1. Where are the units located? We represent a number of units, many of which are located in the French Quarter. Most of them are within a five-minute walk of the Cathedral in Jackson Square.
2. What is provided? Units are completely furnished with linens, televisions, and cooking facilities.
3. How are the units furnished? Because the units are located in historical buildings, the furnishings vary according to whatever is appropriate for those locations. While there are a few antiques, the apartments are mostly furnished with high-quality reproduction furniture. We try to make all apartments fresh, attractive, and festive. We place great importance on cleanliness since that is what we like to find when we travel. We have many guests who return to stay with us often. We feel that their loyalty speaks for the value and quality which they find when staying with Historic Rentals
4. What kind of kitchen facilities are in the units? All units have coffee makers and refrigerators. Smaller units may have microwaves and limited cooktop facilities; larger units have full-sized, completely equipped kitchens.
5. Is there a sleeper/pull-out sofa? Our units generally do not contain sleeper or pull-out sofas. We’ve never found anyone who enjoyed a good night’s sleep on such a bed, and we prefer for our guests to enjoy their trip to New Orleans.
6. Is there daily maid service? The rooms are cleaned before guests arrive and after they leave. Most guests do not relish the thought of an early morning knock by the cleaning staff on a daily basis. When guests stay more than a week, however, the apartment will receive weekly cleaning.
7. Is there an iron? Each suite has an iron and ironing board. There are, however, several good dry cleaning and pressing establishments available in the French Quarter.
8. Is smoking allowed? We request that our units be smoke-free. All units adjoin a lovely courtyard which can be used by smokers.
9. What are the check-in and check-out times? While check-in is preferred after 3:00 p.m. and check-out is preferred before 11:00 a.m., we strive to work with guests to match their schedules. Please let us know what your needs are, and we will try to accommodate them.
10. Do I need a car in New Orleans? Most visitors find having a car in New Orleans as much fun as having an alligator as a wrestling partner. On-the-street parking in the French Quarter is limited to two hours between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm, 7 days per week, except when it’s forbidden because of street cleaning restrictions. There are good public parking lots available, but most tourist activities are within easy walking distance, or accessible via the St.Charles Avenue streetcar. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive and allow you to avoid the parking problems found throughout the city. Do not rent a car unless you know you will have to head far afield.
11. What about parking? Only a few units have parking, but most do not as they were built in an era long before automobiles had been imagined. There are, however, several parking lots nearby which our guests frequently use. These lots are open and guarded 24 hours per day, allow the drivers to retain their keys, and usually cost about $20 per day. Guests who arrive by car typically stop at the unit’s location to unload luggage and then proceed to one of these lots. Most often guests’ cars remain parked until the guests prepare to check out.
12. How do I get from the airport into town? We suggest you use a taxi ($28 for two people). Taxis usually take about one-half hour to reach the French Quarter from the airport. The van service costs $13 per person, delivers only to hotels, and can take up to two hours. New Orleans’ airport, the Louis B. Armstrong airport, (known as MSY in the airline business), is located about 16 miles west of the French Quarter, in the suburb of Kenner.
13. What is the weather like? During the winter the weather is usually mild, freezing for only one or two nights per year. During the summer, it’s hot and humid.
14. Is New Orleans safe? New Orleans is a typical big city and you should take the precautions normal for an urban area, wherever you choose to stay. Precautions might include: minimizing alcohol-related impairment, stopping into a commercial establishment if you feel uncomfortable, taking taxis late at night, keeping your doors locked, and minimizing the cash and credit cards you carry with you. It’s rare for a visitor to the French Quarter to have an unfortunate experience, although incidents are frequently well-publicized.
15. What are the payment procedures? To secure your reservation, HistoricRentals.com requires a credit card at the time of booking. Actual payment for your reservation is processed by the property manager after you have booked. Please read the policies below for this lodging’s accepted payment types and procedures.
16. What are the payment options? VISA, MasterCard, Traveler’s Check, Cashiers/Registered Check, or Money Order.
17. How are deposits handled? Reservations require a deposit of 20% of the expected total to be charged to a Visa or Mastercard. To hold the reservation the total must be charged and the receipt signed within 48 hours of making a reservation. The remainder is usually due at check-in, with exceptions for major events and groups, which require advance payment in full. For major events, full payment is required and non-refundable in advance. Check for details.
18. How are cancellations and refunds handled? Reservation deposits are usually refundable (less a $10 fee or 10% of the charge whichever is greater) if canceled more than 30 days prior to arrival. There is no refund of reservation deposits if the trip is canceled less than 30 days prior to arrival. If you have doubts about your ability to make the trip, travel insurance is highly recommended, and is available through your travel agent or Travel Guard International at travelguard.com. Additional conditions may apply during special events. Please contact us for details.
19. What about special events? Special events carry special rates and advanced payment requirements. Special events include: New Years, Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras Season, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th Weekend, Essence Festival, Labor Day Weekend, Southern Decadence, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Please contact us with any questions about our accommodations during special events.