A new boutique hotel is taking shape along one of New Orleans’ most iconic streets. The Warbler Hotel, a 58-key property designed for 1923 St. Charles Avenue, is expected to open late in 2026. The project is a joint effort of local developers, renowned hospitality experts, and designers with deep ties to the city.
The Warbler Hotel Taking Shape on St. Charles Avenue
The Warbler Hotel will add a new boutique lodging option along St. Charles Avenue. The hotel features a martini bar and restaurant known as Mildred’s. There is a rooftop poolside lounge called Upstairs that will overlook the oak tree-lined section of St. Charles Avenue.
The Warbler will be a place for locals and visitors alike. According to the development team, the hotel is designed to reflect the character and charm of Old-World New Orleans. It will also serve as a destination for travelers from around the globe.
The food-and-beverage program is being developed in partnership with CureCo, the New Orleans hospitality group led by Neal Bodenheimer and Kirk Estopinal. The group is known for award-winning bar concepts that have earned national and international recognition.
Culinary operations will also involve Andrew Zimmerman. He is the chef-owner of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Sepia and a longtime collaborator of Estopinal.
The European influences inspire the hotel’s dining and beverage selections in New Orleans, said Bodenheimer. “You’ll see this shine throughout the entire property, from the refined offerings of the martini bar, Mildred’s, to the more breezy and relaxed nature of the menus at the rooftop venue, Upstairs,” Bodenheimer continues.
Design, Development, and the Team Behind the Warbler
The Warbler will be six stories tall at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and St. Andrew Street. The 42,000-square-foot project is being developed on the former site of Trolley Stop Cafe, which closed in 2021.
The hotel is being developed by Verdad Real Estate, led by Principal Joe Mann. The Warbler is the first hospitality project for the company and is part of its broader investment in the city.
The project is a modern design with touches of the Jazz Age. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Streamline Moderne movement. This style shapes both its structure and decor.
Stark geometric forms, clean lines, and design elements are inspired by the elegance of New Orleans’s famous social clubs. Guest rooms are designed to provide a comfortable retreat for visitors exploring the city.
Several companies are managing the project. The team includes architecture firm EskewDumezRipple and interior design firm Jamie Bush & Co. It also includes development company Sweet Olive and hotel operator Lark Hospitality.
The team felt the need to develop a project that would reflect the character and hospitality of New Orleans, Mann said. “We’ve assembled a deep bench of partners, each with a personal connection to the city, as well as a few family members, to bring The Warbler to life,” Mann continues.
