NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has unveiled Le Méridien New Orleans, following a comprehensive $29 million transformation. The newly renovated 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 square feet 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. The design also features patterns and textures influenced by cultural and architectural elements.
The hotel also features Le Méridien Hub, a coffeehouse environment by day and a wine-inspired setting by night. Options at Longitude 90 bar include illy coffee, sparkling cocktails, and éclairs. 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. The restaurant offers a dinner menu with select menu items available for lunch at Longitude 90.
Renovations completed on the second floor include 1,600 square feet of new, flexible meeting for a total of 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space as well as the addition of a new breakfast restaurant, Marché. As part of Le Méridien signature breakfast, guests receive complimentary Eye Opener shots that combine unconventional ingredient pairings and local flavors.
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.
Centrally 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.
