Henry Howard Hotel

The Henry Howard Hotel in New Orleans, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its charming atmosphere, exceptional service, and prime location within the historic Garden District. Guests are drawn to its elegant blend of 19th-century grandeur and modern boutique sensibilities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Henry Howard Hotel garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, reflected in its high ratings. It holds an overall Google review rating of 4.60 out of 5 stars. On Expedia, an impressive 327 out of 389 reviews rate it as "Exceptional," with specific scores of 9.8 for Staff & Service, 9.4 for Location, and a perfect 10 for Cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the hotel as "beyond charming" and appreciate its "cozy, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed" environment, often feeling "like home" during their stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Henry Howard Hotel:

• Service: The staff is frequently highlighted for being "professional, warm, and wonderful," with specific commendations for individuals like Cesar, Angel, and Bruce for their accommodating and helpful nature.
• Location: Situated in the "quiet, beautiful Garden District," the hotel offers excellent walkability to popular spots like St. Charles Avenue (a block from the Mardi Gras parade route), Magazine Street's shops and restaurants, and the convenient streetcar line.
• Design: Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century Greek Revival mansion, the hotel exudes "timeless elegance" and "historic charm with modern refinement". Interiors boast twinkling chandeliers, original oil paintings, elegant crown molding, and polished wood floors. This old-world charm is complemented by a "smart urban aesthetic" featuring boldly patterned wallpaper, unique drapery, and musical instruments displayed as art. Each room showcases custom toile wallpaper, jazz-inspired décor, vintage furnishings, and local artwork.
• Amenities: Complimentary amenities include daily continental breakfast, free WiFi throughout the property, and free self-parking (though some guests note it's street parking). The hotel also features a charming bar and lounge, "The Parlor," which serves "incredible craft cocktails". Guests can also enjoy shared spaces like a serene courtyard, welcoming front porch, and various balconies or patios. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, and available bikes.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Henry Howard Hotel are consistently praised for their comfort and design. Guests report "unbelievably comfortable beds" and "plush pillows" ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are described as "light & bright" and equipped with blackout curtains and turn-down service. Standard features include premium bedding, air conditioning, free WiFi, and safes. For entertainment, 40-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are provided. The "gorgeously revamped bathrooms" feature all-natural Beekman 1802 products, bathrobes, steamers, rain showers, and separate toilets. While room sizes and layouts vary due to the historic nature of the mansion, many rooms offer separate seating areas and some even boast private balconies. Design elements like wood floors, luxurious linens, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows contribute to an "unforgettable experience steeped in comfort and character".

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This typically includes "warm breakfast rolls," with specific mentions of "yummy, fresh baked cinnamon croissant knots" that are both sweet and savory, alongside fresh coffee and juice. The coffee is noted for being "good and plenty of it". While there isn't a full restaurant on-site, "The Parlor" bar serves "incredible craft cocktails" in the afternoons and evenings, and the staff is ready to provide recommendations for local dining options. Guests can find American cuisine nearby at establishments like Stein's Market and Deli or Buster's Soul Food within walking distance.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Henry Howard Hotel are a consistent highlight, frequently described as "professional, warm, and so wonderful to work with". Guests have specifically commended staff members such as Cesar, Angel, and Bruce for their "highest commendation" and for being "as warm and accommodating as I've ever experienced". The hospitality is noted for being "the perfect mix of available, helpful & discreet". The hotel also provides a 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff to ensure an exceptional stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Henry Howard Hotel is ideally situated in New Orleans' charming Lower Garden District. It offers a "quiet, beautiful" neighborhood setting with excellent walkability. Guests can easily reach Magazine Street, known for its shops and restaurants, and St. Charles Avenue, which is a block away and a famous Mardi Gras parade route, offering access to the streetcar. Key attractions such as Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are an 8-minute walk away, and the National World War II Museum is a 15-16 minute walk. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is also within a 19-minute walk. While Bourbon Street is about a 10-minute drive, public transportation options like the streetcar are readily accessible. The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is a 7-minute drive, and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately a 20-minute drive. The hotel offers free self-parking, though some sources refer to it as street parking.

7. Value & Pricing

The Henry Howard Hotel is generally considered to offer good value, with some guests noting it "feels more expensive than it is". However, one guest felt that the value wasn't great due to a disappointing balcony and a basic breakfast offering. Prices for a one-night stay for two adults can range, with examples showing rates from $187.2 to $224.1. Average prices over a recent two-week period were around $355 for a weeknight and $356 for a weekend night. February is typically the cheapest month to stay, with an average 27% drop in price, while October is the most expensive, seeing an average 32% rise. It's worth noting that an additional charge of $25 per night applies for each adult guest over two, with the exception of children under 12.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• One guest experienced a broken air conditioning unit and reported an issue with an unconfirmed $900 charge at check-in.
• Another guest was disappointed with the balcony attached to their room, describing it as having basic furniture without cushions and requiring them to duck under a window to access it. This same guest also found the continental breakfast limited, consisting of only a single type of pastry.
• A discrepancy was noted regarding advertised French press coffee versus only drip coffee being available.
• The absence of an on-site gym is mentioned, though a discount for a nearby fitness center is offered.
• A suggestion for improvement included adding a coffee maker to the rooms.
• There's some ambiguity in various listings regarding parking, with some mentioning free self-parking and others indicating street parking or no parking available, which could lead to confusion.

Sources

1. neworleans.com
2. expedia.com
3. ahotellife.com
4. stashrewards.com
5. michelin.com
6. michelin.com
7. topneworleanshotels.com
8. travelocity.com
9. hotels.com
10. bedandbreakfast-neworleans.net
11. hotelsofneworleans.net
12. kayak.com
13. henryhowardhotel.com