The Chimes Bed and Breakfast

Ideal location, pleasant hosts, lovely environment

When someone says "the Garden District" or "Le Vieux Carre" what kind of place do you envision? I suppose I would include high ceilings -- gracious living throughout the South tends to feature them -- and French doors to open early and late to let a pleasant breeze in. Maybe I would include a hidden courtyard or flowery bower.

The Chimes has all that, and more. The place has been run for the past quarter-century or more by Jill and Charles Abbyad, whose lovely home and outbuildings have been transmogrified into an elegant and welcoming space with room for couples up to entire families. To simply call it a Bed & Breakfast does a disservice to the pre-prandial wine available on a honor basis in the main brick courtyard, or to Jill's unfailing willingness to help plan activities (even parties), or to the delight of enjoying morning coffee on the swing with Julius, the resident cat (a Katrina refugee himself).

Our room had 12' ceilings, a chandelier hanging in the bathroom, plenty of closet space, spring water in a lovely carafe waiting for us to return from the thirsty business of seeing the sites, a very comfortable bed with good reading light...and we were, so to speak, in the cheap seats. The three larger suites are very commodious, indeed.

Unique Quality: Breakfast generally includes French bread with a variety of cheeses and preserves; fruit; freshly baked pastries; eggs, yogurt, granola or cereal; a vast assortment of teas and very strong coffee. In pleasant weather, you can take your repast out to one of several small tables in the grounds; the main dining table is always set with linen and is a most congenial place to meet your fellow visitors.

The website includes video tours of each of the rooms, which is helpful when trying to plan for a visit. Be advised that the place books up years in advance for Tulane/Loyola graduations, Mardi Gras, etc.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Arts and Culture, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Food and Dining
• Written May 15, 2011

The Chimes Bed and Breakfast Photo: Ah, relax...

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