Visitors to Acadiana can now book stays at a new high-end guesthouse that comes with all of the bells and whistles to enjoy Lafayette's downtown cultural amenities.
In a neighborhood known for a lack of lodging options — downtown has only one boutique hotel, The Juliet, with 20 rooms — Chez la Fête is positioned to "provide some incremental wins for downtown," according to Gus Rezende, owner of the Social Entertainment hospitality group, which owns this property.
"As a downtown business owner and investor, we have learned from many different leaders about the lack of lodgings, hotels and residential living in the area," Rezende said. "The goal with this business is to create incremental growth as we all collectively wait as a community for large hotel to one day come downtown."
Social Entertainment operates a number of other short-term rentals and event amenity rentals (like a photo booth and mobile beer bus) across the region. The hospitality company also owns Central Pizza and Bar, and several Tropical Smoothie Café locations.
The Chez la Fête guesthouse, 811 Lafayette St., is centrally located for two of Lafayette's best-known events — Mardi Gras and Festival International. The home, lounge and outdoor party space is situated directly behind Parc Putnam, where a Festival International stage is erected annually to host musical acts from across the globe.
This section of downtown is also just blocks away from the shops and restaurants that line Jefferson Street, and it's a five-minute walk from the Acadiana Center for the Arts and what will be the Louisiana Music Museum and dance hall.
Chez la Fête, a new guesthouse and event rental space in downtown Lafayette, is located at 811 Lafayette Street. The property is owned and operated by Social Entertainment, a Lafayette-based hospitality group that operates other short term rental and event businesses across the region, and owns Central Pizza and Bar and Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Lafayette, La.
Rezende said the decision to add this property to the company's portfolio was influenced by years of community-building experiences with friends gathering in the area to celebrate Festival International.
"A group of very close friends and families created an event called Fest House 15 years ago," he said. "We would find properties available to rent downtown during Festival to have a place to relax and host kids and friends."
About seven years ago, Fest House started meeting at the empty lot behind the Victorian-style cottage at 811 Lafayette St.
"The party over the years became very special. We would host festival musicians and feed them, and have Festival board members and others come enjoy themselves," Rezende said.
Social Entertainment purchased the property last year and spent several months renovating the house and yard to make hosting events easy. The fully equipped home sleeps 10 people, and the outdoor space comes with amenities like a stage, a karaoke machine, televisions, refreshment and seating areas, and a number of games.
Urban planner Greg Walls and designer Stephen Verret were involved with the project. A notable addition to the interior was Bar Bijou, a cozy space that invites ease and conversation.
Chez la Fête, a new guesthouse and event rental space in downtown Lafayette, is located at 811 Lafayette Street. The property is owned and operated by Social Entertainment, a Lafayette-based hospitality group that operates other short term rental and event businesses across the region, and owns Central Pizza and Bar and Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Lafayette, La.
Chez la Fête also features a new space built in the backyard to pay homage to Fest House, the event that started it all. The Fest Lounge can be booked for daytime events and is decorated in tribute to Louisiana's festival culture.
Chez la Fête, a new guesthouse and event rental space in downtown Lafayette, is located at 811 Lafayette Street. The property is owned and operated by Social Entertainment, a Lafayette-based hospitality group that operates other short term rental and event businesses across the region, and owns Central Pizza and Bar and Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Lafayette, La.
"I was able to offer the opportunity to some of the founders of Fest House to become investors in this new business," Rezende said. "We dedicated the lounge to celebrate all Louisiana festivals — but the secret reason is that we're celebrating this party."
The property is open for booking starting and will offer variable rates for small- to mid-sized events and overnight stays.