NEW ORLEANS HOTEL BUSINESS. has learned a 200- to 250-room hotel is slated for prime real estate here, possibly by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
A source said the property will be sited at Canal St. and St. Charles, within walking distance of the expanded Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“The beauty is it will be situated right on the street car line,” said the source. “It s a prime location, within walking distance of the French Quarter, everything downtown.”
The site is currently vacant land, with the exception of the structure of the former Kolb s Restaurant.
“What s standing should remain,” said the source. “That was the original plan. The site has been vacant for approximately two years.”
The site was originally expected to house The Jockey Club, a 121-room property.
The source indicated Rosewood Hotels would hold the Jockey Club site, but the luxury chain did not return calls for comment.
(4/12/01) Stefani C. O Connor