (at 5:30 a.m.!!!) with a coffee tray, "Just to be sure" I was up and at 'em. I'm so spoiled: can't wait to return. This place is just across Rampart Street from the quarter, has all the great hospitality and charm (and even off-street parking) a New Orleans bed and breakfast should have......and the best hosts in the city.
