1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter

Ooh la la. Once bordello catering to society's elite.


Great LOCATION 1/2 block to Bourbon St. ROMANTIC 1870s Creole / Victorian B&B, a block from luxury celebrity inn.


WALK (live like a local). No car needed to convention center, French Market, Jackson Square, Aquarium, historic cemeteries, Riverboats, casino, bars, dance &music clubs, restaurants, but on public transportation.

Interesting history (1800s a Voodoo practitioners home), + guests say it's like walking into a museum with 'eye candy' stuff everywhere + antiques, vintage furniture.


COURTYARD, hammock, porch swing, BALCONY suite, Mardi Gras costumes, art, books, + more.

Want a BARGAIN, but don't want to give up amenities or being pampered? Our accommodations ARE NOT "cookie cutter" hotel room, PLUS you get extras we call LAGNIAPPE. From $79/night weeknights (off season $60 up). Don't get TOO excited. only a couple of our rooms are that cheap.


Rate is ALL INCLUSIVE +Continental breakfast w/B&B room. (Yep. Our rates cover ALL the stuff some hotels don't tell you about, local 'phone calls, energy surcharge, WIFI, applicable tax.) FREE: Guests receive our BEST BET RESTAURANTS + SIGHTS, SOUNDS, &FLAVOR of New Orleans Eguides. We hope you'll let us be your hosts to The Big Easy. web site: BANANACOURTYARD Toll free USA +most of Canada: 800-842-4748. Alt. 504-947-4475.

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1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter

Location

  • Location is best described as:
    • Faubourg Marigny
    • French Quarter
    • Garden District/university
    • JazzFest
    • Mardi Gras parades
    • restaurant row
    • City
    • Downtown
  • Nearest major city: New Orleans, LA (0 miles center city)
  • Directions to property:
    Most tourists experience only the tourist area. With us, we'll help you find off beaten path things to do in and near the French Quarter.
  • Nearest major airport: New Orleans, LA (MSY) 8 miles
  • Directions from airport:
    FLYING? We arrange for your transport from the airport to your accommodation, with a reliable taxicab service. Rate is regulated by the city. From AIRPORT on Interstate 10: Take I-10 East toward downtown. When the interstate splits at the I-610 interchange, stay RIGHT on I-10, and follow the New Orleans Business District signs. Just before the Superdome, the Interstate splits again. Stay RIGHT on I-10, toward Slidell. After you pass the Superdome, take the 2nd French Quarter/Vieux Carre exit on I-10. It's Esplanade Avenue, (exit 236-A). At Traffic light (N. Claiborne) turn right onto Esplanade. Go on Esplanade Avenue to next traffic light, N. Rampart. SLOW DOWN!!!! That's the residential boundary of the French Quarter. See the banana painted on the fence? That's us, next to the luxury condominiums. If you call to let us know you're near, we can be on the verandah or sidewalk to greet you.
  • Meeting places:
    • above via taxicab by fee
    • Airport
    • Bus
    • Train

Room Rates (USD American Dollars)

All occupancy rates are subject to change
  • State and local taxes may apply
  • Accommodations: room, suite, cottage,townhouse
  • There are 10 guest accommodations (10 with private baths)
  • Single occupancy rate is between $ 59.00 and $ 165.00
  • Double occupancy rate is between $ 65.00 and $ 215.00
  • The rate for each additional person is between $ 10.00 and $ 50.00

Amenities

In Room
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Ceiling fans
  • Coffee/Tea facilities
  • Data port
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Fridge
  • Hairdryer
  • Internet Service
  • Ironing Board
  • Microwave
  • Private entrance
  • Radio
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Turndown Service
  • Wi-Fi
    • On Site
  • BBQ grill
  • Conference Rooms
  • DVD Player
  • Library
    • Other Amenitites
  • tropical COURTYARD
  • orientation to French Quarter
  • if we're around, name your poison: beer, wine
  • HAMMOCK &porch swing
  • free soft drinks +bottle water
  • concierge service

    • Meals

    • A C bkfst w/B&B room breakfast is included with room rate
    • Breakfast is served from: 8-10am
    • Breakfast is served in the nearby restaurants, coffee shops, Dining Room
    • Additional food services included in room rate: a free beer, wine during business hrs., free bottled water, fruit, granola bars, Fruit, Non-alcoholic beverage
    • Special meals available: Low Fat, Restricted, Vegetarian
    • Our signature dish is Trifle
      Trifle served mainly on Winter Sundays, ONLY by request: Fruit, berries, anglefood cake, liqueur, boiled custard, whipped cream presented in a crystal bowl. Yum, yum. Never any leftovers.

      Otherwise, we serve a generous Continental breakfast in dining room (Nope. Unlike many places, WE DON'T use paper plates, plastic forks, etc.) We set a lovely table for guests to kick back and chat with others.

    Policies

    • Minimum stay required (usually 2 days, some special events more)
    • Smoking is allowed in limited areas (smoking OK on porch, veranda, courtyard , garden)
    • We cannot accommodate guest pets
    • Limitations on children staying (may consider if well behaved.)
    • No childcare is provided
    • Consumption of alcohol is permitted (free wine, soft drink, beer when we're around B&B only)
    • Deposit amount required (minimum 50%: see Policies (bah, humbug) section our web site.)
    • Check in time is 3 pm and Check out time is 11am
    • Cancellations:
      See Policies section on our web site (We call it the 'Bah, Humbug" Section
    • Accepted by the following agencies:
      • Bed and Breakfasts International
      • Louisiana Travel Promotion Association
      • New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
      • PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International

    Discounts available:
     15%7 nights high season (n/a holiday, special events)Minimum stay: 7 days
     36%7 nights off season (n/a holiday, special events)Minimum stay: 7 days
     5%Fireman+Police+Military+educators+Srs+AAA+GroupsMinimum stay: 3 days

    Innkeepers

    • Innkeeper(s): Mary Ramsey (aka the banana lady)
      Mary Ramsey (+Hugh (known as our resident raconteur). While our children were young, we lived in Atlanta, GA, hosted exchange students from many countries: Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Columbia, Brazil, France, +Afghanistan. Were Ambassadors on the inaugural trip of former President Jimmy Carter's Friendship Force, when we traveled to Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Also members of Servas, another cultural exchange program. NOW, we get paid for what we love doing!! Can't ask for more
    • The innkeepers speak: English

    Area Attractions

    Amusement Park, Antique Shopping, Aquarium, Art Galleries, Beach, Casino, Concert venue, Gourmet/Fine Dining, Historical interests, Lake, Live Music, Movie Theater, Museum, Nature area, St. Louis Cathedral, Aquarium +WWII Museum, Jackson Square +voodoo, above-ground cemeteries, French Market +flea mkt., St Charles Streetcar, Audubon Zoo, Performing Theater, Picnic area, Religious Services, River, Zoo

    Onsite or Nearby Activities

    Bicycle rental, Bicycle riding trails, Bird watching, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Golfing, Horseback riding, plantations, swamp/bayou tours, museums &art galleries, restaurants, shops &antiques, music & nightclubs, Sailing, Shopping, Sight-seeing, Swimming, Swimming pool, Tennis courts, Water sports

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    1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter

    New Orleans Nearby Cities

    Noted below are the approximate distances from New Orleans, Louisiana.

    Lafitte B&B's - 18 milesMandeville B&B's - 26 miles

    Contact Information

    1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter Bed and Breakfast
    1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter, New Orleans, LA - Inn
    1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter
    1422 N. Rampart Street
    French Quarter
    New Orleans LA 70116
    USA
    Phone: +1-504-947-4475
    Fax: +1-504-949-5689
    Toll-free: +1-800-842-4748
    Innkeeper(s)
    Mary Ramsey (aka the banana lady)
    Rates:
    $59 - $215
    Email Innkeeper
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    Reviews

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    Review 1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

    Photo Album

    Yep. Everyone asks about the dark "blob' around this photo. It's the door around the large, custom designed, stained glass window with a banana tree scene that echos the carpet's motif in our front hall and the huge banana tree mural painted on the wall in the dining room. Walk out into our tropical courtyard or on our verandah, and enjoy the shade under the REAL banana trees brought from Cuba in the late 50's, just before the revolution. Unless we have a rough Winter freeze, from April through December we can serve guests bananas from our trees.BALCONY ROOM: This Jr. suite is perfect for honeymoon or romantic weekend. Soaring cathedral ceiling, entrance BALCONY w/table &chairs overlooks tropical COURTYARD, private Balconette off bedroom overlooks French Quarter. Spacious room with sofabed in the seating area, an eclectic mix of antiques +"new fangled" stuff like an electric fireplace, whirlpool tub w/shower, kitchenette.
    Cannonball Room: Many returning guests ask for this stunning room every time they come back (it was part of the double parlour when house was a BORDELLO to society's elite in late 1800s). Room OOZES history - hand-hewn bed was wedding present to our family in 1830 (we'll tell you the story behind the 1850s trundle bed underneath). Huge Indian Pichwais painting above marble mantel. Floor to ceiling windows and massive pocket doors, elaborately painted plaster medallion, sitting area. NOPE. You don't have to make a RUNNING JUMP to get into that high bed, 'cause we have a special wood step stool for y'all to use. All that 'new fangled' stuff like ceiling fan, Cable TV, phone, hair dryer, private ensuite bathroom with shower + there's also a powder room in the hall.Madame's Steamboat Room. Steeped in history, this was the madame's bedroom. Hardwood floors, antique carved bed, fireplace, +all that 'new fangled stuff' like hair dryer, ceiling fans, Cable TV, phone. There's even an antique chamber pot tucked in the corner (Nope. Not to use, just to remind you of a different era.) Ensuite private bathroom, old fashioned clawfoot tub with shower.
    You never know what you'll see at Banana Courtyard or in the French Quarter!!!! Relaxed atmosphere, HIGH CEILINGS, lush tropical courtyard, hammock, porch swing on the verandah, HARDWOOD FLOORS. In the late 1800s, house was a BORDELLO serving society's elite. Earlier, it was home of a rival to VOODOO Queen Marie Laveau. All that +Chinese FENG SHUI, native craftsmen who were "Free men of Color," meld into an eclectic, interesting history of the house. Learn more when you stay with us."Eye candy," is what one guest called it. There is so much stuff to look at, you won't believe it possible. And this is just the beginning!
    Yessiree. Folks say it's like walking into a movie set when they even see just a teeny part of the HEXAGON ROOM. In late 1800s, when house was a bordello, 'ladies of the evening’ reclined on chaise lounges, waiting for their ‘beaux’. (Yep, our place WAS a "high class" house of prostitution.) Stunningly decorated with gorgeous ANTIQUES, on cold Winter nights, warm your ‘tootsies’ near the gas logs &marble fireplace. Private, huge GWtW bathroom adjoins (old fashioned tub with shower)+ there's a powder room in hall. When you come to the BIG EASY you'll want to relax &sip on your favorite drink in our tropical courtyard. Kick back in a hammock, nap under the shade of a banana tree, brought from Cuba in 1959. OR, on the verandah, hop on the porch swing. After a long day sightseeing, take the opportunity to share adventures with other guests. OR, if you seek a more secluded, romantic weekend, ask about our junior suite with whirlpool tub +private balconette.Most of the year, our courtyard is kind of 'jungly' A nice place to sip on a cup of coffee in the morning after breakfast, or a glass of wine early evening before you hit the clubs.
    Carriage/Quilt Room: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, prostitution was legal, so there were lots of houses with a 'checkered' past. MADAMEs that were wealthy enough, had a seperate 'boudoir' (That's a fancy word for dressing room). We've created a special environment in this accommodation with private bathroom, hardwood floors, antique bed, marble top chest, dressing table. Enjoy the handmade heirloom quilts on the wall.In case you're "into" history &architecture, ours is one of the 1st Creole side-hall cottages. In the late 1800s, house was a BORDELLO serving society's elite. Our interior architecture was influenced by the Chinese workmen +their practice of FENG SHUI (we'll tell you the story behind our staircase). "Free men of color" craftsmen helped create our bullseye friezes, elaborate, hand painted ceiling medallions, cypress millwork. HIGH CEILINGS, hardwood floors, Fleur de Lis fence, fish scale shingles, help you recall a bygone era. Don't let this picture make you think we're all "fancy" here. We offer a very laid back environment amidst a lot of the "fru fru" of the past. Guests say they've never seen so much "stuff."
    In the 1920s, you could have followed the banana truck to Banana Courtyard. Now, you don't need a car, as it's a quick walk to everywhere in the French Quarter. When you get here, you'll find that the dining room and gallery seating area are the Winter heart of the B&B, Summer it's the COURTYARD, hammock, swing on verandah. Guests say, "I've never seen SO MUCH STUFF" - a banana mural, a sea turtle shell made into a light (don't blame us, done in '20s before they become an endangered species), a stuffed peacock (used in a movie set, so blame them). Elsewhere in the B&B: antique &vintage doll collection, art, lots of interesting "stuff" (collectibles, books, antique cameras, vintage Mah Jong set) +loads of information on the French Quarter. Ask us to share with you the story behind and TV short done on our "Painted Lady" tapestry. If you're VERY lucky, you might get a BALCONY room.I tried to upload the whole photo, but didn't work. Original photo was from dining room table looking up at chandelier with whirring ceiling fan blades on either side. Oh well. At least it's 1/2 interesting.
    The Hexagon Room: Guests say, "It's like walking into a movie set." Antiques, art, sitting area, dressing table. This room was part of the double parlour when house was a BORDELLO to society's elite in late 1800s. Marble fireplace w/gas logs, hardwood floors, HIGH CEILINGS, floor to ceiling pocket doors elegantly draped with fabric. Huge GWtW bathroom with old fashioned bathtub adjoins.Yep. Our Continental breakfast is SERVED in the dining room -- we don't beleive in using paper plates and paper napkins. We try to make it an inviting place for guests to gather to exchange ideas about what they've done and seen, or just to get acquainted. Many a romance has blossomed in this historic room where the drinks were served and money collected in the BORDELLO days.
    Sings aren't allowed on historic homes in N'Awlins, so this is what you'll see, instead, when you pull up to the B&B.Oops. Well we moved this bed to the Madame's Steamboat Room, and now the Hexagon Room has a King size bed, but this old photo gives you an idea of how stunning the pokcet doors are in the Hexagon Room.

    Features

    Property Noted For:
    • guiding 1st time visitors
    • hosting international visitors
    • hosting law enforcement, teachers
    • off beaten path sightseeing
    • planning activities
    • tips on restaurants/music
    • Antiques/decor
    • Business travel
    • Economical rates
    • Honeymoons
    • Peaceful getaway
    • Romantic escape

    Type:
    • Bed and Breakfast
    • Guest Cottage
    • Homestay Bed and Breakfast
    • Private Home Bed and Breakfast

    Details:
    • Architectural style is Victorian/Creole Side-Hall
    • Built in 1870
    • Opened for business in 1993
    • Restored / Remodeled in 2004
    • Parking available ($10 up/day per regular size car)