Grand Bayou Noir

For years my husband has spoken very highly about this special bed and breakfast where he stays when he works in Houma. Well, I finally went with him this time, and after a wonderful 3 day stay, it far exceeded my expectations! We stayed in the suite, which was not only very beautiful, clean, and private, but also very peaceful. The judge and his wife are both very special people and made us feel very much at home. The experience, in addition to the wonderful food that we ate, was definitely worth the trip! Clif and Diana Cameron

Ok what can I say in a review after my daughters wedding last night? I can sum it up in 3 letters. WOW. I've lived I Houma for 45 years and never knew this place existed. We planned my daughters wedding and the owners were glad to accommodate anything we wanted. They are truly the best of the best. What defines southern living is friendship and love of food and family. The Ellenders exemplify that and more. They are the best example of a southern hospitality that is our culture. Judge Ellender and his wife, Debbie go above and beyond to make sure everything is the way you wanted it to be. After everyone left it was nice to sit with them and open gifts the bride and groom got and have the owners sit with you by the fire and be excited with you. The food was exceptional. OMG the crab dip has to be sent from heaven. As Judge Ellender told me there are eaters and drinkers at any wedding party. We fell in the first category. No one went home hungry. If they did then that was their own fault. Food is to die for and no one had any complaint. I have relatives from Shreveport who are considering this place for future weddings. I can never thank them enough for the good times we had. Look no further for a wedding. You will not be disappointed. Not only are the Ellenders wonderful people, but their staff goes above and beyond the call of duty to be sure your every need or wish is granted. They are exceptional and make for a great event. 5 star without a doubt.

wonderful old plantation-style b&b. great breakfast and hospitality. never thought i would look forward to going to Houma, bayou noir has changed my mind! i love staying there. Judge Ellender and Herbert are such wonderful hosts. worth the trip to enjoy the beautiful Carribean-style garden which grows beautiful citrus which eventually lands on your plate at breakfast. Dine at Cafe Dominique's and a drink at Bar Roussel while visiting.

My wife and I had a wonderful time. The house, landscaping and hospitality were outstanding and completely overshot the standard.

Stayed at Grand Bayou Noir for 3 nights in June 2011. They treated us like family from the moment we stepped out of the car! This is much more than a simple Bed and Breakfast - you'll be welcomed into the family and treated to some incredible South Louisiana cooking (for us, this included several meals in addition to the generous breakfasts.) The extra cost for the "honeymoon suite" is well worth it for the additional privacy it provides. Rooms are not maid-serviced daily, which is no problem at all if you know how to make your own bed. Would suggest this B&B to anyone looking to get a true Bayou experience!

We escaped from our own 4 acre B & B in the wine country of northern California to search out a welcoming, relaxing B & B in southern Louisiana. We found all that and more at Grand Bayou Noir. Tim and Debbie and Herbert provided comfort, culture and cuisine worthy of return visits! Theirs is a passkey to plantation living as we imagine it. The grounds are spacious and manicured, the rooms private, the hospitality superb. Here is a B & B that puts guests first from start to finish. We left with recipes to replicate and reasons to return... Thank-you! —Jerry and Bev Stemach

2 weeks ago my wife & I were married at Grand Bayou Noir by Tim Ellender. My wife is from Houma and our families are spread all over the states from Houston to Louisville. The New Orleans airport is only 45 minutes away & made for easy travel for most out of town guests & there are 2 hotels within a mile of the bed & breakfast that housed most of our guests. I have stayed here quite a few times since Hurricane Katrina and it gets better each time. The grounds are amazing, our wedding was in the afternoon and guests were seated in the back yard underneath the old oak trees while we stood underneath the iron gazebo structure. We had about 175 guests in attendance and the setting and food (catering is done on site) was excellent! We had some of the best brisket I have ever tasted along with gumbo, jambalaya, crab dip, coconut shrimp, etc.. The tent provided room for several tables, a band & plenty of room for dancing. Outside the tent there are areas to gather in both small or large groups. Our friends in attendance have asked us to consider an anniversary party because they had so much fun... We'll see! To anyone considering a wedding in Terrabonne Parrish, if you are looking for an outdoor wedding beneath gorgeous trees and want it to be done by someone who is used to having weddings then you should strongly consider Grand Bayou Noir. With on site catering & plenty of room for either a small or large event your expectations will be exceeded!

I had the pleasure of staying at the inn in early June of this year. Judge and Debbie were most hospitable and the inn was absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend staying at the Grand Bayou Noir. My stay was wonderful!

Breakfast is prepared prior to the start of court by Houma's most honorable, who has lived the history of the land. The guests are typically distinguished business professionals who work the area so morning and evening conversations are the talk of the town. I truly recommend you get your reservations early and mind your manners!

After 2 nights in 2 different cities in the same national chain of hotels, what a treat! Southern hospitality at its finest - cold drinks on the patio, a washer and dryer for the work clothes, and a wonderful suite overlooking the garden. Best breakfast ever - waking up to songbirds instead of a painting crew outside was a plus, too. I don't usually stay at B&B's on business but had seen this one many times on other trips and finally gave it a try. Am very glad I did - would return happily for business or pleasure. The Judge is a great host.

The Judge has always served Shrimp, My capacity for shrimp allows him a very small profit on the room. Capt. Michael Casterline

We had a wonderful time during our evening with the Ellenders -- would recommend Grand Bayou Noir to all!!!

The service is outstanding! The hospitality of the Ellender Family is amazing! They made us feel as though we were part of their family. If your are looking for an intimate experience, attention to detail, with lovely Louisiana people, and a true cajun feel, your sure to get it at the Grand Bayou Noir! We would love to go back. Highly recommended!

We stopped at Houma on the way back to Texas from Biloxi, MS. Tim and Debbie made us feel right at home. They had a wedding at the house that night and said that we were welcome to join in the festivities! Tim was born in the house and he and Debbie have made Grand Bayou Noir a wonderful venue. Nice rooms and amenities, cold beer in the cooler and a great breakfast. I enjoyed chatting with Tim about the geography and history of the place and he knows the area very well. We will be going back to spend a couple more nights and take a Swamp boat tour and go fishing.

We had the pleasure of staying at Grand Bayou Noir for 4 nights. Our host could not be more wonderful. Recommended excellent restaurants. Beautiful home, excellent food, just perfect accomodations. Hope to return again soon.

The stay at this place was far beyond our expectation. We checked in at 3:30pm, then we spent every minute hanging out with the host, their friends, and their family for the whole nignt, until mid-night. They are lovely people, and make us feel like we are true friends of theirs and gave us wonderful memory. We talked everything about our life, our cultures (we are a couple from Taiwan for honey moon), the family, the world, and even they taugh us about the true meaning of the south, cajun, or creole. They are such a lovely family to be with, and they are already freinds of ours. We even have a deal of we'll host their stay in Taiwan and they'll host our future trip to their son's (Chris's) place in Destin, FL. I have been in US for more than 6 years as a student, and I've never met people as nice as Tim and Debra (the owners) and their family. If you have chance to visit Houma or visit New Orleans, you'll definately like to spend few nghts over here. We went to the swamp tour that Tim recommanded us, and we loved it (especially when "The Cajun Man" showed his talent). We also love the true cajun restaurant that Debra told us, it's better than most of the restaurants in the French Quater. Anyway, we love this place, and the people over there. (We took few fake wedding pictures at their huge backyard, you'll know when you come here).

After leaving Jazz Fest in New Orleans, we decided to tour Cajun Country. This was our first stop and the hospitable host and room was fantastic. Breakfast blew our minds!

The ambience and comfort of the accommodations were truly five star. We also enjoyed the hot tub on the porch before bed and a hearty breakfast in the morning. The hospitality of the innkeeper was also a credit to that expected in this most southernly local.

I had need of lodging ( I prefer B&B's) close to New Orleans and the River Road Plantations. I had the good fortune to find Grand Bayou Noir. I found them during an internet search. What a very lucky find it was. I reserved two rooms - a suite for my son and my wonderful daughter-in-law. We were warmly received late in the evening by Judge Ellender - ''Tim" to everyone. Our drive had been long and Tim took care of getting us situated and comfortable right away. The suite provided to my son and daugher-in-lwa was verrryy well appointed, private, and larger than the suites you will find offered by the chain inns. There is a hot tub located on the rear balcony overlooking the Judge's garden. My room was in the house proper - upstairs with windows overlooking the front yard with its massive oaks. Again, verrrrry nicely appointed with a beautiful antique sleigh bed and a large private bath. Those of you who are native to Louisiana and those of you who study the fascinating history of Louisiana are in for a real treat in this home. I will say no more about the history - it will be a surprise. Breakfast: Breakfast was marvelous. It began with a beautiful plate of mixed fruit, orange juice and coffee. The coffee alone was worth the price of the rooms - tres manifique. This was followed by a generous serving of thick slices of Cajun bacon accompanied by omlettes made from "yard eggs" - delicious. Nevertheless, the pancakes, the local syrup and honey was my favorite part of the breakfast. All of this was prepared by the Judge himself. Treat yourself - Grand Bayou Noir. A wonderful home away from home.

My husband I spent the weekend of our 13th Anniversary at Grand Bayou we loved the rest and relaxation atmosphere. Tim and Debbie are really nice people and willing to go the extra mile. Breakfast consists of a full course meal with sensational walnut pancakes. We did absolutely nothing but rest. It was exactly what we needed with our busy life’s that revolve around our two teenage daughters. Thank you The Trahans

I was on assignment in Houma and chanched upon this place via internet. What a treat! Timo (that's what I call him) and Deb went above and beyond to make my stay a very nice one. My schedule was suited more for "bed and dinner" and that's what I got. I met many interesting people who dropped by to visit and chat. I won't stay anywhere else on my next trip.

We held our May wedding here and stayed in the upstairs suite. Tim and Debbie went out there way to make the day special, helping with last minute details and offering suggestions. The next morning it felt like waking up in eden ...a stroll around the property was refreshing and a feast for the eyes! We are still getting compliments on the location and I've noticed pictures of loved ones in the yard popping up all over myspace and other websites. It's truly picture perfect!

The Grand Bayou Nior is a wonderful place to go to relax and get away from everything! The home and grounds are beautiful. Tim and Debbie made me feel so at home and the food was delicious! I went with a friend who has stayed with them many times before. He kept telling me how much I would enjoy my stay and he was so right. I can't wait to return!

This was absolutely a fabulous place to stay. The breakfast was the very best - perfect in every detail. The ambience, conversations and company were not to be believed.

My husband and I were married at Grand Bayou Noir and could not have asked for a more perfect location. Tim & Debbie made us feel like we were part of their family and made planning a wedding much less stressful. The grounds were beautiful; the atmosphere was relaxing & inviting; and the house was magnificent. We were disappointed to leave and look forward to our return.

One of the best Mardi Gras experiences to date! Came down for one night to attend a Mardi Gras Ball in the area. Greeted with great southern hospitality, cajun boiled shrimp, and ice cold beer. When it was time to start getting ready for the ball we were having so much fun sitting outside with Tim and Debbie and the other guests that we did not want to leave! Dinner and breakfast were both excellent, and I hated I had to leave after just one night. I will definitely be returning.

Tim & Debbie, I have stayed with you on numerous occassions & this past trip may have been the best yet. Courtney & I truly enjoyed your hospitality as well as the wonderful food that was provided. Your friendship and establishment is the finest a person can ask for in a bed & breakfast environment. I hope to see you again soon and will continue to reccomend your Bed & Breakfast to anyone needing a relaxing break from the ordinary. Thank you so much for such a wonderful weekend.

I have business in Houma and feel very lucky to have found out about Grand Bayou Noir!! Tim and Debbie are very friendly and accomodating! Last time I was in town - I was able to sit on the backporch with my laptop and get some work done and have a great view of their property. The house is fabulous, breakfast is the best I have ever had and the grounds are comfortable, inviting and relaxing. Debbie works very hard to keep her gardens in bloom all year round!