Waterford adds 5 more from J Collection

WATERFORD, Connecticut – Waterford Hotel Group has assumed management of five additional hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana, from The J Collection of Hotels. Waterford took management of five J Collection hotels previously run by Aimbridge Hospitality on July 1, 2025, and one other on October 1.

The five hotels joining the Waterford portfolio are Hotel Le Marais, Hotel Mazarin, The Jung Hotel & Residences, The Rubenstein Hotel, and the French Quarter Courtyard Hotel. With these five hotels, Waterford now oversees 11 of the collection’s properties across the New Orleans market.

The J Collection of Hotels in New Orleans was the portfolio of the late developer Joe Jaeger, who grouped his properties under this brand before his passing in 2024. Jaeger’s real estate development company, MCC Real Estate Group, was behind these holdings. The properties now sit in a Jaeger trust.

The news comes a week after Waterford announced a strategic partnership with Chicago-based Maverick Hotels & Restaurants that creates a 57-hotel portfolio and represents a cultural fit between two like-minded businesses.

“We are pleased to expand our work with The J Collection and continue our growth within the New Orleans market,” said Michael Heaton, president of Waterford Hotel Group. “These additional hotels each play an important role in welcoming visitors to the city, and as New Orleans prepares for a busy season with Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and much more, we look forward to supporting their operations and enhancing the guest experience.”

“Welcoming these properties to our portfolio is a meaningful milestone in what has been an unprecedented year of growth for Waterford Hotel Group,” said Duane Schroder, Chief Growth Officer of Waterford Hotel Group. “Our team has worked tirelessly to position the company for continued success, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we head into the new year.”