FAIRMONT NEW ORLEANS MARKS A GRAND RETURN TO THE CRESCENT CITY AS FAIRMONT'S 100TH HOTEL

The 250-room hotel with Rockwell Group-designed interiors, destination dining from Chef Emeril Lagasse, and over 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a global luxury brand part of Accor, today announces the official opening of Fairmont New Orleans, marking the much-anticipated return of the brand to the Crescent City after two decades – and marking Fairmont's 100th hotel globally. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, within walking distance of the French Quarter and moments from Caesars Superdome, the 250-room hotel brings thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, destination dining in partnership with celebrated Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group, and more than 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Developed by Kailas Companies and operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont New Orleans occupies 17 stories of the former Bank of New Orleans building, a 31-story landmark originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1970. Its original sidewalks, entry canopy, lobby floors and concrete walls on the first and second floors have been fully restored and refurbished, alongside the second floor's decorative bronze paneling and local cypress ceiling. Rather than looking primarily to the French Quarter's colonial architecture, the property draws inspiration from the glamour and optimism of the 1970s, celebrating an often-overlooked chapter in New Orleans' architectural evolution.

Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said: "Celebrating Fairmont's landmark 100th hotel in New Orleans is a moment of perfect alignment. This is a city built on the very poetry of celebration, culture, and hospitality, setting the ultimate stage for such a historic milestone. After two decades away, returning to New Orleans feels like a joyful homecoming. This magnificent property is designed to be a vibrant social epicenter, a sanctuary where the city's rich heritage meets a sophisticated, contemporary energy. Through meticulous design, spirited gastronomy, and exceptional spaces created for connection, we are not just opening a hotel; we are welcoming the soulful spirit of New Orleans back into the global Fairmont family for our next great chapter." 

A NEW EXPRESSION OF NEW ORLEANS DESIGN
Interior design by Rockwell Group explores the contrasts that define New Orleans, imagining a city emerging from a verdant landscape and shaped by generations of cultural influences from around the world. Mid-century references nod to the decadence of the 1970s oil boom era, while layered textures, saturated color, local flora, and globally influenced patterns bring a contemporary interpretation of New Orleans design, balancing old and new, polished and playful, and vibrant and restful.

The hotel's lobby serves as its social anchor and a cultural living room designed to welcome both visitors and New Orleanians throughout the day. Guests arrive beneath a mirror-clad monumental stair that reflects a three-story magnolia flower and Spanish moss-inspired chandelier. Custom brass relief panels from Italy frame the check-in and concierge desks, while the Lobby Bar pairs handmade Italian lava-stone tiles with a floor mosaic composed of six marbles in a distinctly 1970s pattern. The Lobby Bar's cocktail-focused beverage program and live entertainment encourage guests and locals to linger from day into evening.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Fairmont New Orleans and for our city," said Eric Overstreet, General Manager, Fairmont New Orleans. "From the moment guests enter our lobby to an evening at Delmonico Steakhouse, the hotel was designed to feel distinctly of New Orleans, while offering the service and experience Fairmont is known for. We're proud to welcome travelers and our local community into these spaces and look forward to seeing Fairmont New Orleans become part of the city's next chapter." 

A RESIDENTIAL RETREAT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Fairmont New Orleans' 250 guest rooms and suites are conceived as personal retreats with residential warmth, eclectic finishes, curated furnishings and layered materials designed to feel collected over time. Three-dimensional entry mosaics reference classical European flooring, while large, paneled artworks evoke the rich flora of Louisiana's bayous. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping city views, while custom artwork and details reference the cultural and natural history of New Orleans. In select king rooms, "faux balconies" with café tables offer a playful nod to the city's beloved porches and terraces. 

On the 29th and 30th floors, Fairmont Gold will elevate the stay through Fairmont's signature hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Once unveiled in December, guests can enjoy a dedicated private lounge overlooking the Mississippi River, dedicated concierge service, complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapés, beverages and a personalized arrival and check-in experience. 

NEW CULINARY DESTINATIONS INCLUDING A STEAKHOUSE FROM CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE AND ROOFTOP COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Fairmont New Orleans makes its debut with a culinary partnership with Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group, bringing new dining experiences to the heart of the Central Business District.

Delmonico Steakhouse marks the celebrated concept's debut in New Orleans and its first location outside of Las Vegas, bringing Chef Lagasse's grand American steakhouse to the city that has long inspired his culinary career. Open for dinner, the restaurant pairs timeless steakhouse traditions with his signature bold New Orleans flavors, showcasing hand-selected prime cuts from Creekstone Farms, dry-aged in-house, alongside Japanese Wagyu, premium seafood, and an oyster and caviar program.

Open for breakfast and lunch, The Café by Emeril offers a more relaxed brasserie-style experience, combining French-inspired classics with Creole accents and Southern influences. From chicory-laced coffee to thoughtfully prepared breakfast and lunch favorites, the café flows seamlessly into the lobby, creating an inviting gathering place for hotel guests and locals alike.

"I'm thrilled to bring Delmonico Steakhouse to New Orleans alongside The Café by Emeril, creating two distinct dining experiences that reflect what I love about cooking and bringing people together," said Chef Emeril Lagasse. "We're proud to be a part of Fairmont's return to the city and look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors to experience the bold flavors, genuine hospitality, and unmistakable New Orleans spirit that defines everything we do."

Forthcoming dining and drinking venues, set to open in early December also, include the property's rooftop pool and Bleu Perdu, along with Third Measure cocktail bar. Located 31 floors above New Orleans, the forthcoming rooftop is designed to transition effortlessly from day to night. Bleu Perdu will open directly onto the pool terrace, pairing panoramic city and Mississippi River views with bistro-style dining, sun loungers, cabanas, lush foliage and Spanish-inspired black-and-white tile. After sunset, locally made Bevolo gas lanterns will cast a warm glow across the terrace, which also includes a dedicated area for live performances.

Nearby, Third Measure, an intimate late-night cocktail bar developed in collaboration with Neal Bodenheimer, founder of New Orleans' acclaimed Cure, will draw inspiration from the city's lost cocktail traditions and musical heritage. Guests enter through wardrobe-inspired double doors into a richly layered space, where custom fan-shaped marble mosaic flooring inspired by clouds, a white marble bar, pearlescent railings and an immense custom Lasvit chandelier nod to the building's 1970s origins, all framed by commanding sunset views.

NEW WAYS TO RELAX AND RECHARGE
Opening in early December is a 10,000-square-foot spa and fitness center to further expand the guest experience with three private treatment rooms, a couples' suite, dry sauna, steam room and dedicated relaxation lounges, including a sauna overlooking the New Orleans skyline. A dedicated Dressing Room will offer a social preparation space for bridal parties, debutantes and other celebrations, while a fitness studio outfitted with Matrix Onyx equipment will offer personalized training sessions. Loft suites on the building's upper level will feature dramatic double-height windows with views toward Caesars Superdome, lofted primary bedrooms with glass railings, custom wallcoverings and wet bars with hammered brass sinks. Guided by Fairmont's new Wellness Without Walls approach, connecting guests with active and outdoor experiences throughout the destination including self-guided walks combining local art galleries with kayaking and pedal boating and self-led city 'Run The River' experiences along the Mississippi River and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Furthermore, ALL Accor member guests can benefit from complimentary Nike Lending Gear service throughout their stay.

A NEW GATHERING PLACE IN THE HEART OF NEW ORLEANS
Situated near Bourbon Street and Caesars Superdome and within walking distance of the French Quarter, Warehouse District and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Fairmont New Orleans places guests at the crossroads of the city's cultural, business and entertainment hubs. Whether visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, a major stadium event or a weekend immersed in the city's culture and cuisine, the hotel offers a new vantage point from which to experience New Orleans. 

Continuing Fairmont's legacy as the backdrop for milestone moments, Fairmont New Orleans debuts with over 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space, accommodating gatherings ranging from intimate events of 10 to grand celebrations of up to 500 guests. Nine primary venues include two approximately 4,000-square-foot ballrooms, six meeting rooms and an executive boardroom, complemented by three dedicated foyers. 

The second floor, originally built as the Bank of New Orleans' main lobby, has been refurbished to honor its original character and now houses two foyers and two grand ballrooms. The ballrooms preserve the building's local cypress wood ceiling, while original bronze paneling has been restored and custom chandeliers were designed to feel as though they have always belonged to the space.

Rates start at $459 per night. For reservations and additional information, visit www.fairmont.com/hotels/new-orleans/. Similarly, hotel guests can also take advantage of ALL Accor, Accor's complimentary loyalty program and booking platform, with members earning points during their stays that can be redeemed for rewards, services and experiences worldwide.

Link to additional images HERE.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Q: When did Fairmont New Orleans open? 
A: Fairmont New Orleans opened on November 2, 2026, marking Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' return to New Orleans after two decades and Fairmont's 100th hotel globally. 

Q: Where is Fairmont New Orleans located? 
A: Fairmont New Orleans is located in New Orleans' Central Business District, just steps from the French Quarter and Caesars Superdome. The hotel occupies 17 stories of the former Bank of New Orleans building, originally designed in 1970 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Q: How many rooms does Fairmont New Orleans have? 
A: Fairmont New Orleans features 250 guest rooms and suites, along with Fairmont Gold, the brand's exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel experience.

Q: What restaurants and bars will be at Fairmont New Orleans? 
A: Fairmont New Orleans features Delmonico Steakhouse and The Café by Emeril, created in partnership with Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Emeril Group. Additional venues, including Third Measure and Bleu Perdu, will open in the following months. 

Q: What additional experiences are coming to Fairmont New Orleans?
A: Additional signature experiences will include the rooftop pool and Bleu Perdu, Third Measure cocktail bar, spa and fitness center, and loft suites. Opening dates for these experiences will be announced in the coming months.

Q: Who designed Fairmont New Orleans? 
A: The interiors of Fairmont New Orleans were designed by Rockwell Group, with a design concept inspired by the contrasts between New Orleans' built and natural environments. The hotel is located within the former Bank of New Orleans building, originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Q: Will there be a phased opening?
A: The property opens its doors on November 2, and starting early December, the hotel's Gold Lounge, Spa, all dining and drinking venues, including the property's rooftop pool and Bleu Perdu, along with Third Measure cocktail bar, will be fully open. 

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of over 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Tokyo, Fairmont Hanoi, Fairmont Golden Prague, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,800 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.com | group.accor.com 

About Kailas Companies
Founded in 1990 by C. Mohan Kailas, Kailas Companies is one of Louisiana's top owner/operators of commercial property. Kailas Companies focuses on restoring historic landmark buildings as well as creating modern properties. Through the dedication of its staff and the support of its clients, Kailas has proved itself as one of the most established and respected commercial real estate operators in the State of Louisiana. 

About The Emeril Group
The Emeril Group is a leading culinary and hospitality company founded by world-renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality Emeril Lagasse based in New Orleans. The internationally recognized flagship Emeril's, helmed by Chef E.J. Lagasse and awarded two Michelin stars, anchors a portfolio that includes The Wine Bar at Emeril's and Meril in New Orleans, as well as Delmonico Steakhouse, Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, and Meril in Las Vegas, and Emeril's Chop House at L'Auberge Baton Rouge. The collection also includes dining experiences at sea on Carnival Cruise Lines, and restaurant concepts Emeril's Table at MSY and Emeril's Kitchen at Caesars New Orleans. Driven by a commitment to excellence and genuine hospitality, The Emeril Group continues to advance modern American cuisine through Chef Emeril's signature bold, innovative approach.

SOURCE Fairmont Hotels & Resorts