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An American Airlines Pilot, And His Mother, Will Open Up The Saint Hotel This December

Where: Burgundy and Canal Sts [map], New Orleans, LA, United States, 70112
August 18, 2011 at 1:13 PM | by | Comments (0)

If locals were wondering when exactly the Audubon Buiding in New Orleans would officially transition into a hotel, the suspense is over. At 8am this morning, a banner was installed on the front of the building announcing the grand opening date. How's that for pomp?

The eight-story The Saint Hotel, which will open this December, is in fact owned by an American Airlines pilot. David Mark Wyant, and his mother Jana, purchased the building for $5.35 million last year, and quickly began pouring $39 million into the 101-year-old building's renovations. And, you know those pilots—always with their heads in the clouds. According to this NOLA article, the ceilings inside the 166 rooms will all be painted blue, and 21' tall Italian-crafted columns will give the lobby an "ethereal feel."

The hotel will sit right next to the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans on Canal Street, at the corner of Burgundy Street. Wyant plans to incorporate some of the building's history with details like pressed tin and lion head friezes.

Additionally, a hotel restaurant by the name of Sweet Olive will feature New Orleans-inspired flavors:

"Renowned executive Chef Michael Stoltzfus of the ever-popular Coquette in the Garden District once again lends his modern touch to classic American cooking at Sweet Olive at The Saint Hotel.  Serving updated takes on Southern and New Orleans cooking, Sweet Olive will offer a constantly changing seasonal menu focusing on local produce and products.  

'When we met Mark and heard his vision for the hotel, it was an immediate connection for both of us,' said Chef Stoltzfus.  'Sweet Olive will be a complement to my current restaurant Coquette and I will be overseeing the kitchens at both locations.'”

Rates will start at $149 per night, and the hotel will begin taking reservations September 1.

[Photo: Flickr]

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