Respite & Richness

Art Is Alive at The Old No. 77 Hotel

By Jordan Staggs | Photography courtesy of The Old No. 77

“What is a chandlery?” might be one of the first questions someone asks when they see The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery pop up while searching for great New Orleans accommodations. As it turns out, it’s a warehouse for storing goods and equipment, usually for a specific trade. In the case of 77 Tchoupitoulas Street in its early years, the goods were mostly coffee, but the building was home to many items that would be traded among merchants coming in and out of the city’s bustling port. It was later purchased by E.J. Hart & Company, which used the chandlery as a home for everything from canvas and rope for sailing to paper, tobacco, and patent medicines. You can still find coffee in the building, whose address has changed from 77 to 535, but an iced vanilla latté is more likely to be seen than bags of whole beans imported from across the sea.

Just three blocks from the famous French Quarter and steps from incredible dining, art galleries, shopping, and more in the downtown Warehouse District, The Old No. 77 appeals to various needs for those traveling to New Orleans or looking for a fun staycation. Legendary dining options abound within a few blocks, such as Emeril’s Restaurant, Mother’s Restaurant, and Willa Jean, to name a few. But you needn’t venture further than the hotel lobby to find a five-star dining experience, as the hotel is also home to Compère Lapin by Chef Nina Compton.

French for “brother rabbit,” Compère Lapin is a casual fine dining spot nestled within the historic brick building among a curation of comfortable furnishings and lush greenery inside The Old No. 77. Chef Compton and her team strive to create memories for every patron through simple, robust flavors inspired by traditional Caribbean and Creole recipes. Like the stories they hope guests will tell afterward, the menu takes cues from folktales the chef remembers from childhood, featuring a mischievous rabbit named—you guessed it—Compère Lapin. Menu items like jalapeño and scallion hushpuppies with cilantro crema, tuna ceviche, green papaya salad, fried chicken with jerk honey butter and coconut grits, and mango crème brûlée run the gamut on the restaurant’s blend of Southern, Creole, and island-inspired offerings, which are updated weekly. With a motto of “We don’t make food for everyone else, we make food for you,” this dining hot spot is sure to satisfy and is open nightly for dinner and brunch on Sundays.

The lobby’s coffee bar is open all day for a casual bite or pick-me-up. A newly redecorated lobby lounge beckons guests to sit on plush sofas while they sip, chat, and plan their busy day or evening in NOLA. Coffee-table books, a vintage jukebox, and artwork capture the eyes and relay the city’s spirit.

Great art is a staple at The Old No. 77, evidenced by murals, eclectic decor, and original works hanging throughout the common spaces and guest rooms. The hotel works with a local collective called Where y’Art Works to curate the rotating gallery just off the lobby, where guests can shop original paintings, prints, gifts, and other merchandise. Students from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) contribute pieces to the 165 guest rooms, and each room or suite also includes a copy of the school’s creative writing publication, UMBRA.

An artist-in-residence program is another layer to the hotel’s multifaceted relationship with the creative arts. Each summer, a visiting visual artist stays for a month to explore the city, get inspired, and share their work at The Old No. 77 with a special exhibition. Past residents include Indianapolis-based artist Chase Cannon; Chicago-based creator Kate Lewis, who captured New Orleans magic through large-scale black and white illustrations; and Thomas “TJ” Kiser, who debuted as the first artist in residence in 2016.

When it’s time to retire after a long day (or night) in the Big Easy, slip into your cozy yet spacious accommodations. The industrial-chic guest rooms, loft suites, and studios offer a trendy mix of retro style and modern luxe, reminding visitors of the hotel’s warehouse roots with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows. Just far enough removed from the most vibrant nightlife spots, guests can get a peaceful rest before waking up to hit the ground running. (Did we mention it extends to four-legged guests as well? Check out the VIP-worthy pet package if you’re traveling with furry family members!)

Whether in town for an event or just rollin’ on the river, guests can find a retro-chic respite with rich culture at The Old No. 77.

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The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a member of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels. Visit Old77Hotel.com to learn more or book your stay, and check out the hashtag #love_old77 and their Instagram @old77_hotel to see the latest photos and news.