Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

Housed in a former coffee warehouse that dates back to 1854, this hotel embraces its former industrial past with style (even taking its name from its former address before the city renumbered its streets: 77 Tchoupitoulas Street). Renovated in 2015, Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery retains many of the historic building's original elements, including exposed brick walls, wood-plank floors, exposed pipes, and large warehouse windows. Industrial, modern, and mid-century details design mix for a quirky -- but polished -- look that has hipster written all over it. Guests enter through double wood-and-glass doors into the open lobby that has features ready-made for modern travelers, including a long table that provides a 12-seat charging station that's fine for sipping a coffee from Tout La, the buzzy coffee shop in the lobby that serves locally roasted coffee. The common areas are lively, and there's a good deal of bustle about this hotel, perhaps not surprising given its location between the Warehouse Arts District and the city's business hub. As such, travelers should expect to see guests of all stripes here, including those on vacation along with plenty of business guests and families.

This hotel is located in downtown New Orleans, between the Warehouse Arts and Central Business Districts. A few restaurants are in the neighborhood, including Mother's, a spot that's popular with locals and tourists alike that's just across the street. Harrah's Casino can be reached in seven minutes on foot, and the National WWII Museum and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are about a 10-minute walk. Shoppers can be at the Riverwalk in 10 minutes on foot, and the French Quarter can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by car. The west end of Bourbon Street, packed with plenty of bars and bar-hoppers, is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, where the Saints play, is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. Old No. 77 also makes a convenient base for business travelers, as the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and many businesses, corporations, and law firms are close by as well. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar makes regular stops in the area for those who'd like to get to other parts of the city. Expect a 25-minute drive to Louis Armstrong International Airport, or a little over an hour by public transportation. 

Room decor is quirky and fun, with design details that incorporate original elements from the building's past, like brick walls, pine floors, and old piping. Artwork is produced locally by students at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, helping to add even more character to the already stylish spaces. The look is contemporary and fresh, despite being almost entirely rendered in throwback details like modern wood-veneer furniture with mid-century lines, and bright leather chairs. Colors, though sparingly used in favor of natural wood and brick tones, include red, blue, and goldenrod. Some rooms are carpeted, and it's worth noting that some lack windows (though those facing light wells on the building's interior won't pick up the street noise that plagues some rooms).Rooms are quite spacious for a historic property in the center of New Orleans, and entry-level Deluxe Rooms come in with 250-square-foot floor plans (23 square meters). King, queen, or two queen beds and all rooms include pillow menus. Rooms also come with work space that has USB outlets on the table top, and task lights are mounted on gray upholstered headboards for reading in bed. Other amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, digital music players, safes, and minibars with local spirits, pralines, and even voodoo dolls available for purchase. However, there are no coffeemakers in any rooms. Bathrooms come with vintage-style sinks and fixtures plus metro tiles in eye-catching retro patterns, shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, and robes and slippers. High-end Lather toiletries are provided, as are hairdryers and makeup mirrors. 

We've seen plenty of hip and trendy hotels that skimp on features, but the Old No. 77 manages to put its best foot forward when it comes to both style and substance. The hotel's sophisticated and well-regarded restaurant, Compere Lapin, is run by Nina Compton, a runner-up in Bravo's popular "Top Chef" reality series. Her cuisine draws from French, Italian, and Caribbean influences, and lunch, brunch, afternoon light bites, and dinner are served. The space features dark wood tables, exposed brick walls, a concrete and tile floor, and industrial lighting, keeping with the hotel's overall aesthetic. The on-site coffee bar in the lobby, Tout La, is open throughout the day, serving locally roasted coffees, housemade handpies, as well as breakfast in the morning and adult beverages throughout the day.As a city-center hotel, other amenities are a bit limited. The fitness center on the ground floor is small and cramped, offering just two treadmills, an elliptical machine, and a couple of weight machines. It does have windows for natural light, however, and it's open around the clock. There is no pool or spa. There are a couple meeting rooms here, and the hotel has valet or self parking. Rates are high for both, but that's to be expected in this part of town. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Express laundry and dry cleaning services are both available, with same-day service on weekdays. Pets are allowed for a one-time fee. Bowls, treats, and even room service for pets are available on request.