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News for the Hospitality Executive |
The Renovation Cost of the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans
Expected
to Exceed $135 million - One of the Largest Private Investments
in Downtown New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina
.
Originally Opened in 1893 as
the Grunewald, the Hotel Inspired Arthur Haley's 1965 Novel �Hotel"
.
 NEW
ORLEANS � Oct. 10, 2008 � The revered Roosevelt Hotel name � which for
nearly a half-century meant the finest luxury accommodations, entertainment
and dining, as well as world-famous beverages and celebrities � is returning
to New Orleans, reborn as a Waldorf=Astoria Collection® Hotel.
The historic downtown New Orleans property, shuttered since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, originally opened in 1893 as the Grunewald. In 1923, it was rebranded as The Roosevelt in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt and retained its distinctive moniker until the hotel changed hands in 1965 and was renamed The Fairmont. The grand hotel will reopen in late spring 2009 with 505 rooms, of which 125 will be luxury suites, some named for celebrities who once visited the hotel; signature fine-dining and cocktail venues; an entertainment space guaranteed to rival any other in the Gulf South; state-of-the-art meeting and convention rooms; and a 12,000-square-foot, world-class spa and fitness center. Other amenities designed to position The Roosevelt as a destination favored by travelers include a comprehensive business center, private dining and suite butler service, an outdoor pool and courtyard, and a specialty gift shop. The cost of the renovation, which includes every detail from restored chandeliers to first-class accommodations, is expected to exceed $135 million, making the project one of the largest private investments in downtown New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina and one of the most significant projects in years for the city�s hospitality industry. "For generations, New Orleanians and visitors from around the world called on The Roosevelt because of its reputation for glamour, excitement and comfort,� said Sam Friedman, a member of ownership group First Class Hotels LLC. �Our goal is to return The Roosevelt to its original luster and bring back its fabled splendor. As a Waldorf=Astoria Collection Hotel and with the experienced management team being assembled, we know that both the community and our guests will be pleased.� Tod Chambers, recently named general manager of The Roosevelt, pointed out that the renovation, already well under way, consists of a �meticulous makeover that will allow the legendary architectural and decorative details of the 115-year-old landmark to sparkle once again while incorporating technology and amenities that today�s visitors and meeting planners expect and need." In more than a century of operation, The Roosevelt served as the backdrop for many historic events and often made history in its own right. One of the hotel's devotees was famed Louisiana Gov. Huey P. Long, who spent so much time at The Roosevelt that Louisiana legend records that he even built a 90-mile highway directly from the state capitol in Baton Rouge to the hotel. The Roosevelt also is known to hotel aficionados the world over as having inspired Arthur Haley's best-selling 1965 novel �Hotel.� Key among plans to restore the property to its previous grandeur and appeal will be the reopening of the hotel's famed Blue Room and legendary Sazerac Bar. In the golden era of supper clubs from the 1930s to the 1960s, the Blue Room played host to some of the best-known names in entertainment and big bands � including Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong and Sonny and Cher � as well as to elaborate floor shows. With gleaming chandeliers and polished architectural details, the reopened Blue Room once again will host live entertainment that appeals to all ages. The Sazerac Bar, a Roosevelt landmark for decades, again will serve its signature Sazerac cocktail and Ramos Gin Fizz � both invented in New Orleans and made popular worldwide by The Roosevelt � among other delights. In addition to beverages that stimulate the palate, patrons again will be able to enjoy the Art Deco-style murals and woodwork once held in awe by visitors. With more than a century of experience in hosting meetings and catered
events for U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state and global corporate
directors, the hotel will include 50,000 square feet of meeting and event
space, including the spacious 20,000-square-foot Roosevelt Ballroom and
the 7,000-square foot Waldorf=Astoria Ballroom, along with a total of 22
distinctive meeting and event rooms.
As an indication of the hotel�s beloved role in community life, The Roosevelt also will reprise the extravagant lobby holiday decorations and experiences that enchanted children and adults for decades and served as a destination for families. The architect for the renovation is Steven J. Finegan Architects of
New Orleans, and the construction manager is Brice Building Co. of Metairie.
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| Contact:
Jim Lestelle
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