The Maison Perrier is a quiet Victorian-era property. Built in 1892, Maison Perrier is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored in 1997 with many of its original features left intact, the B&B is filled with ornamental woodwork, antiques, and elegant chandeliers, and successfully mixes the historic with the homey. Checkered curtains and flowery wallpaper add extra warmth to the hallways and parlor, while the honor bar -- where guests make their own drinks and record what they've used -- invites visitors to relax in the den. The den, which has a TV, books for the borrowing, and large yellow, well-worn couches, has a way of making guests feel right at home, while the parlor, with a chandelier and imperial sofa, is more formal.

Fitting with its Victorian style, the hotel has a wicker rockers on the front porch, and there's also a back patio space with seating -- both are great spots to relax with a book or a drink (weather permitting) while taking in the quiet. 

The Maison Perrier is in the quiet, picturesque Garden District, developed in the mid- to late-19th century when the land was plotted in large manse properties with sprawling gardens, to provide a respite from the crowded French Quarter. It provides a similar refuge today. The historic St. Charles streetcar runs straight through it, and can easily transport guests downtown to the French Quarter, or farther uptown to Audubon Park, the zoo, and Tulane University. The Garden District is home to some of New Orleans' most famous restaurants, such as Commander's Palace, and some of its best music venues (the original Tipitina's, the Maple Leaf) are just a bit farther Uptown. St. Charles Avenue is also part of the Mardi Gras parade route.

The Maison Perrier has 14 rooms, each a different size and with a different layout. The Standard Queen room is a bit small, with limited floor space (the small flat-screen TV is awkwardly placed above the armoire), but the Deluxe and Superior Rooms are larger. Rooms are generally warm toned, with a light blue, green, or pink color scheme, but they differ in their details. Some are wallpapered, some are painted, and they all have their own antiques and furniture; while some guests love the traditional look, others find it a bit dated. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, desks, flat-screen TVs, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Bathrooms are clean and bright, and have full tubs, though some showerheads show calcification.

The Maison Perrier is a bed and breakfast, meaning there are few amenities beyond free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. It has large and lovely common rooms including a den, a parlor, a dining room, a courtyard, and outdoor seating on the porch and back patio when weather permits. There's an honor bar in the hotel's den where guests can pour their own drinks and report what they used. There's free parking, but it's limited. Given the hotel's proximity to the St. Charles streetcar, though, a car is not necessary.