Starwood Hotels & Resort has announced that its leading-edge Aloft brand will debut in New Orleans in 2015, following the completion of an adaptive re-use project. 

The historic building, located at 225 Baronne Street, will be transformed into a sleek new Aloft Hotel in the city’s central business district. 

Owned by 225 Baronne Complex, an entity of HRI Properties, and managed by HRI Lodging, Aloft New Orleans Downtown will feature 188 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and a lively, social atmosphere.

“The energy of Aloft is a perfect match for the vibrant city of New Orleans, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy modern design and innovative programming right at the heart of the city,” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president, specialty select brands for Starwood.

“The brand is enjoying phenomenal growth, fuelled by the enthusiasm of savvy travellers in markets across the globe.”

Built in 1962, the 30-story building and an adjacent lot will be converted into a mixed-use complex anchored by the new Aloft Hotel. 

Walking distance to numerous offices and restaurants, Aloft New Orleans Downtown will offer convenient access to the jazz clubs, bars, and boutiques in the famed French Quarter and the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The hotel’s signature WXYZ bar will offer a perfect place for guests to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and catch up-and-coming music acts that are part of Aloft’s signature Live at Aloft Hotels events that take place around the world.

Additional facilities will include an outdoor Splash pool, 24-hour fitness centre and 2,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings. 

Aloft New Orleans Downtown follows several other successful adaptive re-use projects including Aloft Orlando Downtown, Aloft Tulsa Downtown, Aloft Miami-Brickell and the award-winning Aloft Dallas Downtown.

Aloft will complete two additional adaptive re-use projects this year – Aloft Detroit and Aloft Tampa Downtown.