Phase II calls for the conversion of the rooftop "Horizons" room into a new 2450 sq. ft. Executive Level Lounge, along with seven executive guestrooms and two 2000 sq. ft. Suite Parlors.  The roof top lounge will not only have a beautiful expanded view of the city but also the capacity will increase from 46 people to 76 people.  The current 26th floor executive lounge will also be converted to create seven additional executive guestrooms. 

The project will also include the reconfiguration of Kabby's Restaurant into two 1100 sq. ft. meeting rooms, a 480 sq. ft. board room and a more exclusive Kabby's dining room.   The entire project will begin in May and have a completion in line with Phase I.

"The renovation and continued capital improvements are part of a re-positioning of the hotel and speaks volumes to our confidence in the economic turnaround of our City," said Paul D. Buckley, Vice President and General Manager.

"We are confident the re-positioning will secure our leadership position within the local hotel industry, as well as provide our guests expanded value to their overall experience in New Orleans."

The renovation is an outward reflection of the property's continued efforts to improve the quality of its guest experience. In 2001, guest room renovations coincided with improvements in employee morale, customer loyalty and gains in market share. Figures from human resources show that the Riverside's annual employee turnover rate decreased by 6% in 2001. Guest comment card loyalty index moved 9.7% from 77.8% in December 2000 to 87.5% in December 2001. The property also saw its competitive hotels RevPar index share increase 5.1% in 2001 over 2000, according to Smith Travel Research¹s Star Report.

"Our strides in customer service and physical enhancement are allowing us to meet the increasing demands of our business travelers and corporate meetings. Not only do we provide excellent meeting services and facilities within the confines of the hotel, our close proximity to area attractions offers opportunities to experience New Orleans by simply walking outside," Buckley said.

Located on the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, the 1,600-room Hilton New Orleans Riverside offers every convenience to business and vacation travelers. It is adjacent to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and within walking distance of the Central Business District. The historic French Quarter and Garden District are just minutes away. The hotel boasts 38 meeting rooms, a palatial Grand Ballroom, a Business Center, and an Exhibition Center. Other amenities include the Rivercenter Racquet and Health Club, two heated swimming pools, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company.  The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 2,000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties.