Fodor's Expert Review NOPSI Hotel

After sitting in ruins for the past 30 years, the NOPSI (New Orleans Public Service Inc.) building, known to New Orleanians previously as the place to pay your utility bills, re-opened in 2017 as a luxury hotel. Salamander Hotels is responsible for the friendly, professional staff and how smoothly things run, but the hotel’s real beauty is in the old bones of that original building: high ceilings, loads of natural light, and seriously room digs, from comfortable guest rooms down to the wide lobby and gorgeous event space.

room

Standard rooms are generously sized, with small seating areas, flat-screen "smart" televisions, and large work desks. Most rooms utilize the building's original, wide windows, with light navy and gold decor throughout, over-sized mirrors, and commissioned local art on the walls.

Looking for something suite? 76 suites range from $50-150 more than a standard room, depending on season and type, and feature varied desirable extras like full living spaces, multiple flat-screen televisions, oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs, and private rooftop terraces.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

bathroom

Standard bathrooms, with large subway-tiled walk in showers and single or double vanities, are modern and spacious. "Spa" suites have porcelain stand-alone bathtubs in addition to walk-in showers.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

lobby

Among the comfortable seating areas, original terrazzo floors, and high white columns, you'll find small references to the building's history, like the recreated vintage bank table at the lobby's center, where you can view old NOPSI bills and brochures under the glass. Past the lobby's round bar, follow a wide hallway with original bank teller windows and vintage 1920s ads, into the Dryades Ballroom, an event space featuring exposed brick, an industrial ceiling, and dramatic arch windows. A small gift shop next to the check-in desk sells NOPSI-related merchandise and memorabilia.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

pool

The ninth floor rooftop bar and pool area strive for a party vibe, with a large covered bar, dance music blaring from the speakers, and ample lounge and seating areas. The small pool is for guests' use only.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The pool area has a slightly confusing dress code (no bathing suits without cover-ups, no cutoff shorts for women or tank tops for men). To avoid being turned away come swim time, clarify dress code specifics when checking in.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

gym

The fitness center has a few cardio machines, strength machines, and free weights, with a large mirrored wall and shared flat-screen television.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

dining

Public Service shares the lobby's understated elegance with high ceilings, an open kitchen, and a fairly small but well-designed dining room. Cuisine here is elevated but familiar, with delicious Southern snacks (hush puppies, skillet cornbread), fresh pasta, and hearty family-style meat and seafood options.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

Photo: NOPSI Hotel

drinking

The lobby bar, Undercurrent, segues into a large patio with tables and umbrellas. Its a gin-centric bar, with specialty cocktails, and local beers on tap, and often hosts tailgating or happy hour-type events. There’s a small jazz band in the lobby on weekend evenings. The bar at Public Service is whiskey-centric, and both bars are large and elegant, with plenty of drinking options. Above the Grid, the rooftop pool bar is a “party bar,” where you’re likely to enjoy a rum cocktail or local beer while sunning poolside.

Photo: NOPSI Hotel