Walk into the lobby of The Southern Hotel in Covington Louisiana and you’ll notice the smell first. It isn't that sterile, industrial-strength lavender spray you find in big chain hotels. It’s something deeper—old wood, leather, and maybe a hint of the piney woods that define the Northshore.
It’s cozy.
Actually, it’s more than cozy. It’s a bit of a miracle that this place even exists in its current form. If you look at the history of Covington, this building was a shell for decades. It sat there on the corner of Boston and New Hampshire streets, basically a ghost of the 1907 original, serving as everything from a courthouse annex to a grocery store. Honestly, for a long time, it seemed like the building was just waiting for someone to give up on it.
Then came the renovation in 2014.
The Southern Hotel in Covington Louisiana: A Rebirth Story
The project wasn't just a "paint and carpet" job. It was an obsessive, multi-million dollar restoration led by local owners who clearly cared about the architectural integrity of the St. Tammany Parish landmark. They kept the bones. They kept the soul. They even brought back the murals that make the lobby feel like a fine art gallery rather than a check-in desk.
You’ve got to appreciate the murals. They were painted by G.P.A. Healy back in the day, or at least inspired by the era's grand style, and they depict the "Ozone Belt" history. Covington used to be a health resort destination. People from New Orleans would hop on a boat across Lake Pontchartrain because they thought the air up here—thick with the scent of longleaf pines—could cure tuberculosis or just general city-induced malaise.
Does it cure anything now? Maybe not medically. But sitting in the courtyard with a cocktail from the Cypress Bar definitely does something for your stress levels.
✨ Don't miss: The Nine Hotel Cleveland: Why This Rebrand is Actually a Big Deal for Downtown
What You’ll Actually Find Inside
The rooms aren't cookie-cutter. That’s the first thing you need to know. Because the building is historic, the layouts vary. Some have high ceilings that make the room feel like a cathedral; others are tucked into corners with windows that look out over the brick streets of downtown.
- The Garden Rooms: These look out over the interior courtyard. It’s quiet. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for these.
- The Terrace: There’s a pool now. It’s small, saltwater, and perfectly framed by the building’s U-shape.
- The Art: It is everywhere. Bill Hemmerling’s work is featured prominently, adding that funky, soulful Louisiana vibe that keeps the place from feeling too stuffy or "high-society."
The Cypress Bar is the heart of the operation. It’s dark. It’s moody. The bar top is made from—you guessed it—cypress. Local legend says that back in the early 20th century, the original bar was a hub for the city's power brokers. Today, it’s where you’ll find locals and tourists mixing over a Sazerac. It doesn't feel like a "hotel bar" where everyone is a stranger. It feels like Covington’s living room.
Why the Location Matters (Like, Really Matters)
Most people stay at The Southern Hotel in Covington Louisiana because they want to walk. That sounds simple, but in the South, "walkable" is a rare luxury.
You step out the front door and you’re in the middle of the St. John District. You have Lola, which is located in the old train depot right across the street. Their chicken salad is famous, but honestly, go for the seafood. Then there’s Del Porto, a James Beard-nominated Italian spot that’s just a block away. You don’t need a car. You don't need an Uber. You just need a pair of comfortable shoes and an appetite.
Covington is a grid. It’s easy to navigate. If you head a few blocks south, you hit the Bogue Falaya River. There’s a park there where the moss hangs so low it touches the water. It’s hauntingly beautiful in the early morning fog.
The Art Scene Connection
The hotel acts as an anchor for the local arts community. Covington isn’t just a bedroom community for New Orleans; it has its own pulse. Every year, events like the Three Rivers Art Festival bring thousands of people to these streets. During those weekends, The Southern Hotel is the undisputed center of the universe.
📖 Related: Secret of the Sands: What Everyone Gets Wrong About the Rub' al Khali
Even if you aren't here for a festival, the hotel’s own gallery space and the surrounding shops like Copper Rooster or H.J. Smith and Sons (a hardware store that’s been there since 1876) give you a sense of place you just can’t manufacture.
The Practical Reality of Staying Here
Let's talk logistics. Is it expensive? Compared to a motel on the highway, yes. Compared to a boutique hotel in the French Quarter, it’s a bargain.
Parking is usually manageable, though the hotel has its own dedicated areas. The service is "Southern" in the best way. It’s not that fast-paced, clipped service you get in New York. People will talk to you. They will ask how your day was. They will genuinely want to know if you liked the boudin you had for lunch.
One thing people often miss is the "Garden House." It’s a separate structure across the street from the main building. It offers a bit more privacy and a slightly different aesthetic—more modern, but still tied to that classic Covington feel. If you’re traveling with a group or just want to feel less like you’re in a hotel and more like you’re in a luxury apartment, that’s the move.
🔗 Read more: Finding Your Way: What Most People Get Wrong About a Map Midtown New York
Common Misconceptions
Some people think the Northshore is just a suburb. It’s not.
Others think The Southern Hotel is too fancy for kids or dogs. Wrong again. It’s actually quite family-friendly, and they have specific policies for pets because, let's face it, Covington is a very dog-friendly town. You’ll see people walking their labs and goldendoodles all over the downtown area.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, don't just wing it. Covington is a small town, and the best experiences require a tiny bit of local knowledge.
- Book the Cypress Bar for a Friday night. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the live music and the crowd create an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else on the Northshore.
- Walk the Tammany Trace. The trailhead is a short distance away. You can rent a bike and ride all the way to Abita Springs (stop at the Abita Mystery House) or Mandeville.
- Check the Farmer's Market schedule. The Covington Farmer’s Market is top-tier. It happens on Saturdays near the courthouse and Wednesdays at the trailhead.
- Request a room on the second floor. The hallways are stunning, and you get a better view of the internal courtyard's architecture.
The Southern Hotel in Covington Louisiana isn't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. It isn't trying to be a trendy minimalist pod hotel either. It’s trying to be a reflection of the town itself: historic, slightly eccentric, deeply comfortable, and unapologetically Louisianan.
When you leave, you’ll probably find yourself looking at real estate listings in the 70433 zip code. It happens to the best of us. The combination of the pine-scented air and that specific shade of "Southern Hotel Blue" has a way of sticking with you long after you’ve crossed the Causeway bridge back to reality.