In time for return of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, the renovated Frenchmen Hotel is set to reopen on Feb. 1 in New Orleans. Entrepreneur and restaurateur Robert Thompson has reimagined the Marigny neighborhood property, located one block from Esplanade and the French Quarter.
"It's an incredible privilege to reopen one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in NOLA," said Thompson, founder and ceo of Angevin and Co., which purchased The Frenchmen Hotel in June 2021. "I've been in love with New Orleans for a long time and moved my family here full-time last year. It's a dream come true to dedicate the revival of The Frenchmen Hotel to the people and the place that's meant so much to me."
Each of the 27 guestrooms of The Frenchmen Hotel has been entirely renovated using work inspired by painter Leonor Fini. The original character of the historic 1860s building has been left intact and updated with Fini hues. Each room has colorful vintage rugs, the original ceiling medallions and different pieces of curated artwork meant to celebrate femininity and a bohemian lifestyle.
The refreshed aesthetic is meant to be sophisticated but not intimidating, centered around an intimate pool courtyard. Thompson and team are updating two on-property bar spaces, including an outdoor mezzanine bar reserved for guests of the hotel. On the lower level, the new Midnight Revival bar will host live music acts.
The Frenchmen Hotel is the first hotel in Robert Thompson's Angevin & Co. hospitality portfolio. Earlier this month, Thompson and team purchased another historic New Orleans hotel, The Whitney Hotel, which is planned to reopen following a top-to-bottom renovation and the addition of a restaurant, bar and flower shop, in early 2023.