The Eliza Jane - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

"Why book? This former print factory is one of the quirkier additions to Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. There’s a European sensibility amid the industrial-romantic design, and they boast one of the city’s best hotel restaurants. Set the scene The hotel has broad appeal and I checked in among a notably mixed cross-section of guests. Business people worked on presentations in the off-lobby lounges, families were heading out for a day of sightseeing, and couples lingered over breakfasts and cocktails—often both at the same time, this being New Orleans. The backstory Hotels built from former 19th-century warehouses aren’t uncommon, but the Eliza Jane has enough of an interesting origin story to stand out. Named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, the first woman in the country to publish a major newspaper and who did so from this site, the buildings also housed a bitters factory—New Orleans’ being the spiritual home of the cocktail makes the latter connection especially pertinent. Both of these industries are hinted at through ambient design touches. The Industrial romantic aesthetic is complemented by subtly whimsical floor tiling and reception desks made from salvaged index card cabinets. Vibrant Royal Blue tones contrast the brickwork strikingly. The exposed beams frame a spacious bar and lounge area just beyond receptions, and the tropical foliage gives the space the feeling of an urban atrium. The rooms The curated vintage pieces (hand picked from local antique stores) and industrial elements of the interior design spill over into the rooms. In an entry-level king room, there’s a mid-century-modern desk and replica period artwork, and the arched windows stretch from floor to ceiling. The marble-and-tile bathrooms have charming brass fittings, and ink-colored headboards pay homage to those early days of print. The Eliza Jane has over 50 suites, and I was lucky enough to stay in the 700-square-foot Editor’s Suite. As well as the brick walls and walnut accents present across the board, there’s a living space with a sofa and perhaps the most memorable amenity: an oversized, standalone bathtub. It’s shares a tiled wet room with a double shower, so your ablution options are as good as they get. Food and drink The bar (The Press Room) and restaurant (Couvant) should both be on your radar. Local mixologist Michael Glassberg brings a deft touch to the cocktail program with a sense of humor as dry as the martinis. Couvant, the hotel’s excellent restaurant located in the former Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory, has evolved beyond the strictly French menu of its opening to a more inclusive affair that still pays homage to brasserie classics. If you want to wander outside with your cocktail, there’s a quadrant of intimate courtyards and an Instagram-friendly water feature. The neighborhood/area The hotel is just two-and-a-half blocks from the touristic hub of the historic French Quarter. However, these blocks create a much-valued buffer from its noisiest excesses, and the weekends in this neighborhood are especially tranquil. The river and Jackson Square are easily walkable. The service Although I live in town, I occasionally (and gently) test the front desk’s local knowledge by asking for recommended activities and cultural highlights. Here, the staff passed with flying colors. Mr Glassberg made some excellent dinner menu suggestions for Couvant, and all in all, everyone was delightful. Management brimmed with ideas for the property’s evolution. For families None of the hotel’s amenities are particularly going to appeal to children, but families might appreciate the location as its walkable from many of the most popular downtown attractions. Eco effort The hotel is subject to the sustainability practices of the Hyatt brand. Accessibility The hotel has seven standard ADA-compliant rooms and three compliant suites, all with visual alarms and adapted bathrooms. Anything left to mention? Hotels that occupy former industrial spaces are very common these days, but the Eliza Jane does a great job of avoiding some of the more cliched tropes. The evocation of a Continental ambience through the decor is a stylish touch, and both the bar and restaurant are places that I’ll make a point to return to soon, even if I’m not staying here. If it’s brutally humid or there’s a cold snap, there are the aforementioned cozy lounges, replete with sofas and workspaces. A sizable exercise room and meeting/event space round off the amenities." - Paul Oswell