Regal rooms: The King Royal at The Henry Howard Hotel, New Orleans
The Henry Howard Hotel
review by Paul Oswell
An overwhelming proportion of the city’s hotels are, of course, in the French Quarter and the CBD. For those that prefer the quieter environs of the Garden District, then the choices thin out a little. It’s quality over quantity in this neighborhood, though, with lots of great bed and breakfasts, larger spots such as The Pontchartrain and lovely boutique properties such as this, The Henry Howard Hotel.
This debonair townhouse is a converted mid-19th-century townhouse (designed by the eponymous Henry Howard), and looks as immaculate from the outside as it is on the inside, with its pure white Greek Revival façade. Wrought-iron galleries frame the exterior of the upper floors, and the red pine floors and 12-foot ceilings of the parlor strike you as soon as you enter. Italianate detailing, tasteful gold trim and a mix of woods and cream walls make for an immediately calming, upscale ambience.
It’s hard to imagine more welcoming staff - the front desk are able to focus their hospitality skills and local knowledge thanks to the relative few guests that the property can accommodate. They can talk at length about the various nearby dining and entertainment options. As with most historic homes in New Orleans, the preservation regulations mean that character is centered over amenities such as business centers and the like, but for leisure guests, this is a feature, not a bug.
As with most historic properties, the rooms are all slightly different in size and appearance, but the entry-level Superior King has all the hallmarks of the bigger rooms. Polished wooden floors, 12-foot ceilings and windows, and exposed brickwork maintain the period feel, though the furnishings are a mix of modern soft fabrics and older wooden tables and sideboards.
If you feel like stepping it up a notch, then the King Royal rooms have all of this, with even more space and walk-out balconies, both shared and private. In common with the Superior rooms, musical instruments and quirky portraits of the owner’s family adorn the walls, and when added to the steamboat wallpaper give a whimsical sense of place. A modern four-poster bed and Beekman 1802 toiletries complete the luxurious touches.
The hotel does not have a kitchen per se but breakfast is a continental affair with coffees, juices and irresistible pastries. The lounge also boasts a small bar, and the front desk staff will don their bartender hats and very enthusiastically pour you a glass of wine or even be persuaded into mixing you a cocktail for you to enjoy in the plush surroundings before you head out for the evening.
It’s a tranquil retreat on a scenic stretch of Prytania street and the boutiques and diners of Magazine Street are an easy walk. Think outside that CBD-shaped box if you have family coming into town or are looking for a memorable short vacation from your own home - there’s lots to love about this spot.
More information and room rates at the Henry Howard Hotel website - click here
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