A Sparkling Saint Descends On New Orleans Later This Month

December 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM | by ASchechter | Comments (0)

In order to accurately represent the neighborhood's unique history, Saint Hotel owner Mark Wyant supposedly spent months scouring the archives at the Library of Congress for photos of the original Audubon Building, which first opened in 1910.

But Wyant wasn't only interested in pressed tin tiles and exposed brick�the hotel's design team also wanted to go for an "ethereal" feel, especially in the ground-floor lobby, which can be accessed from two entrances on Canal Street and Burgundy Street. Once inside, sheer drapes hang delicately from 22-foot high ceilings, and broad white columns punctuate the space like pillars in a church. Add in a gold-plated chandelier, cast in the shape of a giant bell, and you can practically hear the saints singing in jubilation.

The hotel is set to open before New Years, after a very conspicuous grand opening countdown ceremony that kicked off earlier this year.

And don't think the "saintly" hotel has neglected its playful side. On the left wing of the lobby, designed in slightly more festive colors, a custom-designed pool table (above) matches the turquoise fabric upholstered into the walls.

Alongside are wide leather armchairs spaced evenly around a gray leather coffee table. Bright greens, dark lines, and large shapes are everywhere�the sheer drapes billowing around the corner almost seem an afterthought (albeit a good one).

More to come on this 166-room beauty, which fits right in with other high-design, art-minded properties like Mondrian hotels or The James. The hotel's Burgundy Bar will feature antique Victorian furniture (handed down from the owner's grandmother, no less!) that's been redone with gold lacquer and bright velvet. Other communal seating is upholstered in red patent alligator.

To seal the deal, a jazz band will pay homage to Louis Armstrong four days a week on top of the bar's piano-shaped stage, which looks out onto Canal Street.

[Photo: Saint Hotel]

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