410-Key Le Méridien New Orleans Debuts $29M Renovation

By Eliza Theiss, Associate Editor

The Paris-born Le Méridien hotel brand has made its debut in New Orleans, one of the hottest U.S. hospitality markets. The 410-key former W New Orleans is in the midst of a comprehensive $29 million renovation and conversion project, set to wrap up with a grand opening of Le Méridien New Orleans in March 2015.

The downtown New Orleans high-rise hotel is undergoing a two-phase renovation process, the first of which has been completed. Phase one included the complete overhaul of all 410 guestrooms and the lobbies. The hotel now features design elements showcasing an aerial view of New Orleans’ unique geography and cartography, as well as patterns inspired by the city’s iconic architecture and culture.

The renovation’s second phase includes the addition of 1,600 square feet of meeting space, for a grand total of 20,000 square feet available onsite. Other completed additions include the signature Le Méridien Hub, a coffeehouse/wine bar lounge; the Longitude 90 bar; LMNO, the hotel’s destination restaurant run by Chef Mauricio Gutierrez; and Marché, the new breakfast restaurant. The renovation’s final phase will also add a redesigned desk and port-cochere valet entrance, as well as a landscaped palm garden with outdoor seating for events. Existing meeting space will also be upgraded prior to the grand opening.

Other amenities include an outdoor rooftop pool, a fitness center, a business center, pet grooming, iPod accessories rental and an SMS Text concierge. Located just outside the world-famous French Quarter and the city’s up-and-coming Warehouse/Arts District, Le Méridien New Orleans  offers swift access to the city’s countless jazz clubs, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Harrah’s Casino, the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, the French Market, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center.

The rebranding of the former W New Orleans was announced in mid-2103, following the property’s acquisition by Chesapeake Lodging Trust. As previously reported, the Maryland-based REIT picked up the 410-key hotel for $65 million from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., which was retained as property manager under a long-term contract. Renovation kicked off in spring 2014.

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Image courtesy of Le Méridien New Orleans via Facebook and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide