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Project posted by Dwell
Editor’s Pick

The Drifter Hotel

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Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Year
1957
Structure
Hotel
Style
Midcentury

Rental for 2 Guests

$143 / night
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The Drifter is the first hotel by trio Jayson Seidman, Zach Kupperman, and Alex Ramirez, who are pushing the concept of a hotel brand that focuses on building dynamic, culturally-enhanced experiences for modern-day drifters. In addition to revamping the finishes and building a complete package of curated accessories, the redesign created spaces for cultural programming, such as art shows and live music. A tropical courtyard and pool, adorned with a cantilevered disco ball, provides a contemporary setting for such programs. A hotel bar, which is accessible from both the pool side courtyard and interior lobby bar, offers a diverse array of cocktails inspired by the eclectic decor.
The Drifter is the first hotel by trio Jayson Seidman, Zach Kupperman, and Alex Ramirez, who are pushing the concept of a hotel brand that focuses on building dynamic, culturally-enhanced experiences for modern-day drifters. In addition to revamping the finishes and building a complete package of curated accessories, the redesign created spaces for cultural programming, such as art shows and live music. A tropical courtyard and pool, adorned with a cantilevered disco ball, provides a contemporary setting for such programs. A hotel bar, which is accessible from both the pool side courtyard and interior lobby bar, offers a diverse array of cocktails inspired by the eclectic decor.
The architecture of the hotel is a reworked modernist building that maintains reference to the 1950s era.
The architecture of the hotel is a reworked modernist building that maintains reference to the 1950s era.
The Lobby Reception space is adorned with mid-century modern pendant lighting, tropical wall graphics, and color furnishings.
The Lobby Reception space is adorned with mid-century modern pendant lighting, tropical wall graphics, and color furnishings.
Tucked on an industrial stretch of New Orleans on Tulane Avenue is an old motel turned boutique stay. Built in 1957, the property remains unassuming from the street, but upon further inspection is a haven for modern design. Inside, interior designer Nicole Cota Studio has transformed the stay with a myriad of colorful tones and local artwork. The hotel's restaurant, The Drifter, is teeming with bold texture and patterns—from troweled concrete walls to Oaxacan tile. The dining area presents a chic, yet casual vibe with a built-in banquette in pale olive tweed and tropical folding chairs.
Tucked on an industrial stretch of New Orleans on Tulane Avenue is an old motel turned boutique stay. Built in 1957, the property remains unassuming from the street, but upon further inspection is a haven for modern design. Inside, interior designer Nicole Cota Studio has transformed the stay with a myriad of colorful tones and local artwork. The hotel's restaurant, The Drifter, is teeming with bold texture and patterns—from troweled concrete walls to Oaxacan tile. The dining area presents a chic, yet casual vibe with a built-in banquette in pale olive tweed and tropical folding chairs.
The Lobby Bar serves a mix up of frozen cocktails, Japanese beer and sake, and locally grown wine.
The Lobby Bar serves a mix up of frozen cocktails, Japanese beer and sake, and locally grown wine.
The Double Queen Guest Room's minimalist interiors include a custom, double platform bed, ceramic tile floors, and troweled concrete walls.
The Double Queen Guest Room's minimalist interiors include a custom, double platform bed, ceramic tile floors, and troweled concrete walls.
The Bunk Room, located on the first floor, has direct pool access. Custom built in bunk beds provide the perfect accommodations for a group of friends.
The Bunk Room, located on the first floor, has direct pool access. Custom built in bunk beds provide the perfect accommodations for a group of friends.
A cantilevered disco ball hangs over the courtyard pool, while guest room balconies overlook the shared communal space.
A cantilevered disco ball hangs over the courtyard pool, while guest room balconies overlook the shared communal space.
Vertical wood screens and white metal guards decorate the second floor balcony.
Vertical wood screens and white metal guards decorate the second floor balcony.

Credits

Posted by
Interior Design
Nicole Cota Studio
Photographer
Nicole Franzen for Design Hotels
Publications
Dwell

From Dwell

Built in 1957, an artful hideaway on an industrial stretch of Tulane Avenue in New Orleans has been remade into a modern-day retreat for the contemporary traveler.

What appears at first glance to be an unassuming, low-rise building is truly a visionary combination of modern and eclectic design. Adorned by a retro neon motel sign and an asymmetrical awning, the restored exterior of The Drifter presents classic midcentury motel architecture. Transformed with the help of interior designer Nicole Cota Studio, the interior spaces present a tropical display of bright colors and textures, accented with the artwork of local artisans. Custom-made furniture, troweled concrete walls, and Oaxaca tiles fill the 20 guest rooms and suites. Spaces respect the original era while injecting New Orleans flair and contemporary culture into the mix.