New Orleans has a new player on the hotel scene.
Launched Jan. 6, the new J Collection comprises 19 hotels and resorts in and around The Big Easy. All are locally owned and operated and provide a unique spin on Southern hospitality. The debut marks a rebranding and merging of two individual hotel groups: the New Orleans Hotel Collection, and the French Quarter Hotel Collection.
“The J Collection represents the best of the South, with an incredibly diverse array of hotels and resorts, each with its own unique story to tell,” said Joe Jaeger, principal of the J Collection, in a press release. “As we continue to expand our presence throughout New Orleans and beyond, including the two most recent acquisitions of Le Richelieu and Dunleith [hotel and mansion, respectively], we look forward to continuing our commitment to preserving and protecting historically significant properties throughout the region.”
Each hotel in the collection represents New Orleans, its history and its distinctive style. For example, Nottoway is the largest antebellum mansion left in the South, and The Jung Hotel and Residences is Canal Street’s first luxury hotel.
In addition, two historic buildings comprise Le Richelieu, where rooms are designed after the cultural makeup of New Orleans, with French, Spanish and Italian flair. Hotel Royal, meanwhile, is located just a block away from famed Bourbon Street in a renovated Creole townhouse built in 1827. Boutique hotels provide contrast with the historical properties; Hotel Mazarin features two bars, one of which was once operated by the local mafia.
Nottoway is the largest antebellum plantation house in the South.
Credit: 2020 J CollectionPersonalized service and Southern hospitality is a hallmark of the J Collection brand. For example, at Audubon Cottages, in lieu of a front desk, guests are greeted at their cottage door by butlers who serve beverages and discuss the upcoming stay. At Melrose Mansion, clients can partake in a nightly wine and cheese reception.
Events unique to New Orleans culture also add flavor to the hotels, including murder mystery-themed dinners and tours of haunted properties. In fact, Bourbon Orleans is said to be the most haunted hotel in the city, so guests won’t want to miss the property’s spooky excursions. To feature local artists, The Jung Hotel offers complimentary art tours around its lobby, complete with champagne.
J Collection hotels also offer events such as live music, as well as activities like gumbo-making classes that help highlight the city’s culinary scene. Clients can expect to find authentic NOLA dishes and cocktails in J Collection’s restaurants and bars.
J Collection also has ties to tourism around the city, with opportunities to experience what makes the destination special. An exclusive partnership with Marsh & Bayou Outfitters allows guests to take guided fishing and kayaking tours to see more of the Gulf Coast. Clients can also count on their catches to be cleaned and sent to the hotel or a participating restaurant.
“Joe Jaeger, of the J Collection, is a member of New Orleans & Company and a staunch supporter of the tourism industry,” said Stephen Perry, CEO of New Orleans & Company. “His history of hotel developments has proven that he is committed to restoring historic buildings and returning them to commerce. He is a great hotelier and his model is effective in preserving the rich architectural fabric of our city. I have no doubt that the quality and diversity of J Collection’s hotels will give our visitors more incentives to explore New Orleans.”
The Details
J Collection
www.jcollectionhotels.com
