"Why book?An enviable location, a hip bistro and a pool mean that this new addition to New Orleans’ mid-range boutique hotel portfolio is well worth checking out. It’s stylish but unpretentious and being so close to both the Mississippi River and the delights of the French Quarter is an added bonus.
Set the scene:Located at the end of Iberville Street, there’s not much separating the hotel from the banks of the Mississippi, and some rooms enjoy great views of Old Man River. The aesthetic is unswervingly contemporary with exposed brick, wood beams, and wood and iron columns—elements that hint at the property’s former life as a sugar factory. A comforting orange and caramel hue softens the industrial edges, and young couples relax with cocktails in the public spaces and dining room before heading out into the Quarter.
The backstory:This hotel is the first new property to open in the historic French Quarter in some 50 years. As noted, it was previously a sugar factory, but the renovation did not involve any demolition, and so the aesthetic (although subsequently romanticized) remains. Ceiling joists and arched windows with river views are all original features, and they work wonderfully in their new roles.
The rooms:Those dramatic wooden beams and exposed brick walls carry the aesthetic through to the guest rooms, the large windows allowing for soft sunlight to imbue them with a welcome dose of cosiness. The wooden frame of the building informs the fittings of the bedroom, with stylish, mid-century modern style sideboards and drawers. The closet/storage space reflects the modern trend of open racks, and the large, glass walk-in showers add to the sense of space. Luxe Matouk linens, a Keurig coffee maker and Malin+Goetz bath products establish a thoughtful approach to the in-room amenities. The suites (names ‘sweets’ in a cute nod to the building’s history) offer great value, especially the Riverbend Sweet with its own private terrace.
Food and drink:Batture Bistro + Bar is a large, open plan dining space with a variety of seating options. It’s very much the social space of the hotel, housing the bar as well, with a perpetual buzz of activity. The menu is firmly rooted in New Orleans’ classics but the kitchen brings its own interpretations. Hence the wonder of NOLA Deviled Eggs and the sheer decadence of Boudin Egg Rolls. Small plates are a speciality and there’s a decent cocktail program to back it up.
The neighborhood:Although we’re technically in the French Quarter, there’s a buffer between the hotel and the clamor of Bourbon Street and the nightlife in general. This feels assuring, especially for visitors that want to decompress after a night of partying. The river and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are on the doorstep, and from the outdoor space on the eighth floor, guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the bend in the Mississippi River and St. Louis Cathedral.
The service:The staff have an enthusiastic perkiness to them, and seem proud to be heading up a new French Quarter hotel. It’s a big responsibility but it’s one that they are approaching with energy and professionalism, and they appear to be especially switched on to the nightly happenings and events in the Quarter, and are happy to make recommendations.
Accessibility:The hotel is fully accessible and has a number of ADA-compliant rooms.
Anything left to mention?The pool area is a welcome addition, and although the bijoux swimming pool is more for lounging than laps, it’s an idyllic place to cool off after a day’s sightseeing, and the terrace is equally commodious." - Paul Oswell
