Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/52019
HOTEL HAPPENINGS HYATT REGENCY NEW ORLEANS RE-OPENS ITS DOORS FOLLOWINGA $275 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT Iconic Hotel Celebrates its Grand Re-Opening with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu On October 19, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, one of the city's most recognized hotels, proudly re-opened its doors for business. Following a $275 million redesign and revitalization, the hotel now boasts 1,193 all-new, strikingly sophisticated guest rooms, 200,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art, flexible event space, expansive food and beverage offerings, and unprece- dented service. The re-opening of this landmark hotel, centrally located downtown adjacent to the Mercedes- Benz Superdome, marks one of the most significant hospitality developments to open in New Orleans in over a decade. "The commitment of Hyatt Regency to rebuild a world-class luxury hotel reinforces the optimism we feel today as we continue to create a New Orleans we all deserve," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "This beautiful new property will not only provide an important anchor for this bustling sports and enter- tainment district, but the redevelopment will result in a tremendous impact on our local economy, on job opportunity, and on our core business of tourism." "As an integral part of New Orleans' downtown for more than 30 years, Hyatt Regency New Orleans was one of the most visual representations of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath," said Chuck Floyd, chief operating officer, North America, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "Today, we proudly re-open our doors with a superior product, the new star of Crescent City, exemplifying the Hyatt brand with outstanding accommodations, dining options and customer service." Eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, the newly restored Hyatt Regency New Orleans re-opened as the city's premier meeting and convention hotel. Having doubled its meeting and exhibition space, the 32-story hotel offers the most meeting space of any hotel in the city, as well as the unique ability to self-contain group events of all sizes. This includes two 25,000-sq. ft. ballrooms, 64 versatile meeting and banquet rooms, 19 executive level meeting rooms, seven permanent board- rooms, and more than 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, highlighted by a new 50,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall. Highlights of the hotel's expansive culinary offerings include 8 Block Kitchen & Bar, a 360-seat, full-service restaurant and bar; Vitascope Hall, a media/action bar outfitted with 25 flat-screen TVs; and Borgne, the latest restaurant by Chef John Besh (opening this winter). Additional culinary options include a 65-seat Starbucks; Lagniappe Exchange, a 24-hour fresh market and convenience store; Whole Hog Café, featuring award-winning barbecue; and Pizza Consegna, a pizza delivery- only program that will prepare and deliver savory, hand-tossed pizzas directly to hotel guests and nearby businesses. "The re-opening of Hyatt Regency New Orleans is symbolic as it represents the end of a journey and the beginning of a new chapter for Hyatt and the city of New Orleans," noted Michael Smith, general manager, Hyatt Regency New Orleans. "We spared no detail in positioning ourselves to be the quintessential hotel for conventions, leisure and business travelers alike. Hyatt Regency New Orleans anchors the vibrant Sports and Entertainment District in downtown New Orleans. The hotel is located adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans Arena and the new Medical District; and just blocks from the French Quarter, Morial Convention Center and Mississippi Riverfront. In 2012, the new Loyola Avenue Streetcar line will make the hotel even more connected to all the city has to offer. For more information or to make a reservations for your group, please call (888) 591-1234 or visit www.neworleans.hyatt.com. THE 1,354-ROOM WESTIN BONAVENTURE HOTEL AND SUITES UNVEILS A NEW LOOK AFTER COMPLETING SIGNIFICANT RENOVATIONS -- In October, the iconicWestin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles announced the completion of comprehensive 14 renovations and invited guests, clients and the community to celebrate its new look with amonth-long open house. Black Meetings & Tourism November/December 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com