The old-world beauty and mysticism that goes hand in hand with the city of New Orleans has been cast through a fresh lens at Maison de la Luz, a new luxury hotel brand founded by Atelier Ace. Set within the former City Hall Annex, a historic six-floor building filled with original wrought ironwork, grand staircases and soaring ceilings, Maison de la Luz is an opulent ode to both the city’s contemporary spirit and storied heritage, elegantly rolled into one.
Outfitted by Studio Shamshiri, the stylish hotel bears all the well-heeled hallmarks of what we’ve come to expect from Atelier Ace – beautifully designed interiors, intuitive guest services, and of course, a highly-regarded cocktail bar, Bar Marilou, to boot. Conceived as a luxurious, yet private guesthouse, the 67-room hotel has the feel of a tastefully appointed, bohemian home, filled with individualised flourishes like specially chosen artwork, vintage collectibles and other one-off finds. In the ground floor living room, a guests-only lounge where wine, cheese and an honour bar can be enjoyed nightly, antique voodoo beads, African masks and custom-designed Shamshiri tiger rugs made by Christopher Farr create a pastiche of international influences that indirectly references New Orleans’ mixed culture. Located adjacently is the equally eye-catching Breakfast Room, a light-flooded salon filled with scallop-edged dining tables, bespoke wallpaper and blue velvet seating.
The hotel’s eclectic feel doesn’t stop there. In each of the rooms, a mix of framed artworks, embroidered cushions, custom-designed lighting and snake-shaped shower handles, again evokes the same sense of mystery and legend that seems to lurk behind the city’s every corner.
Unlike the Ace Hotel New Orleans, located across the street, Maison de la Luz stands more as a private haven –both the Living Room and Breakfast Room are only accessible to guests. However, at Bar Marilou, the opportunity for revelry and music is available to all. Accessible through its own entrance or also via a hidden door behind a bookcase that connects to the hotel, the sumptuous watering hole combines New Orleans’ rich cocktail history with European aperitif culture for a smooth and spirited finish.§
