My boyfriend and I stayed there for a week last March. Our plane was delayed and we didn't get to the B&B until way past midnight. But the hostess (Betty-Carol?)was very kind; she stayed up and waited for us and didn't give us any trouble (she stays in a tiny house behind the B&B). For most of our stay, she kept to herself, but was very responsive when we asked for suggestions.

Good stuff: 1) awesome prices for the nice room and huge, comfortable bed (Mardi Gras room); 2) beautiful, clean interior and nice folk arts & paintings; 3) lots of cool students / artists and studios, trendy shops around the area (you will see it en route to the French Quarters); 4) for a few days, we were the only guests in the B&B. We had the living area (couches, art and guide books), kitchen (can't cook in there, but we can use the dining table), and bathroom (spotless) to ourselves. Normally, I believe you share it with other guests; 5) the porch area is nice to sit and people-watch; 6) One gets to experience where people in N.O actually live and work as opposed to the tacky, tourist-oriented styles in the French Quarter.

Bad Stuff: 1) It's a mile and so from the French Quarters. My bf and I walked each morning for about 20 minutes to get to the far edge of French Quarter. The walk is not bad if it's sunny and not so humid. If you want to be in the middle of all the action and partying, you might not want to stay here. The cab ride is about 10 bucks, which is what we paid each night when we got home late; 2) I live in Harlem, but I still thought the B&B's neighborhood is shady. I wasn't scared or anything, but if you're used to the suburbs or yuppie areas, you might not feel comfortable; 3) our room did not have windows that we can open. The ceiling fans were fine, but it would've been even nicer to have fresh air. It can get a bit stuffy. 4) They don't serve actual breakfasts, but always left out fresh fruits, biscuits, and juice for us. There's an amazing restaurant about 5/6 blocks away (Elizabeth's, I believe. It's soooo yummy) to make up for this unfortunate fact.

Overall, we had a *great* time with New Orleans and with Bywater B&B. We were low-key, just trying to absorb New Orleans culture.