The jazz, Mardi Gras and year-round revelry in New Orleans makes the largest Louisiana metropolis a tough place to maintain a reliable training regime. But the city’s year-round warmth and ample riverside infrastructure is worth seeking out, sure footing for determined cyclists and runners visiting the Big Easy.

The opening of Ace Hotel in 2018 introduced a new offering to the New Orleans’ Warehouse District, emulating the heritage contributions made by the hotel group in Seattle and Portland. A 1928 building with dense, cool interiors was upgraded with the help of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple. The nine-storey building was originally designed by Weiss, Dreyfous and Seiferth, architects behind other state buildings in Louisiana.

The 21st century contribution included the addition of four storeys, creating space for 234 guest rooms as well as the vital amenities of hotel in NOLA – a bar, restaurant and rooftop pool. Bedroom types range from generous to spacious – Medium, Double, Large and Patio are matched with a variety of Suite versions. The smallest room type is 27m².

In-house dining falls across three venues – Josephine Estelle, Seaworthy and rooftop venue Alto.

Training Notes

From Ace, the first corridor for running is Woldenberg Park on the Mississippi Riverfront, connected via a street block with Crescent Park to the east. Looking inland from Ace, hook North onto Lafitte Greenway – a 2.6-mile thoroughfare. You can also connect LG with City Park once you reach its north end. (There is also outdoor gym at 2200 Lafitte Avenue and Galvez – see blue zone below.)

Audubon Park (Google Maps) is a gateway for cyclists who can point their handlebars upstream and use the Mississippi River Trail for 80km. Cyclists visiting New Orleans can get hold of carbon bike rentals via Cloud of Goods. Semi-Tough Cycle Club is a club to sync with – they publish public group rides on their Strava Club.

Swimmers staying at Ace New Orleans can walk to Dryades YMCA – it’s 1.3 miles to the south-west of the hotel.

For more information, visit acehotel.com