Rising above the mighty Mississippi River in the heart the Big Easy, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans is now open. Found at the foot of Canal Street, within walking distance of the historic French Quarter, the Louisiana city’s newest luxury property also marks a transformation of the historic 33-storey former International Trade Mart/World Trade Center New Orleans building.
Located about 20 minutes from both of the city’s airports, the hotel is also close by the Warehouse Arts District and myriad parks and greenspaces, with direct access to the city’s streetcar line.
For business travellers, the hotel’s location in the Central Business District and near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is also convenient, while sports and entertainment fans will appreciate the venue’s proximity to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center.
“New Orleans is a destination that has long been on our wish list,” says Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, adding, “The transformation of this truly iconic building is stunning and serves as a wonderful addition to Four Seasons portfolio…”
“Guests can plan their visit around one of our many food, cocktail, music and community festivals, where they are able to enjoy our city’s vibrant and energizing culture,” says Chef Concierge Melissa Comardelle, a New Orleans native who wears Les Clefs d’Or – the golden keys of professional concierges the world over. “For those interested in a more intimate exploration of local culture, our team can arrange a private jazz concert at Preservation Hall for your family or friends, an evening with a local chef who will share their favourite local haunts before preparing dinner for you in their own restaurant, or a private streetcar ride through the historic Garden District with a personal guide.”
Dining and drinking
In a city recognized as one of America’s most renowned culinary destinations, Four Seasons has partnered with acclaimed local chefs to introduce all-new restaurant concepts celebrating the South, as well as the spectacular Chandelier Bar, a glamorous meeting spot that spills into the hotel’s main entrance and lobby and out onto a garden patio.
The centrepiece of the bar is a massive 15,000-piece light and glass installation that gives the bar its name, while live music is offered year-round, showcasing talented local artists.
Dining options include Miss River, a “love letter to Louisiana” presented by New Orleans Chef Alon Shaya on the lobby level and, opening this fall, award-winning chef Donald Link’s newest concept, Chemin a la Mer, featuring steaks and seafood executed with French techniques, and overlooking the river.
A grand oyster bar, a Crescent city, is also presented by Link.
Amenities
Rooms: A total of 341 beautifully appointed rooms and suites are designed with a light and airy feel, with a palette of clean whites and pale greys accentuated with white-washed oak furnishings, textured fabrics, and wall treatments and, above every bed, a striking tri-panel plaster relief depicting South’s signature scent, the magnolia.
Pool & spa: This fall, the hotel will open its crescent-shaped rooftop swimming pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs, four private cabanas and Mississippi River views; a 24/7 fitness centre; and The Spa, featuring highly trained therapists providing customized treatments.
Art: Complementing the world-class design throughout the hotel is a carefully curated art collection featuring local artists and those inspired by the city. And set within indoor and outdoor observation decks on the Hotel’s 33rd and 34th floors is a state-of-the-art cultural exhibit designed to honour, celebrate and share stories of the diverse cultures that converged to create the magic that is New Orleans.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961 and currently operates more than 12 hotels and resorts in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries. Another 50 projects are under planning or development.