Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel stands out on Poydras Street. There's nothing quite like this stately, gleaming white building in the entire city of New Orleans. It's even been used in films to exemplify grandeur and mystique (check out the underrated vampire movie Dylan Dog: Dead of Night). Though Le Pavillion, New Orleans has never skipped a beat in its 118 years of life, the recent revamp is a great reason to reintroduce yourself to "The Belle of New Orleans" or meet her for the very first time.
Opened in 1907 as New Hotel Denechaund (becoming Desoto Hotel in 1913, then the Le Pavillon Hotel in the 1970s), this not-so humble inn has a fascinating history. The city's first radio station, WDSU, operated in the penthouse area from 1928 to 1948. A secret tunnel ran between the also secret bar in the basement to a hidden exit a block away during that time. More recently, Le Pavillon, New Orleans became a Marriott Portfolio Tribute property. A $19 million restoration project, completed in late 2024, has enhanced the hotel's character while keeping treasured traditions.
The lengthy lobby is still adorned with the luxurious row of awe-inducing crystal chandeliers that you love. The paintings that they highlight, however, have been turned upside down. Every painting in the hotel except for two have been flipped. Obviously, this was my first question, and the answer is that Le Pavillon, New Orleans is on a mission to "turn history on its head." The "eccentric orientation" is a means to remind the viewer to "keep an open mind" and "interpret more than what meets the eye."
You can find one of the two non-flipped portraits in Bijoux, the elegant dining room. The mystery woman's portrait has lived here for a very long time, and she is never to be named. Briefly, the hotel staff did invert the portrait only to find that the POS screens were inverted come morning. Just in case this technical issue was due to some spiritual interference, the painting was reverted to its natural position, and the issue never occurred again.
The second correctly-positioned portrait is that of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in the tantalizing Bar 1803. Napoleon sold the city and a huge portion of land for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, hence the moniker. He looks out over the red-drenched lounge in a festive Mardi Gras mask, if you're looking right at him. A few side steps and the mask disappears, leaving just his mortal face. This is a cool twist to show your friends when you take them here. Dramatic red drapes hang from the ceiling to the floor, and the room is lined with plush red lounge seating. The most interesting lights I've ever seen were strung like glimmering pearls from the ceiling.
Bar 1803 has a menu full of culinary delights and libations that are as decadent as the lush surroundings. My guest indulged in the Authentic 75 because it is true to its roots, being based with Remy Martin VSOP and sweetened with thyme, lavender, and honey. The lightness of the bubbly drink was a complement to the Southern Fried Shrimp plate. She adored the plump shrimp with a thick, crispy crust, and I adored the French fries that I swiped from her plate.
I selected the King Bolden, which was a complex concoction of bourbon, grapefruit cordial, ginger syrup, and Cointreau. Admittedly, I judge the quality of local eateries by their gumbo, so I needed to try it here. I've never sampled gumbo that tasted exactly like my Aunt Diane's gumbo outside of Aunt Diane's house. It was uncanny! This is a Creole Okra Gumbo, but it includes andouille.
Since the King Bolden could not be topped in intensity, I chose to go with something more mild, but also musical in theme for the entree drink. The Blue Suede Shoes was still based with bourbon, but it was made light with demerara syrup, honey syrup, lemon juice, bitters, and a splash of soda. It held its own against the incredibly tender and flavorful Blackened Salmon. This was so perfectly cooked to be served very hot and very tender and moist. The large helping of creamed spinach and smashed potatoes was beyond rich. I've been contemplating visiting Bar 1803 just to have this dish again.
At the stroke of 9 p.m., the staff brought out the famous complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwich service, a tradition that has not wavered since its implementation in September 1988. The story goes that a man requested a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and glass of milk at the bar at 9 p.m., which prompted the bartender to ask why he wanted it. He explained that he does this tradition of having milk and a PB&J to feel connected to his family while he's away.
The manager at the time found the tradition endearing and chose to create it for him the next night and soon created the service for all hotel guests. This late night treat was indeed popular as Bar 1803 patrons, guests arriving back from dinner, and guests leaving for a night on the town all surrounded the PB&J bar as soon as it was ready. You can take a pre-made sandwich or make one exactly to your liking. Ice cold milk and chocolate milk wash it down.
I ascended back to my room to enjoy the snack in the big, comfortable bed, a white comforter and pillows set against the tall black leather headboard. The deep green ceiling is so comforting. The forest color complemented the wall-sized artwork of a woman covered in butterflies. Of course, the artwork is turned on its head. The night sky was visible from the bay window that allowed me to look beyond the facade of Le Pavillon, New Orleans to see north and south.
I love the little touches here. The sleek, contemporary furniture features easily accessible outlets on the sides or front, making plugging in so easy. The pretty bathroom has a backlit mirror to provide a soft, flattering glow. On the counter, you'll find a black "makeup" towel and packaged wipe specifically for removing makeup. The robe in the closet is delightful for bundling up after a steamy shower.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel has invited guests to get to know her for nearly 120 years. Even if you have made her acquaintance before, you should renew your relationship because she has so much to show you.
