One of the newest hotels in New Orleans is the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, located three blocks from the French Quarter in the Warehouse District. Arriving on a Friday afternoon, we were greeted by the valet and “Lady Madonna” playing over the outdoor speakers.

Inside the boisterous lobby, there is a large restaurant, Compère Lapin, to the left. The owner and chef is Nina Compton, who chose the Big Easy as the location for her first restaurant after falling in love with the city while filming Bravo’s Top Chef New Orleans. Open at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays, the bar was always busy. Sadly, we did not have the opportunity to sample the tropically influenced menu receiving praise from local food critics.

The right side of the lobby includes a coffee bar, small reception area and seating. A short corridor, tucked behind the elevators, serves as a gallery featuring changing exhibits from Where Y’Art — a Julia Street gallery. Artwork created by students, faculty and alumni from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the city’s innovative education institute, hangs in guestrooms and throughout the property. The art is available for purchase, with proceeds going to the artists.

Housed in a warehouse from 1854, the Old No. 77 boasts original hardwood floors and brick walls. Our huge, loft-like room with high ceilings and exposed pipes had a retro feel. A six-foot-long dresser featured an eclectic New Orleans-themed mini bar. Some items included pralines, Cajun mixed nuts, Zapp’s potato chips and Old New Orleans Rum. The room’s lone window looked out on walls, and the small tiled bathroom with a pedestal sink could benefit from additional lighting.

The dog-friendly boutique hotel charges a $45 fee when booking a stay for man’s best friend. In-room amenities are a pet bed, treats and a toy, plus a special room service menu. Human amenities include free WiFi, a 24-hour workout room, a pillow menu, Spotify menu and spiritual menu with a selection of religious books that may be borrowed during your stay.

The Old No. 77 is close to dozens of art galleries, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino and the National WWII Museum. If you want a hip hotel that embraces the arts, this place is a cool yet rustic find.

Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

535 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
tel 504 527 5271