Located just two blocks from the French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans, the International House Hotel expresses the neoclassical architectural style of the French Beaux Arts. Over a century old this stylish boutique hotel has experienced three major incarnations as firstly a bank, then the first World Trade center in the world, before becoming an iconic local establishment. An international travel destination, the International House captures the vivacity and cross-cultural heritage of New Orleans with gentle elegance and grace and embodies all that is good about the city.
The result of loving creative processes, the International House Hotel has been furnished and decorated with an extensive mix of objects epitomizing the New Orleans style. Taking inspiration from Louisiana itself, handcrafted chandeliers and local woods and metals blend harmoniously with the elegance of the setting and modern-day comforts. The Pagano designed penthouses reflect a “pristine but tattered grace” whilst the original hotel owner and designer, Sean Cummings, created a more sensual and sophisticated feel to the interior design.
Soothing Splendour
The hotel lobby sets the scene for a warm welcome with high ceilings, ornate pilasters and informal assemblage of locally crafted furniture. Rich carnelian orange vintage velvets cast an opulent glow throughout. Candlelight flickering throughout the hotel enhances the plush decor and creates a soothing ambience.
The 117 rooms, suites and penthouses combine elegance with calmness providing beautiful resting places for both work and sleep. With complimentary wi-fi and LCD televisions nestled amongst designer chosen furnishings and linens, and Aveda bath amenities for luxurious pampering, the effect is both soothing and sensual. Recently renovated penthouses top the hotel, with enchanting views of Louisiana from the terraces. With gleaming pine floors and handsome Spanish rugs, and floor to ceiling marble clad bathrooms, the penthouses offer a lavish way to relax and experience New Orleans at its best.
Recreation
The up to date refurbished Fitness Center, enhanced with a cast glass installation by a renowned local glass artist, is well equipped to provide a complete body workout. With an elliptical trainer, abdominal machine and treadmill, spinning bikes and a rowing machine, the Fitness Center is not only beautifully designed but also set up for all fitness requirements.
Loa is the hotel bar, named after kindly deities from Voodoo beliefs. The bar embodies all that is good about the spirit of New Orleans and is popular with both visitors and locals. The panoramic windows may reveal one aspect of the current season but inside a range of seasonal herbs, berries and citrus fruits divulge nature’s take on the time of year. Boutique wines feature on the menu but the true specialities are the most radical cocktails in the city. Their recipes include freshly squeezed juices, homemade syrups and tinctures and an assortment of original bitters such as pecan, cucumber and bell pepper. Decorated with pine needles, clover and moss and drunk from vintage glasses, these cocktails are an experience in themselves.
Night rates start at under $200.
LUX Tip: There’s nothing better than a hotel with a great smelling lobby, and International House encompasses this with a refreshing scent that they infuse into the building.
International House Hotel
www.ihhotel.com
221 Camp Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
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