(All photos by Britt Smith Photography)
There is an old saying that goes,”Bloom where you’re planted.” It means that we should find a way to take advantage of the opportunities we have and be grateful for our present situation. It means that if you change your perspective, you don’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for. Sometimes you can find what you need right where you are.
The beauty of living in New Orleans is that when you need to get away from it all, you don’t have to run off to some exotic locale. You can regroup, renew and rejuvenate right here in our beautiful city. You can, in fact, bloom where you’re planted.
My recent stay at The Eliza Jane Hotel proved this to be true. I decided to treat myself to a private retreat to celebrate my new job and to relax a bit before I started working. However, you don’t need a reason to plan a staycation – it can simply be because you want to.
The Eliza Jane opened this spring and has already become a local favorite. It’s located just two blocks from the French Quarter and it’s walking distance from many of the city’s notable restaurants and landmarks. I have to admit, I was drawn in by the name alone. It has a bougie ring to it! The hotel was named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, publisher of The Daily Picayune in the late 1800s. She was the first woman to publish a major newspaper in the United States. Yassss for girl power!
The Daily Picayune was one of the original tenants of the building, along with the Gulf Baking Soda company, the Peters Cartridge shop and the Peychaud Bitters factory. The design team did an amazing job of paying homage to the history of the building and creating a classic New Orleans ambiance that perfectly blends old-school charm with simple luxury.
There is something to be said for good customer service. When you stay at a hotel you don’t always remember the thread count of the sheets or the type of marble the counter tops were made of, but you will remember how you were treated. The staff at The Eliza Jane did not disappoint. As soon as I pulled up to valet, I was greeted and assisted with my bags. Checking in was smooth and stress-free.
My favorite part of the hotel was the open-air courtyard. I mean, this is New Orleans; who doesn’t love a good courtyard? The exposed brick walls and floor, modern patio furniture and just the right amount of sunlight peaking through overhead is the perfect setting to read a book or have a drink with friends (or alone).
If drinks are what you’re looking for, you don’t have to go far. The Press Room is a family room-inspired lounge and bar decorated with the cutest antique publishing house details like typewriters and old books. The Press Room serves fresh pastries and coffee to morning crowds and cocktails in the evening. I was delighted to see that the bar stocked Lorenza, my new favorite Rose’.
I found myself wandering the hallways and passageways of The Eliza Jane, and before I knew it, I had been walking around for almost an hour. I got caught up in the design and decor of the property. Even the bathrooms had beautiful wallpaper and gold fixtures. As soon as I walked into the room, I noticed the robe and slippers (Bougie Checklist).
I was impressed by the service, and most of all, I realized that I don’t have to hop on a plane to escape and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I live in New Orleans, a city with rich history, extraordinary culture, and a new adventure around every corner. I found what I was looking for during my stay at The Eliza Jane. It feels good to bloom where you’re planted.
