Old Walls, New Stories: The Revival of The Hotel Monroe
- Apryl Thomas
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Some hotels are new builds, but The Hotel Monroe is more of a comeback story — where two historic buildings, old souls with stories to tell, are reborn as Monroe, Louisiana’s newest boutique stay.
It all began a decade ago when Michael and Christie Echols purchased downtown Monroe’s Sugar Brothers Opera House, built in the late 1800s, and the Southern Hardware Store, dating to the early 1900s.
State Representative and co-owner Michael Echols said it took time to decide what to do with the buildings.
Then inspiration struck.
“North Louisiana needed a really cool, unique place to stay,” says Echols. “A place where you could come and eat and drink and have a good time.”
That vision evolved into The Hotel Monroe, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
After three years of construction, the 69-room property held its grand opening in the summer of 2025. Since then, Echols notes, business has “taken off like a storm.”
He points out that the region hadn’t had a full-service hotel in more than 20 years.
“We saw a need for people to come in, enjoy food and stays, and have more than just a place to sleep,” he says. “We wanted a place where guests could really enjoy our region.”
That regional influence can be seen throughout the property, from the gift shop to the rooftop bar and the 5,000-square-foot ballroom on the third floor.
The hotel occupies the former Southern Hardware Store building, which still showcases its original wooden beams and brickwork.
Local art adds character to the space, including an oil painting of a Louisiana cypress swamp by regional artist Jay Davis. The artwork was digitized and reproduced on the wall of each guest room.
“You have the historic fabric of a warehouse with the old brick and beams, then the elegance of a painted mural on every wall,” says Echols. “The finishes are bright, with rustic brass — a masculine but feminine touch — creating a comfortably elegant room with great linens, custom bedding and furnishings.”
The same philosophy extends beyond the guest rooms. The hotel’s on-site restaurant and rooftop bar both reflect the building’s and the region’s heritage, serving as gathering places where locals and out-of-towners can connect over good food, creative cocktails and shared stories.
The restaurant Heirloom may be an anomaly in the hospitality industry. The Hotel Monroe is the first full-service hotel in the country to be certified by the Gluten-Free Food Program, meaning every bite served on the property — yes, even at catered events — is prepared in a certified gluten-free environment that meets the program’s standards.
As for the menu, the dishes showcase Louisiana’s rich bounty — from corn and rice to wild game, Gulf fish and, of course, catfish, a state staple.
“The Catfish Atchafalaya is probably one of the more Southern dishes on our menu,” says Echols. “Of course, we have fried quail, and every once in a while, we’ll feature seared duck breast over gumbo. These are all Louisiana favorites we highlight often.”
The hotel’s cocktail program is equally creative. Guests can choose from 13 custom drinks, many inspired by local and regional landmarks and activities. Sip on a Delta Queen while enjoying panoramic views from the Star Bar — a nod to the building’s history as the Star Hotel in the 1920s.
Freshness is key: juices are freshly squeezed, and ingredients are muddled to order.
Both Heirloom and the Star Bar are open to the public, along with a downstairs bar that offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
And because no full-service hotel is complete without one, Sugar Brother Provisions serves as The Hotel Monroe’s sundries shop. Guests can pick up grab-and-go snacks, curated Louisiana-made gifts and other essentials.
Together, these offerings make The Hotel Monroe the complete package — a seamless blend of history, hospitality and local flavor that turns an overnight stay into a memorable experience.
“It’s almost like a time warp,” adds Echols. “When you’re here, you feel at peace. You can relax, enjoy your stay and have all your needs met with great food and drink. If you want to have fun, great. If you want to unwind and enjoy your quiet, cool room, you can do that, too.”