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.
After the hotel officially closed in 2017, the historic property remained dormant until it was purchased in 2024 by owners Jessica Geller and Mark Wiechnik. The hotel reopened in January 2025, once again welcoming overnight guests and serving as a venue for special events. The introduction of the restaurant marks the final phase of that reopening.
“When we purchased the hotel in 2024, we knew that a major component of the renovation and reopening had to be the restaurant,” the owners said. Reflecting on its history, they added, “In the 80s and 90s, the restaurant took center stage over the guest rooms and hotel. It was THE place to be on St. Thomas for nearly 30 years.”
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.
The culinary direction draws directly from those French roots. “Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alphonso Betty (Chef Al), the kitchen is using classical French techniques and has created traditional French dishes, using local ingredients. The results are simply amazing.”
Signature dishes include Caribbean lobster thermidor, poisson meunière featuring a local ole wife and oxtail bourguignonne, reflecting both European technique and local flavor.
Lavalette’s currently serves dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., with Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Looking ahead, the owners said, “Over the next few months we plan to expand the breakfast service to 7 days a week and open the upper kitchen for lunch and special events.” They added, “We would even like to open a full bakery on site in our cafe space if we find the right partnership.”
Local sourcing remains a priority despite logistical challenges. “Even though it is more difficult, we make every effort to source our ingredients locally,” the owners said. That includes growing herbs, fruits and vegetables on site, working with local fishermen for fish and lobster, and sourcing duck and duck eggs from a St. Thomas farmer. “We want to showcase the local flavors in both our food and cocktail menus and would love to help the agricultural community of the Virgin Islands flourish by sourcing as much as we can locally,” they said.
Reservations may be made by texting 833-843-1829 or through the Resy app. Guests with special requests or event inquiries may contact Food and Beverage Director Heather McLeod at hmlavalettes@
Looking ahead, the owners see the restaurant as an extension of the role Hotel 1829 has long played within the community. “We want Hotel 1829 to once again be the place you go on a special occasion,” they said. “But more than that, we want it to be a community gathering place.” They added that they hope guests feel they are “experiencing authentic St. Thomas” and can “actually feel the history when dining or staying at the hotel.”
With the introduction of Lavalette’s, a dining tradition long associated with Hotel 1829 begins its next chapter, continuing a story more than a century in the making.
