Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, the hotel Peter & Paul stands as a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant local culture. This boutique hotel, which welcomed guests in 2018, boasts a unique blend of vintage European charm and modern luxuries. The group of buildings that house the hotel were once a Catholic school and a mid-19th century church that had fallen out of use but have since been lovingly restored by the ASH hospitality design and development firm in partnership with Nathalie Jordi. The church serves as a beautiful event venue, and the hotel also features an intimate, lively bar and restaurant, Bar Elysian, which offers a charming yet playful take on Southern style in its courtyard seating and interiors.

I had a chance to visit the hotel a couple of years ago, and just walking around the restored buildings was incredibly inspiring. I loved the Old World details incorporated into the design, while the rooms maintained fairly monochromatic schemes, giving them a chic and understated feel. The room I stayed in featured a custom bed with iron tassels made in Europe—a testament to the hotel's high level of design. There were several beautiful hidden spaces in the hotel’s halls, including one with a small stage and a trompe l’oeil mural you'll see below. The dining room may be my favorite, though, with its exaggerated swagged drapery and inviting banquette seating.

xoko