New Orleans invites you to stay near the famous streetcar

New buildings are so rare on New Orleans' historic St. Charles Avenue that the Henrietta Hotel is the first to be built in 30 years. Built as a contemporary alternative to its maximalist sister hotel Columns near the same tram stop, it draws inspiration from the city's trademark European architecture with heritage paint colors and pillared balconies along all five floors. While the Columns property was originally built in 1883 for Simon Hernsheim, Henrietta is named after Hernsheim's sister.

Its 40 rooms are equipped for short or long stays, some with kitchenettes, all with access to balconies. Breakfast comes from the on-site outpost of Flour Moon Bagels, which serves Avenue Road coffee. In the evening, a cocktail bar takes over among potted palm trees, just beyond the marble reception. The colonnaded porch and deck feature two fireplaces.