Madame Isabelle's House - A Charming Hostel in an Idyllic Setting

Madame Isabelle’s House is the Crescent City’s newest hostel, and I can't fathom any other hostel in town coming close to being as fabulous as this one. The staff is extremely approachable, helpful, and social. They know their city and will hook you up with numerous events if you desire.

I stayed in a 5-person dorm room, occupying a solo bed in front of the AC. The room has an en suite bath, and each bed is adorned with a unique privacy screen. During my visit, the bed was comfy, wifi worked like a charm, and the clean room was spacious enough to not feel cramped.

You will find yourself situated in a lovely residential area known as Marigny. It's within walking distance of Louis Armstrong Park, the French Quarter, and Frenchmen Street. I highly recommend dining at Dreamy Weenies (incredible vegan dog selection) and neighborhood bar/restaurant Buffa's.

One of the biggest draws is the back yard, which mimics a tropical paradise. You will be enveloped in lush greenery complete with a hot tub. If the Big Easy wasn’t such a stimulating city with so much to offer, I would have been compelled to stay put.

Book directly through their website to receive a discount based upon the number of days you stay. https://isabellenola.com/

I will let the photos do the talking from here to depict how beautiful this place is, and to clearly show that you won't feel as though you are staying in a hostel.

Meet the hostel's biggest party animal:)

2015 Hostel Reviews

Photo courtesy joblo.com

In my opinion, hostels are the way to go (don't believe what you see in those movies:) I stayed at seven different locations in 2015 with repeat visits at Freehand Chicago. I prefer hostels for the price, camaraderie, and because they are typically located in an area that is convenient to transportation and activities.

Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, CA
This hostel was originally a home from the 1920's and is oozing with charm and character. It's located in an ideal location right off Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA. I love their scrumptious free waffles in the morning, friendly staff, and location. I have stayed in a spacious dorm room at this hostel many times, and will continue to do so when I travel to LA. 
http://orangedrivehostel.com/


Apple Hostels in Philadelphia, PA
I knew what I was getting into by securing a dorm room with 27 other females; however, it was worse than I expected. There are two separate rooms with no door, and it's bunk on top of bunk. A male staff person entered the room without announcing himself, and fortunately, I had just finished changing. Not to mention, it was hot, stuffy, pricey, and oh so noisy. I would not stay here again. 
http://applehostels.com/

DC Lofty in Washington, DC
This is another charming property with chandeliers and exposed brick. I stayed in a 4-person dorm with ensuite bath. The hostel was clean with a comfy bed, friendly staff, and a great location. I felt secure walking around, even from the subway late at night. Be sure to check out nearby 14th Street for fantastic bars and restaurants. I would definitely stay here again.
http://www.capitalhostels.net/

Hostel Detroit in Detroit, MI
I wrote an individual post for this hostel (bit.ly/1lAZebX). I had a great visit and would stay here again.

Freehand Chicago in Chicago, IL
Another property that I published an individual post for (bit.ly/1MWdC3T). I'm completely smitten with this hostel, and intend to have many more visits in the future.

Getaway Hostel in Chicago, IL
I always stay at Freehand Chicago when I visit the Windy City; however, I chose this location because it was within walking distance of my Halloween activities. The hostel is located on a lovely, tree-lined street and is aesthetically pleasing; however, I wouldn't stay here again. I base this on the location of the bathrooms being nowhere near the dorm room (you had to walk through two different areas), and the bunk beds are terribly unstable (my bed shifted with the slightest movement from my bunkmate).
http://www.getawayhostel.com/

The Cleveland Hostel in Cleveland, OH
I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than the Cleveland Hostel. What a gem in a remarkable neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Ohio City for the architecture (especially the homes), phenomenal bars/restaurants, Great Lakes Brewing, and the West Side Market. The hostel is inviting, clean, tastefully decorated, and extremely accommodating. I will return for a summer visit to relish the rooftop deck. View photos here http://bit.ly/1MLnsFP

Hostel Detroit Will Make You Feel at Home

 
While I had a long time hankering for a trip to Detroit, Hostel Detroit is what prompted my visit to be sooner rather than later. The hostel followed me on Instagram, and I became immediately captivated with their gallery. It also didn't hurt that the hostel is bursting with character. 

Hostel Detroit is aesthetically pleasing, colorful, and inviting. There are numerous kitchens and bathrooms, computers, super WiFi access, and free laundry. I noticed that waste baskets were emptied, and new hand towels/bath mats placed in each bathroom daily.



The room rates were so affordable that I treated myself to an adorable private room for four nights, complete with everything a girl could ask for. Silly me forgot to snap a photo before I moved in and messed the place up.

If you are on a tight budget and arrive at the airport during the day as I did, I recommend taking Smart Bus 125 (make sure you get on the right one going downtown!) for a mere $2.25. I got off at the Fort and Cass stop, and walked about 20 minutes to the hostel. The bus ride downtown will cost you about one hour and 20 minutes of your life, but the price can't be beat.

I felt right at home at Hostel Detroit, and invite you to do the same.
http://www.hosteldetroit.com/

SWEET DREAMS AT FREEHAND CHICAGO

I contemplated not sharing this gem with the world, because I'm afraid I may not get a bed on my future visits. However, that wouldn't be fair to Freehand, because it's an exceptional new hostel located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

 

The minute I stepped through the door at Freehand, I felt like I had entered a boutique hotel. I had to exit back out and check the address again to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.

Once inside, to your immediate left is a charming and hip cafe called Cafe Integral, which will keep you fueled with caffeine during your stay. To the right, you will find friendly and eager staff waiting to assist you. 

In addition, the hostel offers distinct sitting areas in an engaging atmosphere and a lounge called Broken Shaker, serving up mouthwatering cocktails and street food inspired fare.

I stayed in a funky shared quad with four bunk beds and en suite bath. The neighborhood maps on the ceiling of the bunks are a playful addition.

Freehand Chicago Perks:

• Hotel design at hostel prices 
• Cafe and lounge on the premises
• Exceptionally friendly, helpful staff
• Location, location, location
• Drapery surrounding each bed for privacy
• Individual lighting and outlets
• En suite bath and lockers
• The front desk will hold your bags in a secure area

Once you get inside Freehand Chicago, you may forget that you are supposed to be exploring the city. There is also a Freehand Miami, and I can't wait to check that out.

http://thefreehand.com/chicago/

Los Angeles on a Shoestring Budget

Los Angeles will always be my favorite U.S. city for the laid-back vibe, weather, Venice Beach, and phenomenal restaurants. The "City of Angels" is more than Hollywood and celebrities. If you follow my guide, I guarantee a smashing time while spending very little cash.

Transportation

The cheapest and quickest way to get to and from LAX is via the Flyaway Bus http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292. It drops you at Union Station for $8.00 one way. During your stay, you can use your feet to get around (the gorgeous weather allows me to walk for miles) or take the Metro. I suggest getting a re-loadable TAP card if you plan to use public transportation often http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/.

Accommodations

I like to mix things up by using Airbnb, the Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, and Beverly Inn in West Hollywood.

Restaurants 

Here is a list of my favorite vegetarian/vegetarian-friendly eateries where you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending on your menu choices and if you go during happy hour. My heart will always belong to Hugo's:)

Hugo's West Hollywood (healthy/organic American) - $$
Lucky's Tavern (American w/great beer) - $$
Flore Vegan - $$
Swinger's (American) - $$
The Kitchen (American) - $$
Blossom Restaurant (Vietnamese) - $$
Farmer's Market at the Grove - $$
Nakkara on Beverly (Thai/Fusion) - $$
Toast Cafe (American/Bakery) - $$
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill - $
Aventine (Italian w/killer patio) - $$
City Tavern Downtown (American, I go for the amazing beer selection) - $$
Toi on Sunset (Thai) - $$
Cafe Gratitude in Venice (vegan/raw) - $$
Venice Ale House (Gastropub right near the beach) - $$

Entertainment/Activities (FREE unless otherwise noted)

School Night at Bardot Hollywood - several live music acts on Monday nights (I highly recommend)
Amoeba Records on Sunset - ginormous record store that offers mini-concerts (check the calendar)

The Getty Center - one of the most amazing places on earth
Nick Metropolis Collectible Furniture - an outdoor collection of spectacular wares
Spend the day at Venice Beach including a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Book Soup - great bookstore w/author events

Runyon Canyon - get your hike on and take a free yoga class

Hammer Museum - fantastic exhibits

The Last Bookstore - I suggest getting lost here for hours

Hollywood Forever Cemetery - beautiful and serene 

Barnsdall Art Park (check the calendar for free events)

Griffith Park Observatory - great place to hike, observe and learn
Little Tokyo - wander around and grab some food
Heck Yeah Karaoke at the Japanese Village Mall in Little Tokyo - Fri and Sat nights from 6-9pm
Olvera Street - experience Mexican culture
Bradbury Building - admire the interior architecture on the 1st floor
Peddler's Creamery - peddle/churn for them and get free ice cream in return
Eat/See/Hear - have a blast seeing live music and an outdoor film while noshing from food trucks for only $10 (food extra)
Jazz Nights at W Hollywood Hotel - vintage jazz & blues every Sunday from 9pm-midnight in the Living Room Lounge
Phenomenal street art to soak up, especially in the Downtown Arts District

Seen on Abbot Kinney in Venice

Go Green Frittata at Hugo's

Aren't they gorgeous?

In my "book," the Last Bookstore is the coolest:)

Sunset at beautiful Venice Beach

With the one and only Nick Metropolis

Four Angels entree at Nakkara

One of many unique places at the Farmer's Market

Like stepping back in time with this piece (downtown arts district)

Pretty in red - Little Tokyo

Shopping at Olvera Street

The Getty Center after dark

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vegetarian crepe at Blossom

Great street for a snap of the sign - Beachwood Ave.

Can you feel the love now? Contact me for any further advice and see you on the west coast.