The Drifter, New Orleans

The Drifter, New Orleans



Made
for “confident outsiders”, The Drifter is a hotel where
anyone is welcome, as long as they’re prepared to get stuck in.
Housed inside a revamped roadside motel from the 1950s, this

New Orleans
hotspot opened in 2017 – and caused quite a splash.
The whole shebang centres around an outdoor pool (you can’t miss it
for the disco ball and “toptional” sunbathers) which hosts raucous
day parties that draw an eclectic mix of visitors and locals (many
of whom are members). A roster of events – from yoga to burlesque
shows to live jazz – keeps the vibes going year-round.

A member of Design Hotel’s portfolio, The Drifter’s style is
arguably more LA than NOLA; more hipster
country club than Deep South hotel. There’s lots of polished
concrete and a pastel-coloured palm tree mural in the lobby, which
is adorned with mid-century furniture, local art and achingly cool
staff. There are just 20 rooms here, though if you’re doing it
right you won’t be spending much time inside anyway.

It makes sense that The Drifter’s name was inspired by the Beat
Generation, a group of artists who floated from place to place and
created a free-spirited vibe wherever they went. Staying here feels
like both a nostalgic blast from the past as well as an eye-opening
snapshot of the now. It might not be the most convenient spot in
town, but The Drifter is more of a mindset than a location, and
here you’ll find much of the magic of NOLA comes to you.

Rooms

With polished concrete walls, Oaxacan tiles on the floor and
vintage radios playing jazz, each of The Drifter’s rooms exudes a
surprising sense of calm (even if they do wrap around the pool).
Bathrooms comes stashed with Aesop products and pastel-pink fridges
with boxed water (rather than plastic). We love.

What’s for breakfast?

There’s a coffee stand which serves cups of joe from La Colombe
as well as a selection of baked goods. Most people aren’t up in
time for breakfast.

How about lunch and dinner?

The Drifter seems to advocate a liquid lunch over anything else
– guests and visitors start cracking into the rose pre-noon. That
being said, chips and ramen bowls can be ordered at the bar and at
the weekends there’s usually a string of food trucks serving
Caribbean roti, Colombian food, and Japanese izakaya.

Is there a bar?

Yes and it’s the centre of the action. There’s an impressive
selection of craft beers, local wines, fruit-forward cocktails,
frozen drinks and sake. Oh, and they’re all reasonably priced
too.

Amenities?

The swimming pool is the showpiece here. Beyond that there’s a
bar and free wifi.

Things you should know

Have we mentioned this is a party hotel? Not one for those
seeking peace and quiet.

The Drifter is situated a little out of the city centre, so
expect to take a few ubers (around $9) to the French Quarter while
you’re here.

Within a short walk you can find…

Parkway Tavern, home to the very best po’boys in town.