ART HOUSE NEW ORLEANS -- part 3

Stay like a local in the authentic Holly Grove NOLA neighborhood

Ideas for making Art House more wheelchair-accessible

For a pair of homeowners who simply want to make their Air BnB property accommodating to all, including folks with disabilities, Patricia and Ron get a grade of A.

Their work to introduce universal design/ADA access is better than some chain hotel properties -- that hire consultants, architects and contractors to be wheelchair accessible -- and that's really saying something.

To educate our gracious hosts, and all readers about some relatively inexpensive modifications, we share what it would take to make Art House 100% wheelchair-accessible:

*Replace toilet with higher, ADA compliant commode

*Make bathroom door open outward -- hinges switch would keep door from blocking wheelchair maneuverability.

*Pull up carpet and get carpenter to put in beveled edges so that both bedrooms have level access, not the inch or 2 inch rise.

*Put window AC units in both bedrooms -- or central air -- I cannot imagine 90 degree weather with 90 pct humidity and that little wall unit in the kitchen cooling off sweltering summer NOLA. Folks with MS and other disabilities cannot chance staying at a place without climate controls powerful enough to cool their sleeping quarters.

*Put small, lightweight nightstand or table next to queen bed. We know the space is narrow, but folks want to reach a bottle of water, pills, ear plugs, etc. at night. The amenity, which would serve all, will provide easy access for folks with limited mobility.

*Install a couple electrical wall outlets at 30 to 36 inches above the floor -- wheelchair users cannot reach outlets lower than that.

*Lower light switches to 36 inches above the floor -- wheelchair users cannot reach switches at regular, 4 to 5 feet above ground height. Another option would be to wire outlets for remote controls.

*Put a channel drain in the bathroom, next to the tub/shower. The transfer bench is an amazing and much-appreciated mobility devise. But it bows out the shower curtain and the floor gets wet. To avoid flooding or use of all your reserve bath towels, put in a floor drain.

*Keep being the wonderful, communicative, willing to meet everyone halfway hosts that you are. Fewer than 1% of the Air BnB listings in NOLA are truly capable of accommodating a wheelchair user. You are very good and with some modifications over time, could be super great.

ART HOUSE NEW ORLEANS -- part 2

Stay like a local in an authentic NOLA neighborhood

The hosting, cleanliness, price point, sharing photos to confirm aspects of the property, local art, and dozens of pluses make staying with Patricia and Ron a 9 out of 10 stars experience.

Sometimes, we get so positive in our reviews, people think we are a relative, friend or the owner themselves -- goosing up the reviews to bring in revenue. 

To prove we are not shills, here are a few minor minuses about Art House New Orleans:

*Apartment does not have central A/C. (Our stay was in December, so we didn't need to use the one small A/C wall unit in the kitchen.)

*Apartment has an wall-mounted gas heater that throws lots of heat in the living room and kitchen, but not much reaches the bedrooms. (A couple mobile ceramic space heaters would be a much better choice.)

*Sounds of footfalls from the owners' upstairs were rather noticeable, but they were very quiet at night.

*The Holly Grove neighborhood is rather edgy and neighbors were rather loud at times. (but did quiet down by 11 p.m. at the latest, often even earlier. A portable white noise machine for sleeping is advised.)

Again, we do not mean to be negative at all, on the overall evaluation.

The owner invested more than $100 in a portable bath bench to make for safe, comfortable use of the tub/shower by a wheelchair user.

At our request, our hosts bought us nearly $40 worth of Trader Joes groceries, etc. 

We reimbursed them, but having the fridge stocked with high quality, low cost items for breakfast and beyond meant we had more time for enjoying the city.

The second we closed the door, we were in an oasis. 

Probably half or more of the furnishings, appliances, etc. in Art House are nicer than what we have in our lovely 100-year-old home.

Bottom line, two thumbs up for Art House New Orleans.

ART HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

Stay like a local in an authentic NOLA neighborhood

The pros (there are dozens):

*Apartment was very clean, from top to bottom.

*Decorated with playful paintings and sculptures done by local artists.

*Kitchen is very large, with dishes, silverware, full-size appliances, including a dishwasher. Makes it very conStay like a local in an authentic NOLA neighborhood

The pros (there are dozens):

*Apartment was very clean, from top to bottom.

*Decorated with playful paintings and sculptures done by local artists.

*Kitchen is very large, with dishes, silverware, full-size appliances, including a dishwasher. Makes it very convenient and economical to prepare meals or heat up take-out food.

*Living room is sizable with comfy furniture and flat-screen TV.

*Bedrooms are decent size. Beds have comfy mattresses and quality linens.

*Stackable washer and dryer are excellent quality and easy to use.

*Spotless bathroom. Like cleanest we'd ever seen. Same with kitchen, common areas, etc.

*During our stay, the owner answered our texts quickly. She was warm but not overly intrusive. Her hospitality included a small decorated Christmas tree and stockings for us containing tasty snacks.

*Answered millions of our questions between booking and arrival. Put up with our nerdy requests.

*You get a full size (maybe 1,000 SF) house for less than $170 per night, fully loaded. That price would get you a 150 SF hotel, maybe, plus cost of parking and all kinds of taxes and add-ons. So this a great deal.

*Is 90% wheelchair-accessible. Very good for folks learning about accommodating wheelchair using guests. A few tweaks and it would be ADA heaven.

*A total oasis once you shut the door. Feels like your own place. Modern appliances. So nice, two people could live in this year round and not be cramped.

*Great local food suggestions from owner.

*Feels like every detail has been thought through.

*No crappy, hand me down stuff you see in a lot of rental units.

*First class pots, pans, dishes, art, spaces.

*Beds were firm and comfortable.  

*If you are diverse and interested in staying in a real neighborhood, this is your place. 

*Patricia is a joy to deal with. She answers messages in a flash. Like so fast, she's anticipating young need before you voice it in a text or email.