The New Orleans boutique hotel boom that began about 10 years ago continues to flourish with new additions coming to town every year. One of the first to open its doors in 2025 is the Hotel Perle at 757 St. Charles Ave., in the Warehouse District within walking distance to the Caesar’s Superdome. Housed in the circa-1916, former Alberta Hotel building and designed by NYC-based interior design firm Ward + Gray in collaboration with New Orleans-based architecture firm Rome Office, the Hotel Perle is created specifically with group travel in mind. The hotel has 10, multi-room suites with two to seven bedrooms and common areas including kitchen, dining and living areas. The design marries Old World glamour with contemporary style and modern amenities, including a heated pool. hotelperle.com
En Français, S’il Vous Plaît
In collaboration with the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures (Nous), The Historic New Orleans Collection established a cultural space at 602 Toulouse St. in the French Quarter. The space, which as of press was scheduled to open in May, serves as a cultural hub focused on history, literature and the arts, an art gallery, concept store and information center designed to showcase Louisiana’s French and Creole cultures. Visitors can expect cultural programs and interactive exhibits. hnoc.org and nous-foundation.org
The Key to Success
As part of its 25-year anniversary celebration, Eclectic Home announced the launch of a new line of custom throw pillows. Owned by award-winning interior designer Penny Francis, Eclectic Home is an interior design studio and home furnishings retail store at 8211 Oak St. Francis’ work has been profiled locally and nationally, appearing in the pages of this magazine, as well as in Architectural Digest, Interior Design and Garden & Gun, and on HGTV. The first collection of pillows, The Krewes Pillow Line features a modern Greek key motif and celebrates New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes’ mythical names. Expect the rest of the collections to launch throughout the celebratory year. eclectichome.net
Sparkle and Shine
In Spring, Canal Place announced the addition of a Swarovski store to its lineup of luxury retailers. The new, 694-square-foot showroom — awash in Swarovski’s signature blue hue with glinting metallic and chrome finishes and shimmering silk — specializes in crystal jewelry and home decor accessories. swarovski.com
Merging and Emerging Stronger
In March, the Preservation Resource Center and Save Our Cemeteries announced they were joining forces. In a press release, PRC board president Aulston Taylor said, “… We are honored that the esteemed Save Our Cemeteries organization has come under the PRC umbrella. Expect exciting developments over the coming months as our PRC staff works to revitalize the historic mission work of SOC, which has been a cornerstone to our city’s preservation efforts.” Save Our Cemeteries’ mission includes restoring tombs, teaching owners care and maintenance, tours, education and advocacy to protect cemeteries. Save our Cemeteries former president Sally Asher will remain active as a member of the PRC board and cemetery advisory committee leader. Information and booking for cemetery tours can now be found at prcno.org/new-orleans-cemetery-tours.
