NEW ORLEANS, LA – April 30, 2021 – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is pleased to announce the opening of Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, a 202-room boutique hotel located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets. Guests are now able to book stays for its opening day, May 11, 2021. The opening marks the brand’s return after a sixteen-year absence from the Crescent City and comes at a time when cravings for cultural experiences, which New Orleans has in abundance, continue to rise.
Inspired by iconic Creole fiddle player Canray Fontenot, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot pays homage to New Orleans’ rich history and musical legacy. Designed by MARKZEFF, the hotel features artful, bold and sophisticated interiors throughout its public areas, guest rooms and suites, along with signature chef-led food and beverage concepts, including a corner cafe and restaurant and bar, effortlessly combining classic and contemporary with surprises at every corner.
“New Orleans is one of the most creative, trendsetting and historic cities in the country. Our goal with Hotel Fontenot is to honor the city’s heritage while occupying an exciting new niche in the local hospitality scene for visitors and locals alike,” said Jesseca Malecki, general manager of Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. “Every detail, from the thoughtful, purposeful music selection in the lobby to the early evening social hour and always-on programming is an expression of the modern Southern hospitality nature of the city and its locals. We are thrilled to debut Hotel Fontenot as the new social destination in New Orleans, where arts, culture and nightlife come together.”
The hotel’s living room lobby features stunning custom art, including a butterfly installation by Paul Villinski located behind the front desk, hand-painted violins by Austrian artist Georg Bauss and an art installation composed of trumpet and trombone mutes as an homage to King Oliver and Louis Armstrong adorning the wall. The lobby’s white paneled walls and wide plank white oak wood floors with black detail accents deliver a sophisticated urban lounge vibe that feels comfortable, lived in and in keeping with the neighborhood and culture of New Orleans. The 202 guest rooms feature a clean and modern aesthetic accentuated by soft colors, bright and airy spaces and irreverent touches, offering a serene refuge in the heart of the city.
Adding even more vibrancy to New Orleans’ food and drink scene, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is introducing two signature dining and cocktail concepts within the property, led by Executive Chef Chris Lusk and Restaurant & Bar General Manager Jessica Retif. Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats is a neighborhood café serving a full range of coffee, teas, espresso and creative frozen adult beverages, as well as a robust collection of eat-on-the-go options. Located near the main entrance of the hotel, just off the lobby area, Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats will become a fun and convenient stop for guests of the hotel and locals walking around downtown. A stellar cocktail program and menu of craveable plates starring local and impeccable flavors are the hallmark of the Peacock Room, delivering a worldly sophistication to the city and catering to an in-the-know, fun-loving crowd who brings to it a refined sense of taste. With spaces designed to cultivate communal experiences, including a daily hosted social hour and regular performances by local musicians and artists, bright and memorable hospitality encourages a natural convergence of like-minded creatives and aficionados.
In addition to trendsetting design and a stellar dining and drinking scene, Hotel Fontenot offers guests a myriad of memorable and uniquely New Orleans moments from check-in to check-out. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with musical sounds piped through the lobby of famed and rising soul, blues and big band artists, as well as a complimentary beverage presented at check-in. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary amenities, such as morning coffee and tea service from Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats; PUBLIC bike rentals; a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton Bikes; Kimpton’s pet-friendly policy; complimentary Wi-Fi for IHG Rewards members; and evening social hour, which provides an opportunity to mix and mingle with the hotel team and other guests. Additional in-room amenities include yoga mats, in-room dining, luxurious Frette linens and bathrobes, Atelier Bloem bath & body products, and more.
To celebrate Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ return to the city, Hotel Fontenot is offering a “Crescent City Comeback” package that includes 15% off the best available room rate, $15 daily restaurant/bar credit, daily overnight parking for one vehicle and guaranteed room upgrade. Plus, Hotel Fontenot is donating $5 from every booking to The Roots of Music, a local nonprofit organization that empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support and mentorship. The “Crescent City Comeback” package can be booked now using the code ”IDKAE” for stays through the end of 2021.
For more information on Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, Peacock Room, and Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, visit www.hotelfontenot.com.
