NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has unveiled Le Méridien New Orleans following a comprehensive $29-million transformation. The hotel features 410 fully redesigned guestrooms, including 22 suites; three new food and beverage outlets, including a new destination restaurant; and the addition of 1,600 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space.
“Le Méridien is experiencing strong growth momentum in North America, and New Orleans has long been on our short list of dynamic U.S. cities that share in our brand passions for the arts, culture and cuisine,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “Le Méridien New Orleans will provide a unique experience for creative and curious-minded travelers as we help them unlock the destination through locally influenced design, programming and food and beverage.”
The renovation of Le Méridien New Orleans is taking place in two phases, with the first round completion including the full-scale renovation of all 410 guestrooms and respective corridors. Throughout the hotel, the design incorporates lines and grids inspired by the cartography and geography of New Orleans as seen from an aerial perspective, according to the company.
Le Méridien New Orleans also features the signature Le Méridien Hub, a social gathering place offering guests and locals a coffeehouse environment by day and a wine-inspired setting by night.
“Watching our hotel go through such a significant transition over the past few months has been an exciting journey,” said John Thompson, general manager of Le Méridien New Orleans. “Today is an important day as we finally open our doors as Le Méridien. We look forward to helping our guests unlock this unique destination through a redefined, contemporary experience.”
LMNO, the hotel’s new destination restaurant, is open for dinner service each evening. With Executive Chef Mauricio Gutierrez at the helm, the restaurant offers New American fare infused with global flavors and a menu that provides a new perspective on local cuisine, according to the hotel. The restaurant offers a dinner menu with select menu items available for lunch at Longitude 90 bar within the Le Méridien Hub.
Renovations completed on the second floor include 1,600 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space for a total of 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, as well as the addition of a new breakfast restaurant, Marché.
The final phase of the hotel transformation will include a redesigned front desk and porte-cochere valet entrance, the enhancement of existing meeting space and a landscaped palm garden that incorporates an art component and outdoor seating for guests and private events. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for March 2015.
Located on Poydras Street, Le Méridien New Orleans is adjacent to the Arts District and just a few blocks from the jazz clubs, restaurants and night clubs of the French Quarter. Nearby attractions include Harrah’s Casino, the Warehouse District, Contemporary Arts Center, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Outlet Collection at Riverwalk and the French Market.