The most enjoyable weekend of my life! Myself and two of my best buddies spent two nights with our…read moreguide Stafford on a house boat, in the swamp, 25 miles from civilization. We jug fished for our breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were very successful. We caught 2 alligator gars (one being 6' long 100#s) 1 Needle gars, 12+ catfish, 24+ crabs. It was opening weekend of squirrel season, so our guide provided some for dinner. We frogged for hours and caught 20+ by hand. It was epic. We are sitting in a restaurant FRESH off the boat / Bayou, we are already planning our return!!!!

When my husband booked two nights for us and my brother with Cajun Experiences, I thought it…read moresounded cool, but had no idea what to expect. As it turns out, we were in for a wonderful experience! Our hosts, Stafford and his wife Belinda, were excellent. We felt so welcome and had a great time experiencing the swamp. We stayed in one apartment-like houseboat, with two bedrooms with bunk beds (queen on bottom, full in the middle, twin on top), one bathroom, and a spacious combined living/dining area. Our hosts stayed in a separate "apartment." The two were connected by a screened in porch, where we spent most of our time when we weren't out on the swamp. I don't think I even sat down once on the couch in our apartment. We drank coffee outside in the morning, meals were cooked out there, and we all enjoyed drinks out there in the evening. The highlights of our stay were the times we spent out on the swamp. We went out looking for frogs, checking crawfish traps, and just cruising around. The water was high when we were there, so there was a lot to see! We saw many alligators, lots of frogs, bald eagles, nutria rats, and more. If you're into wildlife or birds, this is a great place to be. The swamp was a social place when we were there, so friends and family stopped by, and everyone we met was friendly and interesting. We had a lot of questions and everyone patiently answered them! It was fascinating to learn about how people live on and near the swamp. Our hosts had coffee ready every morning when we woke up, provided bottled water and ice, and cooked breakfast and dinner for us. We had eggs, bacon and beignets (donuts) for breakfast, catfish boil, wild boar and rice, fried crawfish, catfish, frog legs and gar balls, "pasta-laya" (aka jambalaya pasta), and cajun white beans. Everything was great and we ate way, way, too much, but had no regrets! As a bonus, they let us take the leftovers with us. :) I imagine if you're considering staying here, you're feeling adventurous, so I recommend taking advantage of all that's offered - see the swamp, enjoy the delicious cajun meals, and get to know the hosts. It's totally worth it! Our only regret is we didn't plan to spend more of our vacation with Cajun Experiences.

Lovely place on the bayou outside of the busyness of New Orleans, we had an enjoyable stay with…read moreClaudette and she was so helpful in providing us with so much information of where to eat what to see and adventures to go do! Enjoying our "work" day out on the doc.

I'll begin with this: what a great energy!!! Claudette is a…read morevery dynamic, kind, generous person! She gave me some good advises on things to do around. Her house is beautiful. I loved relaxing in the garden with some zen music :-) I was lucky to have a perfect weather and was able to enjoy every second of this stay! If you're looking for a place to relax, enjoy the real cajun hospitality and feel home, it's THE place!

We have stayed here on two occasions; once while moving and the other on a "weekend-away"…read more This is an old historic building in downtown old Donaldsonville, once a major river port and temporary Confederate HQ. Rooms & Suites are all upstairs, so not for those very disabled. As the proprietor, Gail Dugas, is an antique dealer downstairs, furnishings are a mix of "eclectic-elderly" with modern bedding. Parking is outdoors in rear, safe. A small ice machine is convenient near rear upstairs landing. The immediate neighborhood includes the police station and a couple small restaurants. As the area was later settled heavily by Sicilian-Italian Americans, local foods lean towards pastas and cheeseburgers. Across the once infamous "Sunshine Bridge", a 5 minute drive, one finds Cajun foods at Himel's, "The Cabin", plus a nearby "outlet Mall / Cabela's shopping complex with a "Don's Restaurant", an area locals' favorite. This is in the middle of Louisiana's "River Road" region with the nicest restored "Antebellum Plantations", most of which offer public access & guided tours. "Houmas House", just across at Darrow is the nicest plantation and "Oak Alley", on the same side of Old Man river is the most photographed & famous. Plan to spend at least two nights here. As one explores, more and more "hidden jewels" will emerge to draw your interest. As a South Louisiana Native who has lived all over the area, let me warn that one should sample our famous GUMBO before getting this far to the southeast. Good restaurant gumbo can be found in Lafayette, Thibodaux, Franklin, Jeanerette, Scott, Abbeville, Rayne, Crowley, Houma, & Gonzales; but not in or around New Orleans. Gail, a "Native Texan" from Abilene, is locally knowledgeable & an attentive hostess, who can provide accurate information & advice. Although there are numerous "chain hotels" a few minutes across, this quaint inn is well worth a visit. Rick Saint Martinville

We stayed at this delightful inn while exploring the plantations of the River Road. Our suite, the…read moreSugar Cane Suite, had 3 rooms with 12-foot ceilings, antique furnishings updated for modern needs, along with a small fridge, coffee maker, microwave & toaster oven. These were stocked with fruit & breads for a continental breakfast. Nice touches were candies & brandy. Kay, our hostess, was delightful & helpful. Price was quite reasonable. The suites are upstairs, so not accessible for anyone who can't manage a story of stairs.

What can I say besides this was the best place to be during the holidays growing up…read more Ms.Cheryl was the most excellent hostess and has been for many years of not over a decade. I highly doubt many people are coming down this way, but if you do, & you get a chance, stay here. It's quiet and full of history, the good and the ugly, but without a doubt, a must visit. The attic used to contain hundreds of artifacts and history pieces but the owner sold all of it unfortunately... I remember finding out Santa wasn't real here, haha, having an Easter egg hunt with my classmates, and there are always used to be tons of weddings taking place here :) if you get a chance to check out the bowling lane please do! It's very interesting

EXCUSE ME. WHERE IS THE LOVE BUTTON?…read more This is my favorite hotel in the whole state! I stay at hotels pretty regularly in New Orleans (which is known for having wonderful boutique hotels and B&B's) and the Fairfax tops them all. Cheryl always is friendly and courteous every time I come there! There are only SIX rooms in this plantation house built in 1852 but they are six magically captivating rooms! Rates are reasonable and of course come with breakfast (and free wifi). I usually can get the Fairfax or Murphy Suite for $169/ngt. The other four rooms are very comfortable as well. There is also a bar area with tables and chairs next to the lobby. The city of Franklin is a very peaceful and charming town with lots of character. New Iberia is only 25 miles away if you want to make a day trip to a bigger city with more shopping/dining options. This is my escape from all the noise and traffic I usually am encountering in the French Quarter. A beautiful and romantic place to stay away from it all. I really recommend the Fairfax House to anyone seeking a different kind of stay than your usual modern chain hotels.

My wife and I both toured the Houmas House and Gardens today. Such a fascinating piece of history…read morethat Mr Kevin Kelly has preserved for future generations. To find out that his dedication goes as far as living at the Houmas House adapting his lifestyle to living a dream with such historical paintings and furniture in this beautiful museum of a home. We dined at the Dixie Cafe which is one of numerous additions he made to the estate enhancing the experience of the 1700s, 1800s, & 1900s at the Houmas Houmas Estate and Gardens. We did get a glimpse of the architect/real estate guru who put his life work into the estate at the Dixie Cafe today. He was enjoying his lunch with his dog by his side. Hats off to you sir well done!

Amazing Tour and Museum Experience…read more Houmas Plantation House is an amazing place to visit. We started our day early and had breakfast first. There's a simple American/New Orleans-style breakfast buffet with eggs, sausage, and grits, available from 8-10 a.m. The plantation opens at 9 a.m., and the first house tour starts at 9:30 a.m. The house tour lasts about an hour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. This was my second time taking the tour, and although the guides were different, they shared the same history in their own unique storytelling styles. Both were engaging and easy to follow. Don't forget to tip the tour guides--they do a great job. After the tour, we walked through the gardens in the morning. It's about a 45-minute stroll at a relaxed pace--walk, rest, and enjoy the scenery. Very peaceful. Later, we went to the Carriage House Restaurant, which has amazing food. The bar is also great--try the Houmas signature drinks, they're delicious. You can enjoy your drink inside or outside, then walk around more or relax. If one person wants to do everything--breakfast, museum and house tour, lunch at the Carriage House, and buy a few souvenirs--expect to spend around $150 or so. Overall, it was a great, peaceful experience, and I highly recommend it.

Dansereau House is amazing. We love staying and cool old houses when we travel. This is NOT a…read moreHoliday Inn. It is not fair to expect a sterile, blank slate environment from a historic home. If you like staying in historic locals this is for you though! We stayed in the Governor's Suite. OMG, the opulence. And it was huge! We have never had such a large room. We've stayed in a lot of cool old places, but agreed this is by far the coolest! We agreed the pnly way we will top it is to return to Ireland, or elsewhere in Europe, and stay in a castle! I do wish the caretaker had been around, but only because I had questions about the house! The room had everything we needed though!

Dansereau is primary a bed and breakfast and the coolest place to stay in Thibodaux. It is a…read morehistorical home in Thibodaux and has much more charm than one of the chain restaurants. The bar is only open to the public 1-2 nights a week. Currently on Thursday nights they have music, drinks, and a small menu. A good local crowd turns out on these nights and enjoys a nice scenic evening in Thibodaux.

What a beautiful cottage in a perfect location!!!! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay…read more You hear the expression "it looks just like the pictures" and this is the case but in person it really blows you away. Rustic and charming but with every modern convenience available and the Bellot's really pay attention to the details! It was nice to sip coffee on the deck while looking at Bayou Teche! We will definitely stay here again when we visit family here in the future!

From the owner: The Bayou Chateau bed and breakfast. ACajun oasis in downtown New Iberia on the Bayou Teche. Pet…read morefriendly! This property has a large deck overlooking the Bayou Teche and is next to Bouligny Plaza, home of the Annual World Championship Gumbo Cook-off and the annual Sugarcane festival. It is also minutes walking distance to the farmers market, food truck festival, nearby restaurants, shopping and night clubs. Bring your boat to cruise the bayou or fish right off the bank. The Bayou Chateau comes with a full stainless steel kitchen, queen size Murphy bed, sleeper sofa, whirlpool tub, cable TV, free WiFi, iron, hair dryer, coffee bar and much more.

This is a unique place, which has several specialty shops and a restaurant. It is a real hidden gem…read moreon the way to New Orleans. If you are need of souvenirs than you must stop here. They have everything from voodoo dolls to gator claws. We once ate breakfast at the restaurant and it was very tasty. There are old cottage on the grounds and behind it are gators you can watch. Of course they are behind a chain link fence:-).

Stayed upon recommendation of a friend, breezing through Southern LA. Got here just before dark,…read morewas greeted by Theresa - the cottage's owner/operator. She gave me a quick tour of the property on the way to my cabin - we passed 8 shotgun houses nestled underneath a canopy of pine and trees. 100 years old - each one - but equipped with chilly central air, warm water, beautiful furnishings. Crickets were singing its praises. I was the only one on the property - she'd warned me - but didn't realize what that would mean until I arrived. Tucked down a rock road, just off Highway 22, I would indeed be alone in my cottage in the woods - but felt quite safe. Slept great. Heading to the Coffee House for my breakfast (included). Highly recommend this lovely establishment. It's secluded, beautifully restored, and easy hop on/off highway.