The property is the first Holiday Inn in the New Orleans market to showcase the brand�s new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion brand relaunch program.  First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency.  The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.

�We invested $13 million to convert this property in line with the Holiday Inn brand relaunch standards, and we�re pleased to be the first Holiday Inn in the New Orleans area to display the new sign,� said Lee Cuicchi, general manager. �We�re looking forward to providing what matters most to our guests whether they�re traveling to New Orleans for business or leisure, and we�re proud to be a part of the evolution of the Holiday Inn brand.�

The Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower is owned by Hotel 360, LLC, an affiliate of KFK Hospitality and the KFK Group, and is managed by Integral Hospitality Solutions, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.  The hotel is located at 275 Whitney Ave., Gretna, La., 70053.  Telephone: 504-366-8535; Facsimile: 504-367-9070. 

Situated in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna, the hotel underwent a complete renovation before converting to a Holiday Inn.  The renovations included an overhaul of the building�s exterior, including the replacement of all windows and a new roof, while still maintaining the unique round shape of the existing structure.  The hotel�s interior includes all-new furniture, carpet, bedding, tile, artwork and lighting.

Elements of the Holiday Inn brand relaunch include: 

Redesigned Brand Signage
An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look. 

Refreshed Guest Room
New bedding that redefines the look and feel of each guest room with fresh, white triple-   sheeting and pillows that come in two comfort levels: �soft� and �firm.� An enhanced bathroom that features an improved showerhead offering superior pressure, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities to deliver a consistent bath experience that feels fresh and contemporary.

Warm Welcome
A new signature arrival � including new lighting, landscaping and design features � that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable.  Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process. 

New Service Promise
A best-in-class service culture � �Stay Real� � to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge, will be a newly created position at each hotel � the Guest Experience Champion.

The property is just two miles from the historic French Quarter, the Louisiana Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  The Jefferson Parish Government Complex, the Mississippi River and the Harvey Canal are also a short drive from the hotel. The Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower offers a variety of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and on-site 24-hour guest laundry facilities.

The hotel�s dining facility the Round House Bar & Grill features the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfast menu, featuring signature items such as Cinnamon Supreme French Toast� and Skillet Inspirations�, along with traditional New Orleans favorites like shrimp po�boys and crabmeat au gratin.  Kids 12 and younger eat free at Holiday Inn when ordering from the kids� menu in the hotel restaurant and accompanied by a dining adult.  Room Service Right�On Time�, also a standard at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests� room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time.  With more than 2.000-sq. ft. of function space, the hotel will also be available for business meetings and banquets.  The Crescent Room, located on the top floor, looks out over the Mississippi River and Crescent City skyline.

Standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations feature comfortable double queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, cable television, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.  Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: �soft� and �firm.�  Bathrooms include a specially designed showerhead that offers superior pressure, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities.  Guestrooms provide a work desk and ergonomic chair, data ports and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.  Complimentary high speed Internet access is also available.

About Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world.  In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges.  The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms, and Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as �America�s Favorite Hotel.�  For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit www.holidayinn.com.

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
www.holidayinn.com