Hotel Tonnelle establishes an eclectic new neighbour in the serenity of New Orleans’ Garden District –– one with a distinct flair of style and easygoing charisma balanced with an inviting atmosphere sure to embrace travellers and locals alike with open arms. A member of the Tribute Hotel portfolio, Tonnelle owner RLJ partnered with //3877 as Architect of Record and Interior Designer to fulfil the unyielding potential of the existing property –– bringing the character of Tonnelle to life through bold, expressive design choices that are firmly rooted in the locale of the historic surrounding area. The project focused heavily on a soft-goods renovation, with a special emphasis on the hotel lobby transformation. This interiors initiative also included materialising a new dining space, Seventeen Feet, translating a rich brand story into an engaging physical environment.
Derived from the French term for arbor, a shelter or framework formed by plants, leaves and vines in a garden setting, Tonnelle wholly embodies its namesake –– ushering guests into a laid-back oasis steeped in the enchanting character of the Garden District. Nestled under a canopy of low-hanging oak trees, Tonnelle’s brutalist exterior is enveloped in the lush greenery signature to the Garden District alongside its historical architecture and unique ironwork lining the streets. The hotel complements the desire for exploration with a deep sense of place and parable –– providing an escape from the fast-paced liveliness of the city without compromising on accessibility with its immediate proximity to the St. Charles Streetcar stop.
//3877’s design welcomes guests into a layered experience with a warm, inviting interior that contrasts the building’s facade. The base colour palette is built upon rich shades of green and added pops of saturated jewel tones that accompany a variety of wood finishes and eclectic upholstery pairings, lending to a more intimate, residential palette. The overall concept expresses a magical sense of whimsy reminiscent of the New Orleans experience –– serving as both sanctuary and springboard for all the city has to offer.
Parting ways with the traditional concept that a lobby serves as a transitional, pass-through area, the multipurpose space encourages travellers to gather, connect, and stay awhile. The lobby introduces guests to the rich, welcoming character of Tonnelle, from subtle touches of whimsical wallpaper and ornamental trim. The sprawling gallery wall display features a curated array of vintage and custom art, including pieces from local galleries –– a prime example of //3877’s collaborative efforts with local artisans to ground the hotel in a sense of place. The south lobby features a newly-added library nook, complete with a cozy, locally-sourced fireplace mantle and accessories, creating an intimate place to lounge and recharge. The library feels more like a living room than a hotel lobby, complete with eccentric yet familiar touches, including an enormous vintage-inspired Tibetan tiger rug or the communal table with an art installation reminiscent of a plant propagation station. The flexible area can be rented out for private events ranging from Mardi Gras celebrations to corporate gatherings.
The north lobby is home to Seventeen Feet. Offering full restaurant, bar, and outdoor dining services, Tonelle’s new dining experience is an all-in-one destination that sets itself apart through eye-catching branding spearheaded by The Saturday Crowd. The restaurant’s name is derived from the tradition of trimming the grandiose live oaks that line St. Charles to precisely seventeen feet during Mardi Gras –– a playful Easter egg that equates the jovial atmosphere below the treetops to the historical celebrations of the parade. The design is anchored by an expansive custom mural by New Orleans native Craig Cundiff, emphasising the tagline for Tonnelle: “Where Revellers Revive.” Inside, the bar boasts intricately layered finishes that add richness to the space, moving away from a “hotel bar” to feel more like a local hotspot, encouraging guests to raise a glass with fellow revellers or delight in a quiet nightcap on the terrace. Outside, the design team selected plush, colourful furniture and ambient lighting strung across the space bring an energetic yet intimate vibe to the patio dining space.
As guests travel to their rooms, they are greeted with an impactful art moment as they step off the elevator, each floor featuring a different influential figure from New Orleans adorned with illustrations of local greenery. The //3877 team completely transformed the guestrooms into a haven that offers a moment of serenity and respite in a city that never rests. Directly inspired by the low hanging oak trees and Spanish moss lining the Garden District, the sleeping and living spaces are emphasised with a deep green colour that wraps behind the bed and onto the ceiling. An eclectic collection of vintage-inspired art, whimsical light fixtures, a handsome area rug, and unique furniture forms add a playful and personal touch to the room’s cozy residential flair, creating a space that invites guests to relax and recharge.
Through a close collaboration with all partners, the //3877 design team transformed a once prototypical hotel into a truly custom boutique space that exudes familiarity, whimsical and eccentric elements. Tonnelle’s magnetic appeal and local kinetic flavour represents the property’s metamorphosis into an iconic neighbourhood staple for years to come.
