Historic or new, these new and renovated properties are guaranteed landmarks
From exciting new builds to historic gems reinvigorated with new life, discover a new and renovated property certain to make your meeting iconic. Not only will you find yourself gathering in a bucket-list city, but a bucket-list hotel that’s an integral part of the city life. Did somebody say “sense of place”?
A New Landmark
NOLA’s newest hotel is the latest Caesars Hotel & Casino New Orleans, designed by award-winning hospitality design firm Interior Image Group (IIG), on the eve of Caesars Hotel & Casino’s host status for Super Bowl LIX.
This debut is a result of the $435 million renovation and rebrand of the former Harrah’s Casino & Hotel and adds a completely new tower with 340 guestrooms and suites. IIG designed the interior of the new tower, from 286 guest rooms and suites to the lobby, infusing a style inspired by Roman baths and lush gardens. The remaining suites in the tower are part of the NOBU hotel-within-a-hotel.
In the lobby, a fresh, clean color palette with rich wood-tone elements and soft metal accents unite light and reflection with natural materials. The design is centered around creating a feel of architectural wonder, social energy and a distinct sense of place. In the lobby bar, sparkling crystal art installations on either wall catch light from an expansive overhead chandelier featuring an abstract design in the form of a golden laurel leaf crown.
The IIG-designed guest rooms continue the cohesion of natural light, material textures and craftmanship that create an indulgent and elegant feel. Guests can feel a sense of indulgence with soft, flowing blue textiles, gold light fixtures and custom graphics for a signature headboard treatment. The original Harrah’s Tower offers an additional 450 guest rooms, and the entire property offers over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Read More: Caesars Entertainment Prepares for Super Bowl with Unrivaled Experiences
Grandeur Revitalized
Known as “Grande Dame of Broad Street,” the iconic, 120-year-old Philadelphia hotel, The Bellevue, reopens following an extensive renovation to revitalize its historic spaces. Originally opened in 1904 by George C. Boldt, a hospitality pioneer, the hotel is an established testament to Philadelphia’s grandeur and cultural heritage. It is known for establishing the concept of the “modern American hotel.”
Now a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, The Bellevue honors its storied heritage while inviting in a new era. Design innovator Tony Machado, head of design for LUCID, Highgate’s in-house design and construction studio, brought together a group of acclaimed creatives to collaborate and establish a design that upheld and restored The Bellevue to its original glory while blending in modern allure.
Some of these innovators include Ward + Gray, which led the interior design of the guest rooms and public spaces with an emphasis on the “original bones” of the hotel alongside a historically-minted take on 1900s opulence. Philadelphia-based Grace Song Studio, renowned designer Anoushka Hempel and many others worked together to layer unique historical elements with new life, through elements like stately bas-relief columns with ornate capitals, intricate coffered plaster ceilings, boiserie wall panels and full-height windows. Restored crown moldings and rich materials, such as soft velvets and hand-blown glass, bring to life a space that is undeniably historic yet comfortable and modern.
The Bellevue offers 184 newly restored guestrooms, including 39 suites, and over 30,000 sq. ft. of event space across three floors. Its famous ballroom, “The Grand Belle,” features the original ornate wall and ceiling moldings, replica chairs referencing its opera origins and museum-like historical artifacts. Across the many other private meeting spaces, groups can discover more original elements restored to their former glory. Additional major debuts include The Sporting Club, a 100,000-square-foot luxury wellness destination offering state-of-the-art fitness and recreational amenities.
Journey in Discovery
A completed multi-million-dollar renovation at Houston’s Hotel Granduca, the city’s only all-suite luxury hotel, brings a transformed experience melding European elegance with classic Texas hospitality. Since the hotel opened in 2006, it has established itself as a unique Houston icon that blends its classical European style with the vibrant energy of Houston.
The renovation, led by Houston-based interior designer Kara Childress, offers a boutique experience. Inspired by the historic charm of an Italian villa style monastery that has changed and evolved throughout time, spaces now feature a blend of reclaimed architectural elements, curated antiques and bespoke furnishings to emulate a lived-in feel. Antique Italian tiles, intricately carved wood ceilings, textured plaster walls and hand-selected lighting create an Old-World craftmanship feel, without sacrificing the comfort and luxury of the contemporary.
At the center of the renovation is the debut of Hotel Granduca’s signature restaurant, Remi. Guests can enjoy seasonal-driven dishes in a space that features signature photographs nodding to Houston’s heritage alongside burnt orange accents, gold finishes and hand-painted signage—with an extension into an indoor greenhouse. The adjacent Bar Remi serves as a coffee bar by day and a cocktail lounge at night. Further exciting renewals encompass the lobby, the garden courtyard and event spaces.
Over 5,000 sq. ft. of event space incorporate tailored furnishings, elegant drapery and a thoughtful blend of classic and modern architectural details. In the library, guests will find the essence of Houston’s “living room” with a marble fireplace, rare books and heirloom decorative pieces like oil paintings and authentic antique maps. Across 121 guest rooms, guests can continue the journey of discovery with antique furnishings, luxurious linens and views of lush gardens or the peaceful pool terrace.
Read More: Historic Meeting Grounds
