I rented the Esplanade Guesthouse for a week with friends. It was a major investment yet did not live up to my expectations.
Positives: The property afforded bringing a dozen friends together with communal spaces. It was 1/2 mile walking distance from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. When we were tired, a ride cost less than $20.
Negatives: The property is run down with deteriorating exterior, burned out bulbs, and handles falling off doors and furniture. The amenities – number of towels, no access to laundry, no additional garbage bags, haphazard dishes, old cookware – were inadequate for a week-long stay. Upon arrival the exterior garbage was overflowing with 3 times the trash that could fit. The management said, “Housekeeping forgot to take it out on Monday. We apologize.” So we lived with a heap of trash for most of our stay. This was unacceptable and the management should have removed it immediately.
Lastly I feel the property violates Vrbo’s policy of “private experiences” without “shared spaces.” When I booked 1 year in advance, I asked, “This reservation gives me exclusive access to the property?” They replied, “Correct! The whole place is for just you and your guests!” However, that was an exaggeration; Room 21 is a separate rental from a buyout so we had changing groups of strangers sharing the balconies and courtyard; I even had to ask them not to smoke directly outside our room.
I will not rent the Esplanade Guesthouse again.