When World of Hyatt purchased nine historic warehouses on Magazine Street to develop a boutique property in New Orleans in 2016, the hospitality company was deliberate about incorporating its vibrant past with an immaculate modern style.
Upon entering the bright red doors, The Eliza Jane Hotel exudes a warm, inviting vibe that gives tribute to namesake Eliza Jane Nicholson. Eliza Jane was the first female editor of a major American newspaper, then-named the Daily Picayune (now, Times-Picayune). On October 17, 1866, the newspaper ran Eliza Jane’s poem, “A Little Bunch of Roses.” The poem was the first of many poems, news articles, a society column called the “Society Bee,” and popular “Weather Frog” cartoon created by Eliza Jane — under the pseudonym, “Pearl Rivers.”
She married Alva Holbrook, then owner and publisher of the Daily Picayune, and inherited the media outlet when he died in 1876 — establishing Eliza Jane as the first woman in the U.S. to own a major newspaper. Under her leadership, the circulation of the newspaper skyrocketed, making it one of the most prominent
journals in the South at the time.
A true Femme Rebelle, Eliza Jane fell in love with a married man, George Nicholson, whom she later married in 1878 after his wife passed away.
Featured in Hyatt’s The Unbound Collection, comprised of hotels that offer unique experiences, The Eliza Jane has 196 guest rooms including 50 suites. Literary-themed motifs and décor, such as old books, newspaper print wallpaper, antique typewriters and cozy leather chairs are prominent throughout. Signature suites, aptly named Publishers and Editors, are highlighted by a bathtub in the shower, set off by tall ceilings.
Shaped like a huge rectangle, some of the hotel’s guest rooms overlook a courtyard in the center. Other rooms face Magazine Street while some abut dark, brick walls — a position coveted by guests who’ve had too many of News Orleans’ famous libations.
THE BEAT
Speaking of libations, The Press Room Bar & Lounge pays homage to a previous historic occupant of the former warehouses, the Peychaud Bitters Factory. For $55, you’ll receive their signature drink — a high-end Sazerac cocktail called “The Origin Story,” served in a stunning glass with an etching of the hotel’s exterior curated by famed New Orleans designer Mignon Faget. In addition to swanky cocktails, guests enjoy the unique sound of New Orleans jazz music each Thursday.
THE SCOOP
Whether you’re a hotel guest of The Eliza Jane or not — you will want to dine at its signature French brasserie, Couvant. Honing his talent in Paris and New York, Executive Chef and Crescent City native Ryan Pearson creates uniquely elegant dishes.
Consider the crawfish gnocchi, utilizing fresh crawfish steeped in a reduction sauce and nestled in hand-rolled gnocchi. Or a hamburger with caramelized onions and Dijon mustard, topped with raclette cheese melted over your meal table-side. How about savory duck confit waffles? A mushroom omelet with grits and garlic potatoes?
“It was as if the heavens opened up and the sun was shining brightly when Executive Chef Ryan Pearson joined our team,” Klein said. “Describing Chef Ryan’s style, I think about what French chefs would make if they had access to the fresh seafood of New Orleans, mushrooms grown from a farm an hour away, or the beloved Ponchatoula strawberries.”
The brasserie’s bottomless cocktail brunch on Saturdays and Sundays is popular with guests and non-guests, alike. And if you start off having a Mimosa and want to switch to a Bloody Mary, that’s just fine at Couvant.
THE LEAD
The Eliza Jane also features 1,800 square feet reserved for events, called The Holbrook Room. The shotgun-style space opens up to the stunning courtyard, ideal for receptions with up to 125 guests or seated dinners for about 80 guests. Smaller groups can be accommodated in the private dining room for 20 seated guests at Couvant.
BREAKING NEWS
Before you leave, be sure to take a ‘selfie’ in front of the courtyard fountain which features a custom Mardi-Gras inspired sculpture designed by local artist Brent Barnidge. “Mardi-Gras inspired” is polite way of saying that’s she’s bare-breasted, y’all.