Jan. 10–The restaurant group behind Sylvain and Cavan has plans for a new boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue. The hotel plans to open in late 2019.
The Corsair Hotel, which will be housed inside a nearly 130-year-old mansion, will have 15 rooms, a 120-seat restaurant and adjoining lobby bar, and a pool area with its own bar, according to a news release. Guest rooms will feature 13-foot-tall ceilings, hardwood floors, the mansion's original fireplaces, clawfoot tubs and views of St. Charles Avenue and Uptown.
In a statement, Rob?rt LeBlanc, a partner in LeBlanc + Smith, the restaurant group behind the project, said the goal is to open a hotel "for New Orleans, by New Orleans." LeBlanc + Smith runs multiple restaurants and bars, including Sylvain, Meauxbar, Barrel Proof, Cavan and Longway Tavern.
"It's a place where locals and visitors can drink, dine, and celebrate life together, and where we can all feel at home," LeBlanc said.
The Corsair will open inside a Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1891. Its name hearkens to 18th and 19th Century New Orleans, when privateers frequented the city. (A corsair is another term for a privateer.)
The mansion, located next to a New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. location, has a commercial zoning and was previously operated as a bed and breakfast. LeBlanc + Smith purchased the property for $3.25 million in May 2018, according to city records.
Of the hotel's 15 rooms, four will be suites, according to the release. Its yet-to-be named restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will have indoor and outdoor seating. The hotel will also be available for small weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties and other private events.
A spokeswoman also confirmed the hotel's pool will be open to the "local community" in addition to customers and guests.
The interior will be designed by Sara Ruffin Costello. Landscaping will be done by John D. Gray and Gray Gardens.
A rendering shows plans for the pool at The Corsair Hotel, a new boutique hotel planned by LeBlanc + Smith, the owners of restaurants like Sylvain and Cavan. The 15-room hotel is expected to open in late 2019. (Courtesy of LeBlanc + Smith)
A rendering shows plans for the pool at The Corsair Hotel, a new boutique hotel planned by LeBlanc + Smith, the owners of restaurants like Sylvain and Cavan. The 15-room hotel is expected to open in late 2019. (Courtesy of LeBlanc + Smith)
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Jennifer Larino covers residential real estate, retail and consumer news, travel and cruises, weather and other aspects of life in New Orleans for NOLA.com — The Times-Picayune. Reach her at [email protected] or 504-239-1424. Follow her on Twitter @jenlarino.
