New Orleans' Central Business District has seen a spate of hotel openings over the past few years, with developers taking advantage of the neighborhood's proximity to essential city attractions. Some developers, lured by the charm of its architecture, are even repurposing district buildings for hip, historical hostelry.
Case in point: The district's newest hotel, the Eliza Jane, comprises nine former warehouses, the original occupants of which included the Gulf Baking Soda company; Peters Cartridge, an ammunition manufacturer; the Peychaud Bitters factory; and the Daily Picayune newspaper. In fact, the hotel's namesake, journalist Eliza Jane Nicholson, was publisher of the Daily Picayune in the late 1800s.
"Our goal with the Eliza Jane was to embrace the history and location of these distinct buildings to create a special experience for our guests," said Jim Merkel, CEO of hotel investment firm Rockbridge.
Interior design firm Stonehill Taylor aimed for "a blend of old and new translated into design details that pay homage to the building's past in a sophisticated, yet playful way," according to a press release from the hotel.
For instance, the hotel's Press Room lounge takes design cues from the property's journalistic past, with "sourced antiques and books, typewriters and other accessories filling the numerous shelves and paneled walls within the space," according to the press release. The Press Room lobby bar offers coffee and pastries by day and cocktails and wine at night.
The hotel comprises 196 guestrooms, including 50 suites, exuding an "upscale, residential vibe with two schemes featuring rich colors; channel-tufted, ink-colored leather headboards; eclectic accent furniture; floral patterns; and brass and walnut accents throughout," according to the press release.
Suites, featuring a king bed or two queen beds, range from 400 to 525 square feet and offer views of Magazine Street or the property's courtyard.
Scheduled for completion next month, the property's centerpiece garden courtyard will feature a Venus-inspired sculpture by local artist Brent Barnidge.
Hotel facilities include a 24-hour fitness center (with three ellipticals, two treadmills and free weights) as well as 1,729 square feet of meetings space (available beginning this summer).
Also set to open this summer is Couvant, described by the hotel as "a signature French brasserie that will put a modern twist on classic French fare." Couvant, housed within the Peychaud building, will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert as well as late-night cocktails and wine.
The Eliza Jane, located two blocks from the French Quarter, is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, currently consisting of nine upper-upscale and luxury properties in the U.S., Canada, Paris and Uruguay.
Nightly rates at the Eliza Jane begin at $200.
For more information, visit https://theelizajane.hyatt.com and https://unboundcollection.hyatt.com.