The independent boutique hotel known as Hotel Modern has been sold to Hawkeye Hotels, a privately held hotel group headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to own and manage such an iconic hotel in New Orleans,” said Ravi Patel, president and principal of Hawkeye Hotels. “We look forward to bringing our operational and development expertise to this property to further enhance the overall experience for future guests.”
Hawkeye Hotels plans to completely renovate Hotel Modern, which was converted from a YMCA in 2001. Once the renovations are completed, the 10-story property will reopen as an InterContinental branded hotel.
"InterContinental is excited to partner with Hawkeye Hotels on this project,” said Chris Drazba VP of franchise relations for InterContinental Hotel Group. “We are eager to bring the New Orleans area another high-quality brand that will fit in with the community and offer visitors and guests a remarkable experience."
“We’re community developers, and we have plans for a robust upgrade of this property that will fit into the existing culture and community of the area,” Patel said. “We hope our investment will not only transform the iconic property, but also make a statement that our company intends to be an active player in an already thriving and vibrant community.”
Located less than one mile from the French Quarter on St. Charles Avenue, each of this 135-room boutique hotel's guestrooms are designed differently. The hotel is near the French Quarter, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Louisiana Superdome, BioInnovation District, the National World War II Museum, and the Central Business District's 10.5 million square feet of office space, in addition to many other attractions and festivals.
Founded in 1982 with one roadside hotel in Mena, Ark., Hawkeye Hotels today owns, operates and invests in over 70 hotels across the country.