New hotel projects spring up in New Orleans

Thousands of hotel, restaurant and bar jobs were lost in a city that counts tourism as its lifeblood. Major events such as the French Quarter Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Festival, New Orleans Pride Festival and the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience all were canceled in 2020.

As the city climbs back through a phased reopening, 2021 is shaping up as a pivotal year — preparing to welcome back tourists with key festivals on the books and new hotels already opened or planning splashy debuts.

At press time, there were no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements for travelers to New Orleans. The city is in Phase 2 of a gradual reopening. Masks are required in public; restaurants and bars can sell alcohol from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; no indoor seating in bars and breweries (outdoor seating and takeout only); indoor restaurant dining is limited to 50 percent capacity (outdoor dining at full capacity with social-distancing measures). For updates on reopening restrictions, see neworleans.com.

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Visitors will have much to anticipate. The Jazz & Heritage Festival, traditionally held in the spring, is now slated for Oct. 8-17, and the French Quarter Festival is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 3. The new Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, dedicated to exploring the cultural heritage of Jews in the American South, is opening in the spring at 818 Howard near the National WWII Museum. And the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park, a 7½-acre pedestrian park with live-event spaces and public art installations, will open this year as part of a $557 million improvement plan for the city’s convention center.

New hotel projects signal a return to a more prosperous year for the hospitality sector. Some of the new properties:

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans: The city’s most anticipated new hotel, and most luxurious, will be this 34-story beauty at the base of Canal Street in the former World Trade Center building. Opening May 15, the hotel boasts 341 guest rooms (and 92 residences) with restaurants from Alon Shaya and Donald Link, both James Beard Award-winning chefs. Shaya’s restaurant and lobby bar will bow first, followed in October by Link’s restaurant on the fifth floor adjacent to a crescent-shaped infinity pool and views of the Mississippi River. Room rates will be announced when the website begins accepting reservations later this month. 2 Canal, 504-434-5100;
fourseasons.com/neworleans

Virgin Hotel New Orleans: Summer is the projected opening of Virgin’s 225-room hotel in the Warehouse District. The property will feature a rooftop pool and lounge, gym and the brand’s signature Commons Club (restaurant and bar) and Funny Library Coffee Shop. 550 Baronne;

virginhotels.com

ONE11 Hotel: The first hotel to open in the French Quarter in 50 years, this new boutique property is housed in a former sugar-refining company and warehouse near the Mississippi River waterfront. The 83 guest rooms (including an eighth-floor suite with two bedrooms and private terraces) feature exposed brick, beams and plenty of natural light. The hotel’s Batture Bistro + Bar offers a seasonal menu with Creole inspiration and the Loading Dock patio with views of the French Quarter. Room rates start at $169. 111 Iberville, 504-699-8100;

one11hotel.com

Hotel Fontenot: After a 15-year absence, the Kimpton brand returns to the city with this 202-room boutique hotel in the Central Business District with a design inspired by jazz musicians and Southern hospitality. Guests, welcomed by a complimentary local beer, will have access to bike rentals and a 24-hour fitness center. The Peacock Room, a jewel-box dining room, will serve craft cocktails and a menu of regional dishes while Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats will be a casual outpost for coffee, cocktails and snacks. Bookings now accepted for later this month. Room rates start at about $150. 501 Tchoupitoulas, 504-571-1818;

hotelfotenot.com

Holiday Inn Club Vacations New Orleans Resort: A block from Bourbon Street, this 105-room hotel, the club vacation brand’s first urban property, opened in January with condo-style accommodations in an 1893 landmark building that was the city’s first skyscraper. The hotel’s Maritime Bar & Lounge is expected to open later. Room rates start at about $200. 203 Carondelet, 504-355-1199;

ihg.com/holidayinnclubvacations

The Chloe: This 14-room boutique hotel in a renovated historical mansion is the first hotel from restaurateur Robert LeBlanc, known for his restaurants Sylvain, Cavan, Longway Tavern and the much-loved Meauxbar, which closed last year. The charming rooms feature details such as modern soaking tubs, four-poster beds, turntables and vinyl records, custom robes and locally made bathroom amenities. The restaurant with a Creole classics menu is from chef Tod Pulsinelli, formerly of August, Domenica and the American Sector. There’s a pool, herb garden and outdoor bar. Room rates start at $256. 4125 St. Charles, 504-541-5500; thechloenola.com