By Danielle Palecek
Three properties -- two new, one renovated -- are bringing new life to hotel offerings around the Big Easy's iconic French Quarter: The SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown unveiled major renovations to its 208 suites and lobby; the Saint Hotel debuted in the city's long-vacant Audubon building; and the Hotel Mazarin opened on Bienville Street.
All three properties are within a few minutes of popular destinations such as the Superdome, the World War II Museum and Harrah's Casino.
The completion of the SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown renovation brings new suites with separate living, working and sleeping spaces. Rates start at $89 per night.
The renovation of the hotel, located in a former 19th century sugar cane warehouse in the booming Warehouse/Arts District, already has received positive guest feedback.
"Being an all-suite brand, customers already love the spacious suites, but with the new design, we are able to enhance their travel experience," said General Manager Rodney Davis. See http://www.marriott.com/springhill-suites/travel.mi.
Saints and pontiffs
Meanwhile, the Saint Hotel, located on Canal Street, offers contemporary comforts such as complimentary in-room WiFi and Niven Morgan signature bath products, and it also strives to excel in that typically Big Easy pursuit: dining.
The eight-story, 166-room Saint Hotel offers three dining options: Sweet Olive, which showcases executive chef Michael Stoltzfus' American cooking; Halo rooftop bar, opening this spring; and Burgundy Bar, which features live jazz several nights a week.
Owner Mark Wyant said his goal is to establish the hotel as "a location for unforgettable dining" that will appeal to both locals and visitors to the city. Rates start at $159 a night. Go to www.thesainthotelneworleans.com.
Located directly in the French Quarter, the Hotel Mazarin, named for 17th century pope and French royal adviser Jules Mazarin, holds court in the building that formerly housed the St. Louis Hotel.
The Hotel Mazarin is part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, which also includes the Bourbon Orleans, Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport and Wyndham Riverfront.
The 102-room boutique hotel provides a "destination for travelers surrounded by the French Quarter's world-renowned entertainment, dining, shopping, and historic attractions," said owner Joseph Jaeger Jr.
The Hotel Mazarin features a fitness center, a business center and a courtyard with a Renaissance-inspired fountain.
Other property features include in-room spa services and complimentary WiFi. Rates start at $119 per night in low season. Visit www.hotelmazarin.com.
