Fairmont Makes Highly Anticipated Return to New Orleans
by Briana Bonfiglio
Fairmont New Orleans. Photo: Accor
Fairmont New Orleans is now open, marking the brand’s highly anticipated return to the city and 100th hotel worldwide.
The property is set within the former Bank of New Orleans, taking up 17 stories of the 31-story landmark building. The hotel brings 250 guest rooms and strong dining offerings by Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group to the heart of the Central Business District, within walking distance of the French Quarter and a short drive to Caesars Superdome.
“Celebrating Fairmont’s landmark 100th hotel in New Orleans is a moment of perfect alignment. This is a city built on the very poetry of celebration, culture, and hospitality, setting the ultimate stage for such a historic milestone. After two decades away, returning to New Orleans feels like a joyful homecoming,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “This magnificent property is designed to be a vibrant social epicenter, a sanctuary where the city’s rich heritage meets a sophisticated, contemporary energy. Through meticulous design, spirited gastronomy, and exceptional spaces created for connection, we are not just opening a hotel; we are welcoming the soulful spirit of New Orleans back into the global Fairmont family for our next great chapter.”
Fairmont New Orleans’ lobby and living room act as an anchor to the property, inviting both guests and locals to convene in the social space. The Lobby Bar has a cocktail-focused menu and live entertainment. There is also 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space within the hotel.
Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping city views, custom artwork and other design elements inspired by the cultural and natural history of New Orleans. Some king rooms even sport “faux balconies” with café tables, a playful nod to the city’s famous porches and terraces.
The building’s original sidewalks, entry canopy, lobby floors, and concrete walls on the first and second floors have been fully restored. Plus, the hotel design now takes inspiration from the 1970s era with layered textures and patterns, saturated color, and local flora.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Fairmont New Orleans and for our city,” said Eric Overstreet, the hotel’s general manager. “From the moment guests enter our lobby to an evening at Delmonico Steakhouse, the hotel was designed to feel distinctly of New Orleans, while offering the service and experience Fairmont is known for. We’re proud to welcome travelers and our local community into these spaces and look forward to seeing Fairmont New Orleans become part of the city’s next chapter.”
“I’m thrilled to bring Delmonico Steakhouse to New Orleans alongside The Café by Emeril, creating two distinct dining experiences that reflect what I love about cooking and bringing people together,” Chef Emeril Lagasse added. “We’re proud to be a part of Fairmont’s return to the city and look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors to experience the bold flavors, genuine hospitality, and unmistakable New Orleans spirit that defines everything we do.”
This marks just the beginning for Fairmont New Orleans, with even more to open in the coming months. Soon there will be more dining venues, including a rooftop pool bar and cocktail lounges, as well as a fitness center and spa, all set to open in December and overlook the city.
Also in December, Fairmont New Orleans will debut a more elevated experience on its 28th and 29th floors. The Fairmont Gold “hotel-within-a-hotel” concept will feature a private lounge overlooking the Mississippi River, dedicated concierge service, complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapés, and a personalized arrival and check-in experience.
