Madame Isabelle's House In New Orleans
New Orleans
Avis
Really enjoyed our stay at Madame Isabelle’s! The hostel is in a fantastic location so close to Bourbon and Frenchman St. The building is very vintage and rustic with modern bathrooms and facilities, and every room has aircon. Beds are very comfortable and the staff are extremely helpful and friendly! We especially loved the two kittycats🐈⬛ We will definitely be back!
I had a great overall experience at Madame Isabelle’s, but there are definitely a few things future guests should know before booking. The hostel itself is an older, well-lived-in space with a lot of character, though because of its age, certain areas of the house do have a noticeable moldy smell. The back deck area feels like a little oasis and is a fantastic spot to relax, but be prepared—the mosquitoes will eat you alive out there, and you will definitely encounter some aggressive flying roaches at night, so bring heavy-duty bug spray. Another thing to keep in mind is the weekly "social hour" event. A staff member took us out to Cajun Beignet, which turns out to be the owner’s restaurant, under the promise of complimentary wine. What they didn't mention was the brutal, uncomfortable 20-plus-minute walk in the scorching New Orleans heat just to get there. Once we arrived, there was a bit of pressure to purchase food. Another guest ordered the beignets, and they were tiny compared to the traditional ones you get in the French Quarter, feeling pretty overpriced for what they were. Finally, just be aware of their review policy regarding amenities. They charge an inflated $8 per load for laundry, but they offer to make it free if you leave them a positive review online—which is definitely something to keep in mind when reading all the glowing ratings beforehand. Overall, it's a solid stay, but it helps to go in with realistic expectations.
The people are super friendly and the property is a welcome oasis, especially coming from New York City. I love the backyard area and patio. We are having a group jambalaya meal that the staff made right now. Felix took us dancing the other night. All the guests are super friendly and we coordinate our outings sometimes. Had a lunch with another political scientist, chatted with someone about literature, spoke with a Brazilian woman about finance in Portuguese. Good place to make acquaintances between outings to explore the city. You can also just ignore everyone and enjoy it all yourself. Breakfast is good in the morning and they have laundry on site. Joyeux!
The team at Isabelle's House are genial and helpful, willing to give a recommendation or help out someone in need. Felix and Sophia are social butterflies and well acquainted with all the fun things to do in New Orleans. They go so far as to jumpstart group activities among hostel clients and host fun get togethers like jambalaya night. Though the co-ed room had several bunk beds, it was more cozy than cramped. Not to mention the wonderful ambience! All in all, this is well worth the price. This rating, however, comes with a caveat: bring your own lock for the provider lockers, or some poltergeist will nab your stuff. This is not the fault of the employees, but your fellow hostel clients. Unless there actually is a ghost, going around tearing through paper bags and nabbing incense sticks and stuff. Furthermore, I'm not sure if the owner will maintain the hostel in such a good state; I'm not sure how forward-thinking he is if he buys a Cybertruck in an area as humid and hot as New Orleans. Madame Isabelle's House in New Orleans is a great place. For now.
I had a great stay here! The beds were very comfortable and the whole house is cute and cozy. Maria was ON her game and kept everything running smoothly, truly the backbone of the house. Felix, Sophia, and Alex were all super fun and friendly. I got to use the hot tub and sit out on the porch overlooking a beautiful lush back patio area. The location was an easy walk into the French quarter and along bus routes. Highly recommend and would return!
