Vacation Rentals by Owner

Gorgeous and cozy! Fabulous house!

Guest: Gretchen (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 03/29/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

Six of us rented the Greatman Cottage to attend the Final Four and explore New Orleans. The minute we opened the door, we knew we had made a good decision! The house was spotless... looked brand new! All the charm of the house was preserved while the renovations gave it such a modern feel! Tall ceilings, BEAUTIFUL furnishings, and top of the line kitchen! All 3 bedrooms were large and had comfortable beds! We found the house to be close enough to everything - yet away from the hustle and bustle. We walked to the French Quarter every day, but did drive or take a cab at night.The Bywater neighborhood is full of interesting house, shops and restaurants... makes for an easy walk just looking at things! Our favorite part was definately the courtyard! A relaxing way to start the morning with a cup of coffee, or to end the day with a glass of wine... we very much enjoyed it, and the fountain adds a special ambiance! Jim was super organized and very easy to deal with! Gave us some great suggestions about what to do, where to eat, etc... I would highly recommend the Greatman Cottage!!!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Spacious, Spotless, and Perfectly Located Bywater Creole Cottage

Guest: ebovary (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/14/12 Review Submitted: 03/21/12

Five of us rented Greatman Cottage (built 1838) for a recent holiday, and we were completely knocked out! This property has been beautifully renovated to preserve its old-world charm while offering all the modern amenities. The living spaces are big and airy, with comfortable seating in every room. Upstairs, the bedrooms are gorgeous, with comfy mattresses and high-quality sheets on the beds. But perhaps best of all is the outside courtyard, huge and private, with a working fountain and reclining chairs with cushions. This place is well-located near fabulous places to eat, drink or listen to music: Vaughns, Markey's, Satsuma, and the fantastic Frady's Po' Boys! Will stay there again for sure!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and serene - we loved our stay

Guest: hcb1975 (Columbus, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/06/12

My boyfriend and I stayed here with two other couples in early March. The owner, Jim, is terrific to deal with. He was prompt and organized, including sending us a thorough orientation guide to the house and also a detailed list of NOLA recommendations, of which we partook of many. I can't be descriptive enough in stating how beautiful and comfortable this house is. The pictures don't do it justice, it's really fabulous - the ceilings downstairs are very high and make the place so open and airy. There are three very comfortable queen beds upstairs, sunlight streams in through huge windows on the main level, and there is a beautiful garden with a fountain. The neighborhood of Bywater is quirky, it's truly where the locals live. It's a mix of artsy people, hippies, professionals and working folk. The neighborhood felt very safe and there are several restaurants (Satsuma gets a special nod, and a new place Maurepas, is supposed to be great, but we didn't go there) and a great jazz bar (Vaughn's) within walking distance. It is a little farther from the French Quarter than i had anticipated, about 1.5-1.75 miles. I wouldn't have minded walking, but a couple of my friends felt a bit skittish and one of the many very nice locals we met at the local bar (Markey's) told us to take a cab after dark. However, my sense was that the neighborhood is safe. Frenchmen Street is about a mile and the Marigny neighborhood is adjacent to Bywater and within walking distance with several more nice restaurants and bars. I really enjoyed staying at Jim's house and getting away from the touristy French Quarter scene. We met so many great people who were happy to provide recommendations and confirm which tourist destinations are actually worth checking out (Cafe du Monde and Central Grocery for muffulettas were both confirmed by all we spoke with). Frenchmen Street came highly recommended too. We had a great time and if Jim owned other properties I would visit those places just to stay at them!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A gorgeous and comfortable retreat

Guest: Emily (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 01/30/12

This was the perfect launch pad for six Minnesota women who wanted to explore New Orleans for 5 days. When we were exhausted from a day of exploring by bike or on foot, completely bloated from a fabulous meal or fatigued from a previous night's music and drinking outing, we'd come back to our beautiful place on Dauphine, throw open the French doors to the patio and simply relax. This home is beautifully furnished. The kitchen is lovely, beds are comfortable... everything you'd want. We bought many a bottle of wine, turned on the fountain on the patio and sat outside and enjoyed our hideaway. The neighborhood itself is a little dicey, but we were never nervous walking around during the day. We took cabs everywhere... I'm glad we didn't have a car, parking and driving is a little crazy. There's a couple lovely little breakfast places just a few blocks away. We had brought down a couple DVDs to chill out by but there was no DVD player. Not a biggie. Also, the steps going up to the bedrooms are very very steep, so if you have trouble with that sort of thing, I would look for another place. But all in all, just a wonderful, comfortable retreat. It would be a really nice place for 3 couple as well for a romantic retreat.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Gorgeous and relaxing

Guest: NOLAluv (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 10/27/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

The cottage is a great base for a relaxing visit to New Orleans. As a former residents of NOLA, this beautiful home was the perfect size for our party of six and an ideal home away from home. The bywater is a fun neighborhood, but a little further from some of the city's action than we had anticipated. There are a handful of fun restaurants within walking distance. The courtyard was the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning before hitting the city. Fantastic house. Fun memories.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.

Charming

Guest: Franchise (Indianapolis IN)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

The house was a wonderful place to spend time with my family. The guide provided by the owners was very informative and helpful. The visuals provided were exceptionally nice. The owner was quick to respond to all correspondances and was very easy to rent from. I would recommend the property to others and would stay there again myself.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great house!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/30/11

We had three couples celebrating a milestone birthday and we had an amazing time in New Orelans!James was very organized and great at communicating through out the whole process. The information on the house was spot on and very clear and helpful. The house is amazing. All of the bedrooms large, beds cozy and clean. It was very comfortable for all 6 of us. We never cooked in the kitchen, but it would have been easy as it is fully stocked. The neighborhood is quiet and about a 15 minute walk or $8 cab ride to the Quarter. We walked several times during the day, but wouldn't recommend it at night. We loved being outside of the quarter in a part of town that the locals live in. It made the experience much more organic! We all agreed that we would definitely stay there again!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Highly Recommended

Guest: Cathy (Council Bluffs, IA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 07/01/11

Our group of 5 stayed at Greatmen Cottage June 22 to June 26, none of us had ever been to NOLA before and we had a fantastic time. Staying at the Greatmen was the best decision we could have made. The place is absolutely beautiful! Everything you could want and more. We made a couple of meals while we were there and the kitchen was a pleasure to cook in, the showers and beds were luxurious, the courtyard an oasis. I highly recommend staying here to anyone and when you do, take some time to walk around the neighborhood. Get a feel for the real New Orleans. The neighborhood is spotted with unique, ornately decorated little cottages that I never got tired of looking at. We took the bus several times to the French Quarter and even walked there and back a few times or took the short cab ride. There are several fantastic restaurants right in Bywater plus a few fun neighborhood bars. James has the rental procedure down to a science. He made it so easy it was amazing. I would definitely rent this place again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Stay In The Bywater

Guest: Phil (Pennsylvania )
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 03/25/11

My family and I stayed at this wonderful house for 10 days in March 2011 and had a great experience. The house if decorated excellently and has all the amenities you could want. Everything is top notch. I couldn't recommend it more highly. At this location you are a short cab ride away from all the action in New Orleans and there is plenty off parking if you have a vehicle.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Home Away From Home

Guest: Professor (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

The Greatman Cottage is a wonderful refuge from the wildness of Bourbon Street. My wife, I, and two other couples stayed in this fantastic house on the 14, 15, and 16th of September celebrating a birthday, and I must tell you, the place was just wonderful. We are all from the Chicago area and didn’t know what to expect. We saw the online photos, which looked great, but when we were traveling through the neighborhood toward the house, we all had our doubts, but those doubts vanished immediately when we entered through the front door. The house was immaculate--looked brand new--and was impeccably decorated. After five minutes in this lovely cottage, we all felt right at home. And cottage may be a misnomer, because this place is large with plenty of space for everyone. It was absolutely perfect--from the kitchen’s vast amenities, to the beautifully appointed bedrooms with exceptionally comfortable beds, to the relaxed living room and dining room, and, finally, to the lovely outdoor garden where we spent our late nights unwinding and enjoying the fresh night air. If you are traveling with friends and are considering staying in a New Orleans hotel, please reconsider. The Greatman Cottage is just that—great! It is close to everything and lies in a cozy, quiet neighborhood away from the maddening crowd. You will not be disappointed!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

2010 Essence Music Festival

Guest: PILLOW (Bagram,Afghnistan)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/24/10

(James) Me and my family were thrilled with our vacation at your home.Me and my daughter traveled from Afghanistan to njoy your home.The location couldn't have been better appox 10 mins from everything.After staying 2 days we were able to turn in our GPS back to the rental car svc.We were a family of 5 adults Ladies and we had plenty of room to spread out and make this feel like home.The neighborhood was safe and comfortable.Your Next door Neighbor was the GREATEST.He gave us places to see and also the best coffee house in the area.The home was decorated and furished straight from Better Homes and Gardens.Just beautiful.And thanks not just for opening your home to us , but making the rental process fast and easy and also my security deposit.Our next stay in Orleans I WILL NOT stay any were else but here.If you had a Jaccuzzi i might not have left to see the city.It was just that great.Relaxing,inviting HOME.I will tell every1 that i know that wants a place that feels like home to check your listing. AND I HAVE.Till next time.Take care

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best of the Best!

Guest: Gillian and Peter (Pawleys Island, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/20/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

If you are looking at this site, you are looking for a rental and we strongly suggest you look no further - you'd be hard pressed to find something this great at this price. We add our own voices to the chorus of praise on the comment page. However, what we especially want to thank the owners for is their attention to detail - good linens and soft feather pillows, ample closet space with plenty of wooden hangers and in every room, a design aesthetic that is always relaxing and pleasing to the eye. Just wonderful! You will love this house!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: The Swans, Waltons & Livingstons (Redwood City, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/10

The Greatmen Cottage is a wonderful place to stay in New Orleans! We were in town for a convention, and were so pleased to have such an ample, beautiful space to relax, as well as a lovely patio area. We paid less for this home per night than we would have paid per night for 2 hotel rooms downtown, plus, we had an extra bedroom for our young son. The home is so tastefully decorated, with lovely touches everywhere. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We were a little concerned by the neighborhood when we arrived at night, as there are parts that are a bit run down (consistent with many parts of New Orleans, though), but once we woke up to a shining sun, and folks bicycling down the street with their bags of groceries, we felt blessed! And the drive to the Quarter is quite easy and short. If you go, check out Satsumas right down the street for a great breakfast or lunch! Thanks for a wonderful stay!

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Guest: Jim M.2 (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 02/26/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/10

Wow - what a great house! It was one of the best places we have ever stayed. We never expected such luxury. And we loved the neighborhood - lots of fun places and so convenient to the Quarter. We had a wonderful visit from the minute that we arrived at the "Greatmen Cottage" until we had to leave. Your furnishings are beautiful and the entire house is so well equipped. We hardly wanted to leave and see the town. Thanks for a great experience. We will definitely re-book on our next visit to NOLA!

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Guest: Marisol of Pet de Kat Krewe (Miami, FL)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

The conveniences of this property were first class! Our party of six enjoyed lounging in the tv-less living area and preparing meals in the fantastic kitchen. The beautiful bedrooms upstairs provided tranquil resting places for everyone. We would love to escape to this property next chance we get. For a party of six we found this to be a fantastic value and great location!!

Owner response:There is now a flat screen TV in the living room.

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Guest: Betsy Griffith (Macon, GA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/18/09

Lovely home. We especially enjoyed the wonderful kitchen and awesome courtyard. Lots of great restaurants in the area too. A bit far from the Quarter, but it's easy to get to by cab or bike. It was nice to have some peace and quiet and check out the Bywater area. Recommend Jack Dempseys, Elizabeths and the BBQ restaurant right down the street.

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Guest: Regina12 (Orlando, Fl)
Date of Stay: 10/23/09 Review Submitted: 10/23/09

Absolutely beautiful house!! Definetly worth the money compared to hotels or B and B's. James was wonderful in providing area information from a local point of view. We would definetly say again!!

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Guest: sebouh (new york, ny)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

What an amazing place! Not only is this home a veritable part of the history of NOLA, but also of the United States! A beautifully maintained property that is clean, modern, accessible and comfortable, this home seems like a undiscovered gem. An easy walk to the French Qaurter gets you the best New Orleans has to offer yet the location and style of the property simultaneously allows for a calm evening retreat into a gated and beautifully maintained garden courtyard! A must see, a must stay and a definite reflection of the spirit of New Orleans!

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Guest: Kevin Kelleher (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

Gorgeous home with every amenity: cozy living room with fireplace, state-of-the-art kitchen and a lovely garden. A perfect location for exploring the French Quarter and the Marigny, both easily reached on foot. I highly recommend making this your place of residence for a short or long stay in New Orleans!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

What a lovely home! Funky, vibrant neighborhood but when you enter the house, you enter another world...high ceilings, classically comfortable furnishings, a gourmet kitchen. Three very well appointed bedrooms and two cleverly designed bathrooms. It was a perfect getaway.

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Guest: Gregory Lassen (Palm Springs, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

We had the pleasure of staying here over Mardi Gras last year. The house is absolutely beautifully redone and was perfect for the six of us. We always found parking right out front of the house, and were able to walk to and from the marigny and the Quarter whenever we didn't want to suffer finding parking in the nearer the Quarter. If you're going to be bopping back and forth to the Quarter alot, I'd recommend renting bikes or even picking up a few uesd or cheap bikes at WalMart and then donating them upon leaving. We had a great time.

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