NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bed and breakfast operations in New Orleans tout their old-fashion charm as an enticement to visitors, but face a threat from a new, technology-driven competitor that apparently is flouting city law.

Airbnb.com, a travel website that lets homeowners advertise rooms for short-term rental, has become increasingly popular in recent years, expanding to 31,275 cities worldwide. The site recently listed 385 rooms for rent in New Orleans. The website is often described as a cheap, convenient and relatively safe way to book travel accommodations.