Welcome to Voices, where we sit down with the world’s top hoteliers, explorers, and luxury lifestyle insiders to uncover what’s new, next, and noteworthy in travel. Last time we spoke with Carl Philippe Rousse, the Cruise Director of Dunia Baru—a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted phinisi yacht. 

This week, Managing Director of The Eliza Jane, Cole Parsons, gives us tips for planning a getaway to NOLA. In his current role Parsons oversees all day-to-day hotel operations, and the onsite restaurant, Couvant, and lobby bar, The Press Room.  Parsons has over 20 years of experience in hospitality. Prior to joining The Eliza Jane, he held leadership positions at various New Orleans hotels, including the NOPSI Hotel, Omni Royal Orleans Hotel and The Westin New Orleans. We we’re thrilled to get his insider insights into planning the ultimate trip to The Big Easy.

What do you love most about New Orleans?

I have lived in a number of cities and have visited many places across the country and world, and I can say without a doubt there is truly nowhere like New Orleans. The city is like a big pot of gumbo! There’s so much diversity that is thrown into one big pot to make something very special, and I simply can’t get enough of it.

If someone only had 1 day in New Orleans, what are 2 things they must do?

Take a walk down Royal Street in the French Quarter and start your day by having beignets and coffee at Café Beignet. Take in the sights, sounds and do some people watching. Then hop on the Canal Street streetcar to visit the cemeteries, coordinate a cemetery walking tour. In New Orleans, everything is built above ground and in some cases are over hundreds of years old, truly remarkable.

Afterwards, jump back on the streetcar and visit City Park of New Orleans, the largest municipal park in the United States (bigger than New York’s Central Park) and see the majestic oak trees and museums. Have a po-boy sandwich and Zapp’s chips with a makeshift picnic in the park. 

What sets The Eliza Jane apart? How does The Eliza Jane reflect the character of the city?

The Eliza Jane is a destination within itself. It’s made up of several historic warehouses as it used to be home to the Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory, Peters Cartridge shop and The Daily Picayune.

The hotel is actually named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, The Daily Picayune’s first female publisher, and we take great pride in our ties to New Orleans’ historic roots. Peychaud’s bitters are even a key ingredient in the sazerac, which is known as the official cocktail of New Orleans. 

What dining options are at The Eliza Jane and what are your favorite drinks and dishes to order?

We have two incredible options – our French-Southern restaurant Couvant and the lobby bar and lounge, The Press Room. Couvant’s menu is updated seasonally, but a few of my favorite dishes are the gougères, boeuf bourguignon and the fried chicken sandwich. And there’s no better way to finish off a meal than with one of our specialty cocktails at The Press Room.  

What are some hidden gems in New Orleans that even frequent visitors might not know about?

Vue Orleans is a unique observation deck with beautiful views of the city, and The National WWII museum is the 3rd most visited museum in the U.S. It is truly inspiring and is so large it encompasses a number of city blocks!

What is your favorite time of year in New Orleans, and why?

My favorite time of the year is gumbo season and the fall. Between the Saints playing in the newly renovated Superdome or Tulane/LSU college football games, there is an electric feel to the city with all the visitors in town either rooting for their teams or the Who-Dat Nation swarming into the city. After a long hot and humid summer, the weather becomes a little a cooler and the smell of gumbo is in the air! There’s also something magical about Halloween, the fall, history, and the mysterious ways the city captivates a person during this season.

What’s the best way to explore the city?

The best way to explore the city is on foot. New Orleans is an easily walkable city.

Anything new or exciting happening at The Eliza Jane the rest of the year?

We have live music in The Press Room on Fridays and Saturdays, which is always a blast. With football season starting soon, we’ll be hosting watch parties and will be offering an exciting booking package for those visiting for games. We’re also currently in the midst of planning for the holidays; we have a very fun pop-up bar in the works, and it’s going to be a great time.