Travel Louisiana My Favorite Souvenir from New Orleans Is a Smell If you can’t move into a hotel, you can at least smell like one. By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Cedric Angeles Walking into Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans’ Marigny neighborhood, it’s hard to not be overtaken by the beauty and grandness of the place, which is a beautifully restored 19th-century Catholic church, schoolhouse, convent, and rectory. There’s a stunning pair of wood staircases, a parlor swathed in yards of gingham fabric, a tiny jewel box of a bar that feels like discovering a wonderful surprise. But the main thought that went through my mind was: “This place smells GOOD.” For the entire weekend I stayed there, I inhaled deeply and often—in the lobby, my room, the café, the bathroom. I probably looked like I was hyperventilating, but I couldn’t get enough of that incredible aroma. It was peppery and warm, but with deep wood and clean floral notes—a complex scent that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. Maybe it had something to do with the age of the building? Layers of incense in the walls from decades of Catholic mass? I had to find out, so I headed to the little boutique just outside the hotel. Owned by artist and New Orleans native Candais Smith, Iris 1956 is mostly a showcase for her exquisite hand-crafted necklaces, rings, earrings, and other types of jewelry. There’s also a small rack of clothing and a few thoughtfully chosen items for sale, like face oils and books. The store, which Candais named after her mother, has a welcoming, personal feel, even to an out-of-towner like me. I spied two glass bottles of perfume on the counter. “Excuse me? Do either of these smell like the hotel?” I asked, hoping she couldn’t see the desperation in my eyes. To my delight, one of them was a very close match: Cactus Flower, by Philadelphia-based company Dilo. The elements of the fragrance were listed on the packaging: Agave, Black Pepper, Yuzu, Cactus Flower, Jade, Moringa, Patchouli and Redwood. Heavenly. One spritz, and I handed over my credit card. My entire stay at Hotel Peter and Paul felt dreamy. And now I can easily transport to New Orleans and that vacation state of mind. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit