Architecture, design, procurement, project management and development firm Premier is leading the renovation for the planned conversion of the historic Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans. Ashford Hospitality Trust, which owns the property, has entered into a franchise agreement with Marriott International to convert the 226-room hotel into a Tribute Portfolio in the first quarter 2024.
The hotel is next to the city’s French Quarter and close to the music venues on Bourbon Street and restaurants on Royal Street. The property, which was built in 1907, once was a private estate and now is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Premier will oversee the architecture, interior design, procurement and project management of the hotel. The concept of “Turning History on its Head” will be the guiding force behind the upgrade, reflected in extensive exterior enhancements, upgrades to the restaurant, guestrooms, guest bathrooms, corridors and a complete reimagining of the hotel lobby bar.
Premier’s design team will reimagine Sazz Bar with modern aesthetics while drawing its inspiration from New Orleans’ classic Sazerac cocktail. The space will have a moody, contemporary setting with a palette of reds and oranges. A notable feature within the space is a lenticular art installation that will adorn the back bar, portraying two distinct facets of a quintessential French figure—a “formal” and a “lively” Napoleon.
“This exquisite piece will serve as both a homage to the hotel’s historical connections to French culture and a delightful symbol of the lively spirit that characterizes the Crescent City,” Premier's VP of design, Barbara Carlson, said in a statement. “Overall, this proposed conversion will establish a unique theme and design for this luxury hotel that aligns seamlessly with the distinguished Tribute Portfolio brand.”
The forthcoming Tribute Portfolio property is expected to achieve a RevPAR premium of 10 percent to 20 percent when compared to its stabilized pre-conversion performance. Remington Hospitality, the sister company of Premier, will maintain its role as the property manager.