A short taxi ride to the hustle, bustle
Henry Howard Hotel, 2041 Prytania St. New Orleans, La., 504-313-1577 henryhowardhotel.com. Rates From $209 U.S. The basics
While most visitors to New Orleans want to be in the heart of the city’s dynamic French Quarter, there’s no denying that its boisterous vibe doesn’t appeal to all travellers.
Fortunately, there’s a more relaxing option a streetcar ride away in the Garden District. The18-room Henry Howard Hotel, a historic double-gallery townhouse, was built by acclaimed architect Henry Howard in 1867 as a mansion for Edward Conery, a steamship owner and ship chandler, that he later bestowed to his two daughters.
After years as a rundown inn, the New York-based Fitzgerald Hotel Group modernized the property while maintaining structural elements for its opening in 2016.
Local culture is tastefully celebrated throughout, from the snare drums used as coffee tables in the ground-floor parlour to the second line brass instruments hanging above the beds in guest rooms.
Designer Lauren Mabry of Hunter Mabry Design pulled inspiration from the building and the city’s past for a stunning interior overhaul that is fun and elegant, and unlikely to date itself.
Location
The hotel, in the lower Garden District, a 10-minute taxi ride from the French Quarter, sits a block away from St. Charles Ave. (also known as the Mardi Gras route).
The restaurants, bars and antique shops of Magazine St. are a short walk away, as are several of Henry Howard’s other architectural projects that are worth checking out.
The room
Our Queen Superior room was in the north wing, accessible from an outdoor covered corridor, overlooking a nearby parking lot.
It was smartly decorated, with red such as the steamboat and the St. Charles streetcar, an iron bed canopy, a mounted trumpet, vintage chairs in a black and white striped fabric and oil portraits by local artist Hayley Gaberlavage.
But it was a cramped fit for two people. The dressing table was small but helpful in the absence of a closet large enough to properly store our luggage (there was only hanging storage). The bathroom The bathroom was perched on the mezzanine level of our room, which was a nice separation from the main living space, but given its small size, there was limited room for toiletries. The standout feature was the goat-milk bath and body products from Beekman 1802. Dining There is no restaurant on the premises nor a room service menu. Aside from the complimentary breakfast of fresh orange juice, croissants and muffins from the local Laurel Street Bakery that is served on weekends, you’ll need to dine elsewhere. Fortunately, there are excellent options nearby, such as District Donuts for coffee and breakfast, Joey K’s and Shaya. Amenities The property offers free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, local snacks (Zapp’s potato chips, Slow & Low rye whiskey) and useful items like Southern Rhoades bug spray in each room for a charge, plus complimentary coffee from the local Revelatory Roasters. The hotel has partnered with Franco’s Gym on Magazine St. and City Surf for guests who wish to work out for an extra fee. The bottom line The lack of on-site dining aside, there’s no mistaking the appeal of this sharply designed boutique property in a neighbourhood that was sorely lacking in quality lodging.
But to truly make the most of your stay, book Royal Queen rooms and above for more space and greater comfort.