Pelham Hotel, New Orleans
Downtown New Orleans’ Pelham Hotel has received more than a fresh coat of paint. The whole interior, including the lobby, guest rooms and hallways have been renovated to reflect the lavish parties the city once hosted. Originally built in the 19th century, the hotel embraces vintage qualities while being polished and modern.
The lobby, once a series of sequestered spaces, has been opened and now includes group seating with a street view. Jewel tones combined with wood and leather are reminiscent of America’s Gilded Age, while modified paintings by local artist Page Goss add a modern neon pop.
Each of the 60 guest rooms have a clean new look, trading frills for bright blocks of color and subtle patterns. Ceilings are 18-feet tall to give guests plenty of breathing room. These graphic qualities continue into the bathrooms with houndstooth wallpaper and granite counters.
“Inspired by the property’s origins, we sought to preserve the hotel’s unique character while transforming spaces with the modern-day traveler in mind,” said Allison Barnette, Pelham’s general manager.
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Cormorant Boutique Hotel, La Jolla
In the coastal town of La Jolla, California, the Cormorant Boutique Hotel opened its doors at the end of April. Most of its 26 guest rooms have a view of the ocean and a private balcony. Inside, custom built-in furniture and patterned fabrics feature a nautical color palette.
Above the rooms is the rooftop bar and lounge, Birdseye. Drinks and seafood dishes are served with a panoramic view of the ocean and La Jolla. Corporate gatherings for up to 50 people can be hosted in the scenic lounge.
Downstairs, Prospect Market gives guests an upscale grab-and-go market experience with wine, snacks, small lunches and souvenirs. It pays homage to the property’s original purpose as the only market in La Jolla in the 1940s.
The new property is inspired by the black fishing birds that give it its name. Steps from the front door, guests can see cormorants perching, swimming and diving in the Pacific. The nearby La Jolla Bluffs provide even more birdwatching opportunities.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
The largest property in Drury Hotels’ lineup is coming to Lake Buena Vista’s Disney Springs this fall in Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista. With 604 rooms and 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, this resort offers large groups a Disney-adjacent event venue. Guests can make reservations for the first 264 rooms—the rest of the hotel will open in spring 2023.
As an Official Walt Disney World Hotel, guests can book rooms as part of a Disney World vacation package. Drury Plaza offers transportation to and from the park. The property is a short walk from Disney Springs, the retail, dining and entertainment district adjacent to the main park.
Next to the resort-style pool and splash pad is the Lakeside Bar & Grill, a poolside restaurant and bar. A marketplace offers guests snacks and grab-and-go food for their busy days. The Kitchen + Bar provides a more intimate dining experience.
“We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them with a magical experience,” said Chuck Drury, CEO of Drury Hotels. The resort plans on hiring more than 150 full- and part-time staff.
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Miramar
A short distance from the MCAS Miramar Base, UC San Diego and La Jolla is Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Miramar. Formerly a Holiday Inn, the property has been transformed inside and out with a Spanish Revival exterior and a modern interior.
Whitewashed walls, arches and red clay tiled roofs help the hotel blend in with the style of many buildings in the area. The pool area follows the pattern while adding decorative tile and blue accents. A fire pit is available for guests to spend time together outdoors.
Inside are modern guest rooms with subtle elements of the exterior. Each of the 155 rooms are equipped with the amenities guests expect like workspaces and spa-like showers. The 15 suites offer king-sized beds, living areas and kitchen appliances. Seven meeting spaces offer planners more than 6,500 sq. ft. of space.
The property pays homage to the area’s military history with plane-themed murals in the restaurant and fitness center. Proximity to MCAS Miramar Base brings plenty of military families through its doors.
