Following an US$18M renovation to historic hotel property

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and the owner of Hyatt French Quarter, a joint venture between Carey-Watermark Investors and HRI Properties is proud to announce the opening of Hyatt French Quarter in New Orleans on the 15th of May, 2012. This marks the third Hyatt hotel to enter the New Orleans market within the last year. Hyatt French Quarter connects the downtown Central Business District with the French Quarter, providing both business and leisure travellers with a luxurious and convenient location in The Big Easy.

Hyatt French Quarter will remain a cornerstone property in the city’s most popular neighbourhood, capturing the old world charm of New Orleans in a modern setting. The hotel is the newest addition to a collection of 28 Hyatt brand properties worldwide, offering guests restful and contemporary rooms. “The location is outstanding being only steps away from world-renowned restaurants and most of the city’s main attractions,” stated Larry Daniels, general manager, Hyatt French Quarter, “We expect to see a variety of guests from the business traveller to families to the young professional visiting New Orleans and look forward to them staying with us.”

The US$18 million renovation included upgrades to the hotel’s 254 guest rooms, as well as the hotel exterior, lobby, landscaping and pool and deck area décor. Newly designed food and beverage outlets will include a bodega-inspired market called Powdered Sugar and Batch, an upscale lounge that will feature high-quality bourbons, fresh accompaniments, and flask service.

The popular and award-winning Red Fish Grill, owned and operated by Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, is also part of the Hyatt French Quarter amenities. Known for its BBQ Oysters, Alligator Sausage, Seafood Gumbo and Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, Red Fish Grill is a local’s favourite that guests at Hyatt French Quarter will undoubtedly enjoy. In addition, it was recently announced that The Hard Rock Café will be leasing over 900 square metres of space residing within Hyatt French Quarter. The restaurant plans on opening in early 2013.

Hyatt French Quarter offers a wide range of Hyatt amenities, including:
• Spacious guestrooms with the Hyatt Grand Bed™
• High Speed Internet and Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel
• Hyatt Stereo iPod docking station and Hyatt Plug Panel media centre
• Connected, Interactive Entertainment and Concierge Service on the television system
• HDTV stations
• Stylish bathrooms with marble countertops and Portico® amenities
• Respire Rooms: Hypo-Allergenic Rooms are designed to provide a comfortable sleeping environment especially for allergy sufferers
• Compact in-room refrigerators
• Complimentary in-room safes

“We are very excited and proud to welcome Hyatt into the French Quarter,” said Gary Gutierrez, President of HRI Lodging, Inc. “The brand is admired internationally for its customer service, valuable amenities and for creating unique guest experiences. As part of the HRI Lodging management team, we look forward to working with Hyatt in this new venture.”

New Orleans, also known as the Crescent City, is one of the nation’s most historical and culturally rich destinations. Main attractions include the world-renowned cuisine, Cajun country, the architecture, and of course Bourbon Street. New Orleans attracts visitors ranging from families, the business traveller, sports enthusiasts and pleasure seekers, alike. Many people choose to spend a few nights in the city before setting sail aboard a cruise liner departing from the Port of New Orleans. Hyatt’s support of the city shines as Hyatt French Quarter joins its New Orleans family of hotels in the downtown area.