Catahoula Hotel

Hiding in plain sight on a CBD side street, this stylish 2016 boutique hotel is cool but not cold, and feels practically private. The scale is modest throughout: Rooms sport comfy Casper mattresses and historic architectural features, but few amenities (i.e., hooks instead of closets). Showers that open to the bedroom (and vanities in the bedroom) mean roommates better be very close. The best rooms—those with chic seating areas and small patios facing Union St.—won’t reach their greatness potential until the construction project across the street is complete (do inquire). But the public spaces are why you stay here: the so-on-trend Piscobar and pop-up kitchen offerings and in-the-works Peruvian café; clandestine, twinkle-lit courtyard with the soaring mural of local burlesque star Trixie Minx; and hip rooftop terrace and bar with occasional DJs, screenings, and bands. Don’t overpay.