Baton Rouge, Louisiana – 21 October 2016
The Watermark Hotel, formerly the Louisiana National Bank, opened now its doors. Previously the financial and governmental hub of downtown Baton Rouge, The Watermark Hotel is poised to lead the city’s social, arts and culinary scenes – offering specially curated experiences found nowhere else in the capital city.
A concept of local real estate developer, Mike Wampold, and a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels, The Watermark Hotel possesses bold originality, rich character and uncommon details.
Each distinctive detail of the hotel’s design highlights its unique character and brings out the lush chronicles of the building’s history and inhabitants. Rare artwork by famed New Orleans sculptor, Angela Gregory, has been skillfully restored in the main spaces by Elise Grenier of Grenier Art Restoration in order to preserve the historical integrity of the 1920s building.
Stepping from the main floor down the meticulously reconditioned marble staircase, guests will find intimate and luxurious meeting spaces that were once large bank vaults. In addition to these unique spaces, The Watermark Hotel also features a luscious private dining space, suitably named “The Louisiana Purchase.”
The hotel boasts 144 guest rooms offering modern amenities, sleek industrial features, and classic details, enhancing the luxury of the space. From doors designed as vaults as a nod to the bank’s storied history, to the exposed walls highlighting the timeless structure of the building, rooms will leave guests feeling refreshed and inspired.
Should guests want to share their experiences with family and friends, brass mail chutes can be found on each of the twelve floors of the hotel. Each guest room is stocked with postcards for guests to use.
Ann Connelly of Ann Connelly Fine Art acts as the hotel’s art consultant and is responsible for selecting each piece of art that will adorn the guest rooms and public spaces – including artwork on display in the hotel’s restaurants, The Gregory and Milford’s on Third.
Garnished with vintage bas-relief murals by famed New Orleans sculptor, Angela Gregory, guests will enjoy an eclectic culinary experience at the late artist’s namesake, The Gregory. Chefs Drue Vitter and Chad Galiano have designed menus that incorporate fresh, local produce and organic proteins – always keeping authentic “Southern Flavor” in mind. Surrounded by a full service bar, the open-concept kitchen area treats guests to unobstructed views of culinary artistry at work.
Named after Wampold’s late grandfather, Milford’s on Third pays homage to the quintessential New York-style deli, serving up classic sandwich favorites with modern twists. Inspiration for the menu came straight from his grandfather’s recipe box, including the family’s famed German potato salad and house-brined pickles.
At the corner of Convention and Third Street, stately meets hospitable at The Watermark Hotel. Offering distinctive experiences rooted in Louisiana culture – from iconic art to rich cuisine to Southern hospitality – The Watermark Hotel is sure to leave its mark on Baton Rouge.