Hotel Peter and Paul, a boutique hotel, is the product of a six year, $22 million, restoration project of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church and School in Marigny. Steep in New Orleans history, the hotel takes up an entire block comprised of four buildings: a church, convent, rectory, and school.
Nathalie Jordi, the developer and mastermind of the project, along with StudioWTA design aimed to preserve the quartet layout into a hotel, while the design firm ASH NYC preserved the cypress wood moldings, stained glass windows, and marble fireplaces.
The Property
Hotel Peter and Paul is comprised of 71 guest rooms spread across the school, convent, and rectory buildings. Room prices range from $139 to $899 per night.
A recurring feature of the interiors is the use of yellow, blue, and red, which is intended to draw on the hues of the religious iconography throughout. ASH NYC’s decor includes paintings, small crucifixes. and tapestries.
The hotel offers its guests daily tours of the property providing the full backstory. Watch their descriptive 45 minute video of the property here. Additionally, watch the portrait series videos of five individuals recounting their memories of the school here.
Rectory
The rectory was built circa 1875 and currently houses the Elysian Bar, a courtyard and five guest rooms.
The back of the Elysian Bar is a sculptural tree-like design. The upside down bell-shaped trunks of cypress trees is the same material used by a local Mardi Gras float makers.
Try the Perfect Sazerac on the drink menu! The Sazerac is the official drink of the city of New Orleans. While you’re at it, if it’s not too busy, ask the bartender to share the history of the Sazerac while they prepare the cocktail. Click here for all of the menus.
Its fabulous design is coupled with a Southern menu comprised of shareable plates. The whole roasted gulf shrimp is a must order. It is no wonder that Bon Appétit named Elysian Bar one of America’s Best New Restaurants 2019.
Church
The heart of the quartet is the 9,450-square-foot brown brick church built circa 1860, designed by acclaimed 19th century architect Henry Howard. The church was deconsecrated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2000 during a parish consolidation.
Now an event venue, the church maintains its religious aura with angels and saints depicted in the stain glass, restored murals over the former altar space, and the original bell in the tower. Today, events take place in the former church. Check their event calendar to see what is happening. They host everything from yoga to live music!
Convent
The 1890 convent which housed the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross who taught at the school now has seven guest rooms.
Sundae’s Best, a petite ice cream shop, serves unique handmade flavors comprised from locally sourced ingredients. The shop strikes a balance between the classics and NewOrleans inspired flavors.
Their 10 flavors available year round include mint chocolate chip, vanilla bean, butterscotch pecan, lemon bar, cookies and cream, dark chocolate, peanut crackle and jam, honey and Zapp’s, dulce de leche, and toasted coconut, which is vegan. They also offer two seasonal flavors such as watermelon lemonade sorbet and peach.
The ice cream is available in cups, sugar or hand-made waffle cones and the selection of toppings includes caramel, hot fudge, nuts, and sprinkles.
The shop is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday. It’s open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
School
The elementary School was built in 1900 and now features the hotel’s reception, a library stocked with books, and 59 guest rooms. The hotel rooms in this building are arranged along a hallway following the existing floor plan.
Rooms in the school are more compact than those in the Rectory or the Convent, but they remain more than comfortable enough. No two rooms are alike and there are stunning common spaces where you can get some work done or kick back with a good book.
Wrap Up
The exterior of Hotel Peter and Paul fits so organically in Faubourg Marigny neighborhood that you would not guess it is a hotel. The 71 rooms range from very affordable at just $139 per night on up to more luxurious at $899 per night. Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Hotel Peter and Paul is a testament to the city’s rich history and lively culture.
Until next time…
· izzy
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