The Eliza Jane

Re-opened after extensive renovations in March of 2018, The Eliza Jane is a stunning example of how to create a cool, modern hotel without destroying a building’s original industrial vibe. Though the property is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, it doesn't look or feel anything like a chain hotell. Nine former 19th-century warehouse buildings have been cobbled together to make a one-of-a-kind space that’s full of twists and turns, and plenty of history to boot. Reprints of vintage ads for former tenants like The Daily Picayune newspaper, the Peychaud Bitters factory, Peters Cartridge shop, and the Gulf Baking Soda Company are on display in the guest rooms. Exposed brick, wood beams, and soaring windows dominate the hallways, and there’s even an original elevator motor on display in the lobby. Simply put, The Eliza Jane is a lesson in how to do industrial-chic the right way.

Of all the building's former tenants, the newspaper is the most prominently celebrated, and a journalism theme runs throughout the property. Newspaper-themed wallpaper graces the common areas, do not disturb signs read “Stop the Presses”, and the hotel’s lobby bar is appropriately named The Press Room. Even the hotel’s name comes from Eliza Jane Nicholson, the first woman publisher of The Daily Picayune, which was printed here back in the day. A vintage-inspired lounge area, The Library, is full of knick-knacks like vintage typewriters that create an inviting sense of nostalgia. It’s almost constantly abuzz with visitors, either conducting informal business meetings or simply lounging around. In an area dominated by chain properties, The Eliza Jane is a welcome breath of fresh air.

The Eliza Jane sits on busy Magazine Street, surrounded by tall buildings, in the Central Business District of New Orleans. The location offers easy access to all of the city’s top sights. Bourbon Street, the lively main drag of the vibrant French Quarter, is a seven-minute walk away. Harrah’s Casino New Orleans, The Shops at Canal Place, and the outlet shops at The Riverwalk can all be reached on foot in 10 minutes or less. The Garden District is about a 20-minute streetcar ride away. Guests can find the closest streetcar stop two blocks (about a four-minute walk) away. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a seven-minute drive way. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport can be reached by car or taxi in about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Like the rest of the property, the guest rooms at The Eliza Jane pay homage to the past tenants of the property’s warehouses, with vintage ads of companies like The Daily Picayune, Peters Cartridges, and Peychaud’s Bitters dominating the walls. Patterned wallpapers cover accent walls, creating a distinct throwback vibe. Despite the old-timey nods, the rooms are entirely modern. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and safes tucked into drawers come standard. In lieu of traditional closets, open racks of industrial-inspired piping hold cozy robes, irons, and ironing boards. Beautiful bathrooms feature classic subway tile, marble countertops, hairdryers, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and custom-printed shower curtains with a funky vintage vibe. Some bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, while others offer only walk-in showers.

Standard Rooms can come with one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, or two queen-size beds, and they all overlook the hotel’s industrial atrium. Accessible Rooms are available. Deluxe Rooms add city or courtyard views, and some of them include sofa beds. Upgrading to Suites adds separate living areas with plush, colorful couches and chairs. The top-of-the-line Publisher’s Suites also feature dining areas and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and dual showerheads.

The Eliza Jane has no shortage of places for guests to relax. Much of the airy, industrial lobby level is dominated by The Press Room, a hip bar sitting below the hotel’s soaring atrium. It's surrounded by lots of comfortable lounge areas and tables. The bar specializes in coffee drinks and cocktails, but doesn't serve food. It also offers a huge courtyard with several seating areas tucked into the maze of encircling brick buildings that make up the hotel. Across from The Press Room is The Library, a separate lounge that feels like a beautiful, vintage living room with a marble fireplace, velvet and leather furniture, and large tables suitable for informal meetings. Couvant restaurant, offering French bistro-style fare and outdoor seating, opened in the summer of 2018.  Even more seating can be found in the small, beautiful lounge area that greets guests when they first enter the hotel.

A modern 24-hour fitness center features Precor cardio machines, a Peloton bike, a Matrix fitness exercise station, and free weights. The hotel also offers 1,729 square feet of meeting space. There’s an ATM in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There’s no on-site parking, but valet parking is offered for a fee.