Cambria New Orleans—Warehouse Turns Hip Hotel

Written by Barbara Barrielle

March 19, 2018

Travel | Hotels and Resorts | Louisiana

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Cambria New Orleans–A Boutique Hotel in the Big Easy

I love going to New Orleans. And, as I always counsel my friends, when your kids go to college, make sure they go somewhere you want to visit…a lot. My daughter goes to Tulane University so I got totally lucky in that draw of the cards!

I was excited for another opportunity to discover the hottest, trendiest and most cutting-edge restaurants and hotels that make up the exciting renaissance in The Big Easy.

The Big Easy. The author in the lobby of The Cambria with their unique skull chairs. photo: Charlotte Barrielle

But, I cannot do trendy without luxury and comfort—and the Cambria New Orleans hits luxury out of the ballpark. The hotel’s public areas are comfortable yet definitely a New Orleans vibe. Crowned skull renderings adorn all of the furniture. Neon indicates you are somewhere exciting. The sculpture reflects the music and traditions of the area. Check out the hundreds of strands of beads hanging from the ceiling in the lobby and restaurant.

The theme of crowned skulls is everywhere as is the frivolity of New Orleans, including the beads dripping from the ceiling. Photo by Barbara Barrielle

On the way to my sexy, low-lit cushy room, I came across probably the most friendly and dedicated staff ever to work a hotel front desk. Helpful, outgoing—they remembered me as I came and went made me feel like a local celebrity.

My room of black, white and grey tones featured one of the most comfortable, pillow-top mattresses I have ever experienced as I melted into a mountain of down and feather-stuffed pillows. And in the bath, I found ultra-lux Acca Kappa amenities. While enveloping me with luxury, my Cambria New Orleans hotel room was also work-friendly. It was outfitted with a table and chairs as well as a chaise lounge with a moveable desk that I found the best way to write (and watch TV) at the same time.

Trendy, sophisticated transformation of a warehouse into this comfy king bedroom. Photo courtesy Cambria New Orleans Hotel and Suites

Getting to Know the Warehouse District

Located in the now emerging warehouse district, The Cambria New Orleans was close to everything. I walked to lunch at Mother’s Restaurant, where I had eaten on previous visits to New Orleans. Later, I hit the world-class Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and strolled the French Quarter. I got back in time for the incredible happy hour at the new location of the original Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

If staying in and getting work done is more your style, the breakfast and dinner restaurant at The Cambria serves some excellent dishes like shrimp and grits and a delicious flatiron steak.

The bar has fantastic mixologists at The Cambria while the kitchen puts out great shrimp and grits. Photo courtesy Cambria New Orleans.

The Cambria New Orleans is part of the super luxury end of Choice Hotels and their popular rewards program. The Cambria was a fabulous choice for a place to stay in New Orleans and I can’t wait to get back. And I look forward to earning more stays in my future! Find out more to see and do in New Orleans from our Wander writers. You can also check out more about what we suggest doing when you visit Louisiana.

Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Written by Barbara Barrielle

Barbara is a long-time publicist who began travel and wine writing several years ago and has been roaming the world since. Barbara also acts and produces films and has a feature film "Break Night" out on Amazon Prime and a documentary on the California wildfires called "Crushed." Her favorite destination is the Cook Islands and spends time learning wine and languages in Europe. At home in Healdsburg, CA, Barbara manages a small vineyard and Airbnb and dotes on her Corgi puppy Pickles.