Starwood Hotels & Resorts recently unveiled phase one of their newly renovated Le Méridien New Orleans luxury hotel. The $29 million transformation boasts 410 redesigned guestrooms (including 22 suites), 1,600 square feet of meeting and event space, a destination restaurant called LMNO that serves New American cuisine, and Le Méridien Hub (which is a coffeehouse by day and a wine bar by night). 

“Le Méridien is experiencing strong growth momentum in North America, and New Orleans has long been on our short list of dynamic U.S. cities that share in our brand passions for the arts, culture and cuisine,” says Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “Le Méridien New Orleans will provide a unique experience for creative and curious minded travelers as we help them unlock the destination through locally influenced design, programming and food and beverage.” 

Phase two will include redesigning the front desk, the porte-cochère valet entrance, enhancing the existing meeting spaces, and a landscaped palm garden that will bring in art pieces and outdoor spaces for events. The hotel will host a grand opening celebration that will show off the full renovation in March 2015. Until then though, you can still book one of the new suites and explore the French Quarter, which is only steps away.