Hotel 1829 Reopens Its Historic Dining Room With the Introduction of Lavalette’s

Built as a private residence by French merchant Alexander Lavalette and later transformed into a hotel and restaurant in 1906, Hotel 1829 has long held a central place in the social and cultural life of St. Thomas. After years of anticipation, the landmark property is now complete in its revival with the official opening of Lavalette’s, the newly named restaurant operating within Hotel 1829.

For generations, locals knew the property simply as Hotel 1829, a place that offered guest rooms, hosted special events and featured one of the island’s most memorable dining experiences. Originally a private home, the building opened to the public in 1906, establishing its role as both a hotel and restaurant. By the 1980s and 1990s, the restaurant at Hotel 1829 had become one of St. Thomas’ most celebrated dining destinations, welcoming celebrities, government officials and visiting dignitaries.

Given its legacy, the owners approached the restaurant’s return with care. “Because it was such a beloved place, we knew we had to do it right,” they said. “That is why we took our time reopening the restaurant, so we could find the right people that had a similar vision and could execute that vision perfectly. We have now assembled an amazing team that is ready to take the restaurant to places it has never gone before.”

While the restaurant is newly named, the intention behind it is rooted in history. The name Lavalette’s was chosen to honor Alexander Lavalette and the property’s French origins. “We wanted the menu to echo the past,” the owners said, noting that longtime favorites such as “the wilted spinach salad, the Baron’s cut prime rib, and ultimately the Grand Marnier souffle” have returned.