I was fortunate enough to have my New Orleans girlfriend getaway weekend hosted by the New Orleans Collection of Hotels, which includes many of the top rated hotels in the city. Most of their properties are in the French Quarter; the place to stay in the Big Easy, and their newly renovated property, the Audubon Cottages, became our oasis of calm, a place where we could get a bit of R&R in the midst of New Orleans revelry.
A Luxurious Stay in New Orleans
Quietly tucked away on Dauphine Street, you’ll find the Audubon Cottages, named in honor of naturalist and painter John James Audubon who stayed in Cottage One from 1821-22 while completing his Birds of America series. One of the most alluring places to stay in New Orleans, the garden cottages surround what is believed to be the oldest saltwater pool in the French Quarter.
The management has taken care to ensure the original charm of the cottages wasn’t lost during the recent renovations and instead has breathed new life into the space, transforming it into a luxurious sanctuary that feels a million miles removed from the tourist crowds. With its spacious interiors the sweet little cottages also make a perfect spot for any New Orleans girlfriend getaway.
What is special about the Audubon is the sense of private, privileged space inside the bustling French Quarter; it’s not like any ordinary hotel room. As I opened the courtyard entrance door to the Audubon for the first time, I felt as if I had entered a garden estate complete with a butler!
After spending just a couple of days at the Audubon I started having fantasies about the cottage being my own little maison in the French Quarter, oh sweet dreams.
Our favorite place to relax was in the large courtyard attached to our cottage. Each morning we woke up to a breakfast served in our own secret garden at a table laden with croissants, jams, fruits, yogurt, and huge amounts of proper coffee. And I’m a girl that likes her coffee! After a day of exploring and indulging in a bit of New Orleans style celebrations, we’d be skipping home, longing for some quiet time and a dip in the luscious little pool – it felt so much like our very own magical girlfriend hideaway. My only regret was I had too short a stay to truly experience the Audubon in New Orleans. I will be back.
Just the Facts
There are seven cottages to choose from with a choice of one or two bedrooms, private or semi-private courtyards. Our elegant cottage featured two bedrooms each equipped with it’s own luxurious bath, warm exposed brick walls, and a large private living room with New Orleans inspired furnishings. All this comes with your very own French Quarter butler who serves you a complimentary breakfast each day. What more could you want from a Girls Getaway in New Orleans?!