Inn Details

NAUGHTY HISTORY: Yep, our house used to be a high class house of prostitution (bordello sounds so much nicer, don't you think?)

Location is everything. We're 30 yds. to French Quarter and only a 3 min. walk to BOURBON St. COURTYARD, hammock, porch swing, rooms with a view, BALCONY, antiques, ROMANTIC.

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 if you venture out of the French Quarter.

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

COMPARE: Our rate is ALL INCLUSIVE (some hotels don't tell you about tax, charges for local 'phone calls, energy surcharge, WIFI). That's all included in our rate, + Continental breakfast served in dining room w/B&B room.


FREE (Lagniappe): Guests receive our BEST BET RESTAURANTS + SIGHTS, SOUNDS, &FLAVOR of New Orleans Eguides. Don't just visit New Orleans, live it like a local!

web site: BANANACOURTYARD
Toll free USA +most of Canada: 800-842-4748. Alt. 504-947-4475.

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 $ 79.00 and $ 165.00
  • Double occupancy rate is between $ 89.00 and $ 165.00
  • The rate for each additional person is between $ 15.00 and $ 50.00

Amenities

In Room
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Ceiling fans
  • Coffee/Tea facilities
  • 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
  • Computer
  • Data port
  • Fax Machine
  • Library
  • Other Amenitites
  • orientation to French Quarter
  • free soft drinks +bottle water
  • if we're around, name your poison: beer, wine
  • HAMMOCK &porch swing
  • tropical COURTYARD
  • concierge service, free WiFi +computer center
  • 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 outside only (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:
     5%Fireman+Police+Military+educators+Srs+AAA+GroupsMinimum stay: 4 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

    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:
    $79 - $165
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    Reviews

    Overall 4.89
    Guest Rooms
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    Value
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    Read all 8 reviews
    Explanation of our ratings
    Review 1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

    Photo Album

    Sip a drink and kick back in our tropical courtyard. Or enjoy reclining in the double hammock after a day of walking in the French Quarter.HEXAGON ROOM: In 18002 house was a bordello & this was one of the double parlours where ‘ladies of the evening’ reclined on chaise lounges, waiting for their ‘beaux’. (Yessiree folks, our place was a "high class" house of prostitution.)

"Like walking into a move set", stunningly decorated with gorgeous ANTIQUES, ceiling fan, antique dressing table, devan, chest. On cold Winter nights, warm your ‘tootsies’ near the gas logs &marble fireplace. Private, huge GWtW bathroom adjoins (old  fashioned pedestal tub with shower.

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 Balcony Room with whirlpool tub +private balconette.
    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.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.
    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.
    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.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.
    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."
    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.Signs 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.
    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.

    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 2005
    • Parking available ($10 up/day per regular size car)