First Look: The French Quarter's First New Hotel in 50 Years

The past year has been nothing but 'The Big Easy' for New Orleans. Like most tourist-driven destinations, much of the city has shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. But nothing can keep this scrappy town down, and a highly-anticipated hotel opening in the French Quarter is just one reason to toss some Mardi Gras beads.

New Orleans City Council has been tight-fisted about new construction in the French Quarter since it passed an ordinance prohibiting new hotels in 1969. The ruling was revisited, and now, more than 50 years later, One11 Hotel has opened in the former sugar district.

Built in 1884 by American Sugar Refining Company, the seven-story brick building has been reimagined by David Ashen of Dash Design and features 83 guest rooms and "sweets" – a nostalgic tribute to the neighborhood's sugar mill history. The neutral palette of cream, taupe and light gray is like cream for your Cafe Du Monde coffee. "When we say we have a modern aesthetic, [guests] expect cold and steel, but one of the comments we always get is how warm and cozy it feels," Lisa Miller, director of sales for One11, told Travel + Leisure.

One11 is a short walk from iconic Bourbon Street and a stone's throw from Woldenberg Park and the promenade along a crooked bend in the Mississippi. The onsite Batture Bistro + Bar offers a Creole take on classics, and the climate-controlled porch can be enjoyed even on the balmiest of summer evenings.

Though it may take some time for our favorite LGBTQ events like Southern Decadence the Gay Easter Parade to return, there is always plenty to explore. Check out this New Orleans LGBTQ itinerary for ideas.