Henry Howard Hotel

"What were your first impressions?Debonair townhouses are a stock in trade of this part of the Lower Garden District, but the name of local architectural hero Henry Howard gives it an extra seal of approval and the Greek revival façade and wrought-iron balconies didn’t shatter my idyllic expectations. What’s the crowd like?The Garden District in general attracts a lower-key, more mature and affluent crowd, and older couples were the most regular co-lounger in the elegant front parlor. How were the rooms?My Superior King had polished wooden floors, 12-foot ceilings and windows, and exposed brickwork that maintained the period feel. The furnishings mixed modern fabrics and older wooden furniture. Quirky portraits of the owner’s family adorned the walls, which were covered in whimsical steamboat wallpaper. The King bed was described as ‘sculptural’, which in reality meant a modern version of a four poster, with metal polls replacing wooden posts, but it was incredibly comfortable. The bathrooms are an exercise in good-looking, modern simplicity with gleaming white porcelain and Beekman 1802 toiletries. How about the little things?The sense of place was really augmented with the wall-mounted saxophone—it's far less gimmicky than it sounds. Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The house may be old but the Wi-Fi was great. And, the staff?Shawn at the front desk went out of her way to welcome and orient and me. Anything else stand out?The front parlor, with its Italianate detailing and decadent gold trim, really delivered that upscale New Orleans lifestyle, and was a hard place to leave after the early evening aperitifs overlooking the Garden District." - Paul Oswell