The good times will roll this spring, when The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery opens in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse Arts District. Located at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Lafayette Streets just four blocks from the French Quarter, the hotel is the latest incarnation of a building that began its life in 1854 as a warehouse serving the Port of New Orleans and has served the city as the Ambassador Hotel for the last two decades.
With Provenance Hotels and GB Lodging at the helm, the property is undergoing a renovation and rebranding that is expanding the room count to 167, highlighting rustic original details – like hard wood floors and exposed brick walls – and pairing sophisticated modern design with the culture, art and joie de vive that is uniquely New Orleans.
“New Orleans is a soulful city rooted in history and we specialize in distinctively local renovations of historic properties. But, even more enticing than that, this is a city in the midst of an entrepreneurial renaissance. We are honored and excited to be channeling that energy into The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in an artful, considered way,” said Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels. “From the edgy design to the playful only-in-New Orleans touches, the guest experience will emphasize the innovative spirit of this amazing destination.”
Built in 1854 in the heart of New Orleans’ bustling port district, the building served a coffee warehouse before being purchased by E.J. Hart & Company who operated a chandlery, or general wholesale business, trading in everything sailing ships needed to stock their voyages – from canvas and rope to paper, tobacco and patent medicines. Prior to the turn of the 20th century when New Orleans renumbered its street addresses, the building’s address was 77 Tchoupitoulas Street. In a playful nod to this heritage, a reference to the role hotels serve in provisioning modern travelers and a tribute neighborhood’s artistic roots, the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery takes its name from this original address. Guests will find local art and artisanal New Orleans products available for sale at the hotel.
“Our goal is for guests at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery to experience the true character of the city – this means connecting them with not only with the city’s well-known history but also tapping into the up and coming art and artisans that are creating history here today” said Wali. “We are confident our guests will revel in this juxtaposition and the good times will roll when we open in the spring.”
“The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery will celebrate the eclectic, creative vibe of the Warehouse Arts District by creatively integrating design, cuisine, and memorable hospitality” said Bruce Blum, President and Co-Founder of GB Lodging.
The perfect Big Easy home base for work or play, guest rooms at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery will welcome travelers with a light, airy design that allows the building’s authentic warehouse architecture to shine. White walls punctuated by pops of color on painted ceilings and pipes, original hardwood floors, wall-spanning windows, wood finishes and subdued fabrics and textiles will pay homage to the hotel’s industrial past while practical amenities provide all the modern necessities plugged-in travelers require with flat-screen TVs, docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Downstairs, the lobby will entice guests with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, industrial-inspired tables and comfy armchairs that offer plenty of nooks in which to congregate or relax. When the hotel opens in spring, it will feature a first floor gym and meeting room for receptions, casual get-togethers or formal meetings. Food and beverage offerings are expected to come on line later in 2015.
