Situated a short walk from the French Quarter on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Crescent City’s former World Trade Center completes its transformation today as the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans opens its opulent doors to the community.
"New Orleans is a destination that has long been on our wish list," Christian Clerc, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ president of global operations, said in an official release. "We could not be more excited to introduce Four Seasons to this incredible community, and to share an authentic and memorable New Orleans experience with guests from near and far. The transformation of this truly iconic building is stunning, and serves as a wonderful addition to Four Seasons portfolio of exceptional properties."
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Converted from a 1960s-era office space, the resort is now home to 341 guest rooms and 92 private residences, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of either the city or the river.
In addition to offering tourists a getaway in the heart of downtown New Orleans, the Four Seasons is hoping to be a dining and drinking destination all by itself.
The Chandelier Bar boasts a 15,000-piece light and glass installation that serves as a lavish centerpiece for a lounge that also plans to host live music nightly as well as a host of NOLA-centric cocktails like Sazeracs, French 75s, hurricanes, and gin fizz.
The hotel will also eventually offer two hotly-anticipated eateries.
Miss River is the latest offering from one of the city’s most decorated local chefs, Alon Shaya. Shaya plans to put his unique spin on regional stalwart dishes. Whole carved buttermilk fried chicken with dipping sauces, clay pot dirty rice with seared duck breast, Louisiana oyster patties with flaky puff pastry, and duck and andouille gumbo with Louisiana rice will all be mainstays of a menu that Shaya describes as a “love letter to Louisiana.”
While Miss River is open now, it will soon be joined by Chemin La Mer, the latest offering from chef Donald Link, who hopes to pay homage to the southwest Louisiana region where he grew up with entrees that will include specialty steaks, ceviches and seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico. Chemin La Mer will open later this fall along with the resort’s spa, pool and fitness center.
The hotel will even feature its own specially branded Four Seasons Signature Blend coffee created by local coffeehouse PJ’s Coffee utilizing beans from Honduras.
General Manager Mali Carow touted the local bonafides of those involved with the resort’s creation, saying the hope is to capture the city’s essence and shower it upon visitors.
"We have assembled an unparalleled team of talented New Orleanians and experienced Four Seasons veterans from around the world who exemplify the tradition of warm and welcoming Southern hospitality. We've heard from so many Four Seasons guests, avid world travellers, and locals expressing their excitement for our opening – it's truly amazing!"
Carow spoke with WWL Radio’s Newell Normand about the hotel’s grand opening.