HotelsMag July/August 2025 | Page 48

DEVELOPMENT
Salon Salon at Maison Métier.
A guestroom at Maison Métier. The hotel’ s interiors were designed by Studio Shamshiri.
once considered a“ good ole boys” gathering place, where lawyers, judges and politicians got tight on generous pours of scotch and puffed big cigars.
“ Both hotels celebrate the culture and the uniqueness of New Orleans,” Pati said, each in unique ways. The Barnett, she conveyed, is celebratory, encompassing the music, the food, the cocktails and the art of New Orleans.“ That customer really is a creative adventureseeker.”
The Barnett’ s merrymaking mood is matched at Maison Métier, but it’ s more subtle and discreet. Just consider the front door: only guests of the hotel are allowed entrance.( No names provided, but it’ s a frequent choice for famous actors, entertainment moguls and white-collar CEOs in town for events. Pati refers to the hotel as a choice for those not looking for a traditional luxury experience, found at nearby properties, such as The
The Breakfast Room at Maison Métier.
Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.) Suites during high season sell for well over $ 1,500 per night. Suites at The Barnett over the same period can run just north of $ 1,000 per night.
IN THE HYATT HOLSTER The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is a portfolio of what Hyatt refers to as“ unique and independent hotels, offering a diverse range of upper-upscale and luxury experiences.” JdV by Hyatt, meanwhile, a brand Hyatt adopted when it acquired Two Roads Hospitality in 2018, also boasts independent hotels, but at a more approachable
Tammy Pati, hotel manager, Maison Métier
price point. One of the reasons many hotel owners decide to pair with a large lodging company, like Hyatt, is to tap into its vast distribution platform and loyalty program. And while The Barnett doesn’ t look too different design wise from its prior iteration as an Ace Hotel( that’ s on purpose), a World of Hyatt placard prominently placed at the check-in desk reminds guests of the big brand family. World of Hyatt has around 50 million members worldwide.
Pati said that is where she sees the biggest difference. Maison Métier receives a large amount of Globalist members, World of Hyatt’ s highest traveler tier. She said the affiliation with Hyatt has also generated more family bookings at both properties.
Changing flags typically triggers a property improvement plan to pull the hotel more in line with the brand. In the case of The Barnett, the renovation is not monumental. As Pati explained
48 hotelsmag. com July / August 2025