Douglas on Third

The Douglas was built as a hotel in the early 1900s, part of the wave of construction that filled Third Street between 1885 and 1912. By the 1960s the rooms had been converted to apartments and filled with long-term tenants. In 2016 the current owners took on the project of turning it back into what it was.

That restoration produced fourteen furnished units on the second floor, some retaining apartment features that make them work for extended stays. Rooms are cozy and thoughtfully designed rather than oversized — the Owner’s Suites run around 334 square feet with a king bed, sitting area, full kitchen, and a vintage clawfoot tub. There are one-bedroom units with queen beds and full kitchens, and a Cottage with two queen bedrooms separated by a living space, which works for families or two couples.

The ground floor is the other half of the appeal. Pike Road Wines, HiFi Wine Bar, Thai Country Restaurant, and Mac Daddy Donuts all operate in the building. You’re not near Third Street; you’re on it.

There’s a complimentary glass of Pike Road sparkling wine during your stay, and guests consistently mention the thoughtful details — makeup remover packets, good robes, a range of pillow types.

What there isn’t: a lobby, a front desk, or an elevator. All rooms are on the second floor with stair access only, no luggage lift and no ramp, and that’s stated plainly on their site. Check-in is by keypad, and communication runs through text and email, which guests describe as prompt. There’s a shared mezzanine lounge with a coffee station and wifi that functions more like a library than a lobby.