Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a global luxury brand part of Accor, announces the official opening of Fairmont New Orleans, marking the much-anticipated return of the iconic luxury brand to the Crescent City after two decades – and marking Fairmont’s 100th hotel globally. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, within walking distance of the French Quarter and moments from Caesars Superdome, the 250-room hotel brings thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, destination dining in partnership with celebrated Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group, and more than 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Together, these offerings establish Fairmont New Orleans as both a sophisticated urban retreat perfectly poised for celebration and a dynamic gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
Developed by Kailas Companies and operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont New Orleans occupies 17 stories of the former Bank of New Orleans building, a 31-story landmark originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1970. Its original sidewalks, entry canopy, lobby floors and concrete walls on the first and second floors have been fully restored and refurbished, alongside the second floor’s decorative bronze paneling and local cypress ceiling. Rather than looking primarily to the French Quarter’s colonial architecture, the property draws inspiration from the glamour and optimism of the 1970s, celebrating an often-overlooked chapter in New Orleans’ architectural evolution.
Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said: “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. 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.”
A NEW EXPRESSION OF NEW ORLEANS DESIGN
Interior design by Rockwell Group explores the contrasts that define New Orleans, imagining a city emerging from a verdant landscape and shaped by generations of cultural influences from around the world. Mid-century references nod to the decadence of the 1970s oil boom era, while layered textures, saturated color, local flora, and globally influenced patterns bring a contemporary interpretation of New Orleans design, balancing old and new, polished and playful, and vibrant and restful. Local craftsmanship is woven throughout the hotel, including hand-embellished wallcoverings in The Café by Emeril and Delmonico Steakhouse by New Orleans artist Bruna Petalla; local, woman-owned Triton Stone supplied much of the property’s slab stone and custom mosaics, from the Lobby Bar and guest rooms to the specialty suite and Third Measure; and longtime New Orleans manufacturer Bevolo supplied gas lanterns for the rooftop pool deck.
The hotel’s lobby serves as its social anchor and a cultural living room designed to welcome both visitors and New Orleanians throughout the day. Guests arrive beneath a mirror-clad monumental stair that reflects a three-story magnolia flower and Spanish moss-inspired chandelier. Custom brass relief panels from Italy frame the check-in and concierge desks, while the Lobby Bar pairs handmade Italian lava-stone tiles with a floor mosaic composed of six marbles in a distinctly 1970s pattern. Large trees along Common Street and oversized potted plants extend the city’s lush landscape into the arrival experience, while the Lobby Bar’s cocktail-focused beverage program and live entertainment encourage guests and locals to linger from day into evening.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Fairmont New Orleans and for our city,” said Eric Overstreet, General Manager, Fairmont New Orleans. “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.”
A RESIDENTIAL RETREAT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Fairmont New Orleans’ 250 guest rooms and suites are conceived as personal retreats with residential warmth, eclectic finishes, curated furnishings and layered materials designed to feel collected over time. Three-dimensional entry mosaics reference classical European flooring, while large, paneled artworks evoke the rich flora of Louisiana’s bayous. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping city views, while custom artwork and details reference the cultural and natural history of New Orleans. In select king rooms, “faux balconies” with café tables offer a playful nod to the city’s beloved porches and terraces.
Guest room amenities include Le Labo Rose 31 bath and body products, Nespresso machines, minibars stocked with locally sourced items and twice-daily housekeeping, complemented by 24-hour concierge services. ALL Accor members also have access to complimentary house car drop-off service within a one-mile radius, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On the 29th and 30th floors, Fairmont Gold will elevate the stay through Fairmont’s signature hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Once unveiled in December, guests can enjoy a dedicated private lounge overlooking the Mississippi River, dedicated concierge service, complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapés, beverages and a personalized arrival and check-in experience.
NEW CULINARY DESTINATIONS INCLUDING A STEAKHOUSE FROM CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE AND ROOFTOP COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Fairmont New Orleans makes its debut with a culinary partnership with Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group, bringing new dining experiences to the heart of the Central Business District.
Delmonico Steakhouse marks the celebrated concept’s debut in New Orleans and its first location outside of Las Vegas, bringing Chef Lagasse's grand American steakhouse to the city that has long inspired his culinary career. Open for dinner, the restaurant pairs timeless steakhouse traditions with his signature bold New Orleans flavors, showcasing hand-selected prime cuts from Creekstone Farms, dry-aged in-house, alongside Japanese Wagyu, premium seafood, and an oyster and caviar program. Tableside preparations bring a sense of theater to the dining experience, from Chateaubriand carved to order, Caesar salad and flambéed Bananas Foster prepared before guests. An extensive wine list and internationally curated spirits program round out the experience. The restaurant evokes the glamour of a 1970s executive dining room, with rich walnut wood, plush velvets, warm amber tones and a striking green marble mosaic floor.
Open for breakfast and lunch, The Café by Emeril offers a more relaxed brasserie-style experience, combining French-inspired classics with Creole accents and Southern influences. From chicory-laced coffee to thoughtfully prepared breakfast and lunch favorites, the café flows seamlessly into the lobby, creating an inviting gathering place for hotel guests and locals alike.
“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,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “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.”
Forthcoming dining and drinking venues, set to open in early December also, include the property’s rooftop pool and Bleu Perdu, along with Third Measure cocktail bar. Located 31 floors above New Orleans, the forthcoming rooftop is designed to transition effortlessly from day to night. Bleu Perdu will open directly onto the pool terrace, pairing panoramic city and Mississippi River views with bistro-style dining, sun loungers, cabanas, lush foliage and Spanish-inspired black-and-white tile. After sunset, locally made Bevolo gas lanterns will cast a warm glow across the terrace, which also includes a dedicated area for live performances.
Nearby, Third Measure, an intimate late-night cocktail bar developed in collaboration with Neal Bodenheimer, founder of New Orleans' acclaimed Cure, will draw inspiration from the city's lost cocktail traditions and musical heritage. Guests enter through wardrobe-inspired double doors into a richly layered space, where custom fan-shaped marble mosaic flooring inspired by clouds, a white marble bar, pearlescent railings and an immense custom Lasvit chandelier nod to the building’s 1970s origins, all framed by commanding sunset views.
The hotel also offers all-day in-room dining, bringing breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night offerings directly to guest rooms and suites.
NEW WAYS TO RELAX AND RECHARGE
Opening in early December is a 10,000-square-foot spa and fitness center to further expand the guest experience with three private treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, dry sauna, steam room and dedicated relaxation lounges, including a sauna overlooking the New Orleans skyline. A dedicated Dressing Room will offer a social preparation space for bridal parties, debutantes and other celebrations, while a fitness studio outfitted with Matrix Onyx equipment will offer personalized training sessions. Loft suites on the building’s upper level will feature dramatic double-height windows with views toward Caesars Superdome, lofted primary bedrooms with glass railings, custom wallcoverings and wet bars with hammered brass sinks. Guided by Fairmont’s new Wellness Without Walls approach, connecting guests with active and outdoor experiences throughout the destination including self-guided walks combining local art galleries with kayaking and pedal boating and self-led city ‘Run The River’ experiences along the Mississippi River and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Furthermore, ALL Accor member guests can benefit from complimentary Nike Lending Gear service throughout their stay.
A NEW GATHERING PLACE IN THE HEART OF NEW ORLEANS
Situated near Bourbon Street and Caesars Superdome and within walking distance of the French Quarter, Warehouse District and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Fairmont New Orleans places guests at the crossroads of the city’s cultural, business and entertainment hubs. Whether visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, a major stadium event or a weekend immersed in the city’s culture and cuisine, the hotel offers a new vantage point from which to experience New Orleans.
Continuing Fairmont’s legacy as the backdrop for milestone moments, Fairmont New Orleans debuts with over 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space, accommodating gatherings ranging from intimate events of 10 to grand celebrations of up to 500 guests. Nine primary venues include two approximately 4,000-square-foot ballrooms, six meeting rooms and an executive boardroom, complemented by three dedicated foyers.
The second floor, originally built as the Bank of New Orleans’ main lobby, has been refurbished to honor its original character and now houses two foyers and two grand ballrooms. The ballrooms preserve the building’s local cypress wood ceiling, while original bronze paneling has been restored and custom chandeliers were designed to feel as though they have always belonged to the space. From the street, the double-height ballroom level glows like a lantern, signaling the building’s transformation from office tower to gathering place. Meeting rooms and boardrooms incorporate Spanish moss-inspired wall coverings, warm walnut wood, rich velvet upholstery and abundant natural light, while customizable event menus draw on Creole and Gulf Coast influences.
Rates start at $459 per night. For reservations and additional information, visit www.fairmont.com/hotels/new-orleans/. Similarly, hotel guests can also take advantage of ALL Accor, Accor’s complimentary loyalty program and booking platform, with members earning points during their stays that can be redeemed for rewards, services and experiences worldwide.
