Reviewed by Leslie Pariseau
Why book? The Chloe is the kind of place you stay when you want to experience New Orleans beyond the revelry of the French Quarter. Housed in a Thomas-Sully designed Victorian on the deliciously decadent real estate corridor of St. Charles Avenue, The Chloe has everything a genuine boutique should have—smart, beautifully appointed rooms; good food; excellent co*cktails; thoughtful amenities; intimate service; and an oasis of a pool to boot.
Set the scene: This is Uptown New Orleans, which means it can feel quite local and chi-chi, especially in a time when tourism is rather quiet. In this way, The Chloe has become a sort of living room for New Orleanians seeking an all-day al fresco retreat that isn’t their own porch or backyard. The front yard and art-filled parlors are see-and-be-seen, while the backyard and pool are a little more hidden with a separate bar that cranks out frozen margaritas and beer-and-shot combos. For the most part, the crowd is very Uptown, which means a cross between Billy Reid- and Lilly Pulitzer-wearing 30- and 40-somethings, occasionally overlapping with a younger downtown vibe when live music pops up on the weekends. Regardless of your social alliances, there’s always plenty of people-watching to do and local goings-on to be overheard after everybody’s had a round or two of co*cktails.
The backstory: Like all century-old properties in this city, The Chloe has lived many former lives. It was designed by 19th-century architect Thomas Sully for merchant Henry Picard and his family in 1891, eventually became a boarding house overrun by cats, and then a guesthouse before being acquired by LeBlanc + Smith, a local hospitality company that owns and operates restaurants throughout the city. The company, run by Robert LeBlanc, is known for its neighborhood-driven restaurants and bars including Barrel Proof in the Lower Garden District, Cavan on Magazine Street, and Sylvain in the Quarter, all of which are housed in historic buildings. Much of what you see at The Chloe is original or restored with contemporary updates, including details like the regal wainscoting in the bar room and the gold and cerulean front porch tiles.
The rooms: When LeBlanc and designer Sara Ruffin Costello conceptualized the 14 rooms at The Chloe, they knew they wanted each to feel unto itself so guests might have a singular experience each time they return. Some rooms have an alcove parlor or a bathroom accessed through a wardrobe, while others feature a bay window or a soaking tub in the bedroom itself. The outfitting is serene and cozy, but sleek and functional; every detail is considered. Each chamber is outfitted with Bellino bedding, a minibar full of New Orleans beer, skincare products from NOLA-based Oxalis Apothecary, and featherlight robes from Trish Bhansali of Lekha. In addition, a turntable and a collection of records from Peaches, a Magazine Street stalwart, adds unexpected delight while getting ready for co*cktail hour or enjoying room service in bed. Each record is by a New Orleans artist or an artist inspired by New Orleans—Solange, Louis Armstrong, Lil Wayne, Outkast, and more. Staying at or wandering through The Chloe can feel like paging through a classic novel—well worn, but always surprisingly fresh.
Food and drink: A big part of the draw at The Chloe and what sets it apart is its restaurant and bar, which isn’t surprising considering LeBlanc + Smith’s roots in food and drink. Chef Todd Pulsinell’s all-day menu is equal parts new-school New Orleans (crab baked Gulf oysters and brown butter drum) and comfort (double cheeseburger and bavette steak with fries). Dining is spread out over the front yard, dining room and parlors, and backyard, the latter of which has a separate co*cktail menu that includes frozen margaritas (the same recipe as Barrel Proof’s classic) and a shot and beer menu that pairs pineapple rum with PBR and tequila with local cucumber gose.
The neighborhood: Uptown New Orleans is a whole different vibe than downtown. It’s leafy and quiet and very residential. That’s not to say it’s boring, because there’s nothing boring about one inch of this city, but it is a world away from the 24/7 energy of the Quarter and Marigny. St. Charles Avenue is a grand thoroughfare lined with centuries-old live oaks, ornate mansions of all eras, and the St. Charles streetcar, of course.
The service: It’s pretty rare to have bad service in New Orleans—it’s a hospitality town. Even if it’s not always the most refined, it’s always given with affection. The Chloe is no exception. From the front desk staff to bartenders and hosts, service is low-key, but still stylish. Servers know the wine list and the hotel staff can rattle off their favorite neighborhood bars and restaurants because they go to them, too.
For families: It’s not uncommon to see the owner with his family in-house. Though the hotel does lean toward lively nightlife on the weekends, it’s an all-ages affair.
Accessibility: There are two ADA rooms: One is an Uptown King, the other is a Double Queen Junior Suite.
Anything left to mention? Bring an eye mask. Some bathrooms have a transom above the doors, which lets in that pretty morning New Orleans light—perhaps a touch too early for those who have reveled the night before. The breakfast sandwich in bed with a record or two is an excellent way to spend the morning. Bring a swimsuit for lounging by the pool and a good book for the rocking chairs out front.
