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NATCHEZ — Developers of The Bridges, a boutique hotel that occupies the former Super 8 Motel facing the Mississippi River bridges, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday. They also shared exciting news for their next development — the Hotel Vue next door.

Iridescent Hotels co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Raj Chauhan said the Vue would soon be sporting a new glass-front rooftop bar partially enclosed with a bistro-style kitchen, 28 rooms with a full hospitality suite, and a small amphitheater on the riverside for outdoor concerts and events. The developers will also be bringing back the Pilot House restaurant with a “5-star” dining experience, Chauhan said.

The Vue will soon be equipped with a similar, modern interior design as seen in The Bridges, which is now open for guests.

The Bridges has a privatized pool area and a newly added patio deck, taking advantage of a spectacular view of the Mississippi River, Chauhan said. As for the inside, he said they “took everything back to the studs,” so that everything would be as new with new furniture, new floors and modern sound systems.

“We wanted to make sure that you guys have a luxurious product. And this is just a start,” Chauhan said at Thursday’s ribbon cutting.

The renovation of The Bridges started back in 2021, he said.

“We came in the night, started to renovate, take over these properties as they were sitting. We saw the vision, spoke with the bank and said, I think here’s what we can do. We want to give back something to the community and make something that’s going to be luxurious and bring back what used to be here. Of course, Curtis (Moroney) did a great job, showing me pictures, and walking me through the history. He painted the whole picture.”

Throughout The Bridges, guests will find portraits of Natchez, including views of the Mississippi River bridges at sunset and hot air balloons flying over the city during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

In the past, Iridescent Hotels managed the acclaimed International House Hotel in New Orleans, a historic property that was first a bank.

Iridescent Hotels, based in Keller, Texas, has had many hotel projects across the country, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said.

“I will never forget, it’s been several years ago when I first walked in the door here of the Super 8 to meet someone one morning and I thought, ‘My gosh, one of the best views of the entire river.’ I mean, you could go all the way from New Orleans to Minnesota and not get a view like we have right here in Natchez — but it was a Super 8. This has to be the best-placed Super 8 in the country, and I knew then it needs to be a boutique hotel,” Gibson said. “Little did I know then that (Chauhan) would come around and make that happen.”