The Reimagined “Belle of New Orleans” Enters a New Era Blending a
Century of Timeless Elegance with Modern Charm
Imagery here
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – November 21, 2024 – Today, Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, announces the grand re-opening of Le Pavillon, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel following a $19-million-dollar renovation. Owned by Ashford Hospitality Trust, and known as the “Belle of New Orleans,” the historic downtown hotel becomes the second property to bring the imaginative spirit of Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of independent hotels – to The Big Easy.
“There is more than meets the eye when experiencing the newly imagined Le Pavillon as a Tribute Portfolio Hotel as we bring new life to our iconic hotel,” said Gregory Hoover, General Manager of Le Pavillon. “By bringing Le Pavillon and its legacy into a new era, today’s guests will continue to forge a meaningful connection to the culture, soulful energy and warm hospitality of New Orleans.”
Renovation
Dating back to 1907, Le Pavillon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is steeped in commemorative moments including employing the parents of legendary New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong, as well as providing hidden passageways for dignitaries during the Prohibition Era. Today, the 226-room hotel unveils a multi-million-dollar renovation to the lobby, guestrooms, meeting spaces, dining outlets and common areas showcasing a layered tapestry of modern touches woven throughout the hotel's European-inspired charm.
Celebrating the city’s colorful fabric, the hotel has been transformed with rich velvets in deep emerald and royal purple that embrace guests upon arrival, complemented by dramatic columns and high ceilings adorned with intricately carved crown molding and ornate gold detailing. Inviting guests to gather and connect, chandeliers and avant-garde lamps cast a warm glow over the spacious lobby of Le Pavillon—fittingly meaning "The House” in French. Richly patterned wallpaper and accent pillows wrapped in eccentric art add a contemporary touch of whimsy to both guest rooms and common spaces.
“Our vision for Le Pavillon was to create a journey through New Orleans’ vibrant history and artistry by blending fresh design elements with the hotel’s collection of rare pieces,” said Jillian Adams, RID, Senior Interior Designer at Premier. “Every detail, from the lush velvet fabrics and dramatic columns to the precious antiques and artwork, comes together to surround guests in layers of history that have been reimagined with a contemporary twist.”
Art & Design
Designed by the renowned Toledano and Wogan architectural firm, Le Pavillon stands as a testament to New Orleans’ historic grandeur. Recognized by its fluted Corinthian columns, the hotel’s Renaissance-style design is rooted in captivating, bold character and craftsmanship. Guests are surrounded by an abundance of unexpected, globally sourced rare antiquities, original art and custom furnishings including Napoleon Bonaparte’s Carrera marble bathtub, original 19th century Rococo Revival beds signed by famed woodworker C. Lee, a $150,000 marble mantle brought in from Scotland’s MacMillan Castle and more. Among the most prized onsite artworks are first-edition paintings by French icon Claude Lorrain purchased from the Museo del Prado in Spain as well as European portraits including the "Duchess of Chievenon.”
Fit for the curious traveler, Le Pavillon turns “history on its head” with an imaginative series of upside-down portraits that spark intriguing conversations. By intermittently inverting the paintings, the eccentric orientation confronts the viewer with the opportunity to interpret more than what meets the eye and acts as an artistic reminder to keep an open mind. Within the hotel’s bar, 1803, a bewitching portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte surveys the space with a surprising illusion for those who are looking closely.
In line with Tribute Portfolio’s dedication to captivating design and immersive experiences, the hotel is home to six themed suites including The Poydras Suite which exudes the timeless romance of Victorian-era décor including an original 1850 Rococo Revival Half Tester queen bed, The Frenchman Suite dripping in décor reminiscent of New Orleans' iconic music scene and The St. Charles Suite styled as an 18th century château.
Food & Beverage
With its name paying homage to the year Napoleon signed the Louisiana Purchase, Bar 1803 is a secluded lounge outfitted with floor-to-ceiling red velvet drapery, black marble, cascading light fixtures and portrait of Napolean Bonaparte.
Masterfully served within the elegant setting of Bijoux, guests can discover the charm of Louisiana-style cuisine. Beyond its culinary delights, Bijoux also serves as a versatile space for meetings and social events, seamlessly blending classic elegance with modern functionality, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Orleans.
A tradition that began nearly forty years ago, guests are invited every evening to enjoy freshly made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with milk or hot chocolate. The ritual began after a former general manager learned about a guest’s nightly treat shared with his daughter at home.
Meetings & Events
Steeped in Southern hospitality, Le Pavillon offers 10,000 square feet of revamped meeting and event spaces across sixteen intricately designed venues named after pillars in French history. From the Denechaud Ballroom, The Versailles and Poydras Room to the chandelier draped Bijoux, the hotel can accommodate intimate ceremonies and lavish celebrations for up to 125 guests.
As a newly minted member of the Tribute Portfolio, Le Pavillon participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands.
The hotel welcomes groups of all sizes within the grandeur of old-world design, regal chandeliers and portraits of notable dignitaries paired with state-of-the-art technology and plush comforts for delightful gatherings. Sparking connectivity and inspiring new perspectives, groups can book a tour with an onsite historian to learn about the property’s illustrious past.
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About Le Pavillon, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans' between the French Quarter and the Art and Warehouse districts on Poydras Street, Le Pavillon, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a newly reimagined 226-room historic landmark in downtown New Orleans. Known as the “Belle of New Orleans,” the Renaissance-style hotel, built in 1907, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and carries a rich history steeped in southern hospitality. Featuring 10,000 square feet of diverse event space, two food and beverage venues, and a legendary art collection, Le Pavillon celebrates the rich heritage of New Orleans.
About Remington Hospitality:
Remington Hospitality is a dynamic hotel management company providing genuine hospitality and expertise in property management. Founded in 1968, the hospitality group has grown into a strong, industry-leading service provider and today manages 135 hotels in 27 states and Washington, D.C., across 33 brands, including 16 independent and boutique properties. Remington believes its people are the ultimate source of competitive advantage. The organization has a reputation for consistently delivering outstanding results to owners, investors, brands, guests, and associates. As a result of our success, Remington has become the place Where Passionate People Thrive. Visit www.remingtonhospitality.com to learn more.
About Tribute Portfolio:
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With over 125 hotels in nearly 30 countries and territories around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Bellyard in Atlanta and Hotel Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. For more information, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com and stay connected on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
Press Contact
DT Creative
LePavillon@dtcreative.co