Innovation & Renovation at Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

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. March 04, 2011

March 3, 2011 - New Orleans is consistently recognized as one of the top destinations in the world for travelers to relax, unwind and “laissez les bon temps rouler” (Cajun French for “let the good times roll”). In the last few years, the city has been acknowledged for its innovative entrepreneurial spirit, thriving television and film business (“Hollywood South”), burgeoning biotech corridor, arts district, riverfront expansion, downtown developments and world championship football team. In keeping with this innovative spirit, “Canal's Crown Jewel” (Times-Picayune, October 6, 2000) will undergo its first guest room renovation since opening in 2000.

Prior to opening its doors as a Ritz-Carlton, the hotel was a former shopping emporium and office building, dating back to 1909. On October 6, 2000, it became the City's first luxury hotel to open on Canal Street. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans houses 527 guest rooms, 35,000 square feet of meeting space, a 25,000 square foot day spa and fitness center, one restaurant and one lounge. After closing for fifteen months as a result of the effects of the hurricane, the hotel reopened on December 4, 2006 after undergoing a historic renovation and restoration to the façade, basement, first floor, public space, meeting space and outlets. This upcoming guest room renovation is the first of its kind since the hotel opened.

Timeline :

October 6, 2000 Grand Opening($250M):
Architects: Robert M. Coleman & Partners and Williams & Associates
Interior Designer: Hirsh, Bender & Associates

December 4, 2006 Reopening($150M):
Architect: Pascal Architects
Interior Designer: Lisambiance Design LLC

Q2 - Q4 2011 Room Renovation ($9M:)
Architect: Pascal Architects
Interior Designer: Design Continuum, Inc.

Renovation By Room Type:

• Deluxe: (404 rooms) Deluxe guest rooms set the stage for a luxurious New Orleans experience since they make up the majority of the hotel's inventory. Neoclassical furnishings are accented by hues of plum, gold and sapphire to capture the rich and vibrant character of this historic city. Upholstered wall panels in a rich gold and cream tapestry add a comfortable sophistication and warmth while commissioned artwork highlights the city's diverse musical and artistic heritage. The only alteration to the standard Ritz-Carlton white marble bathroom is the lighting fixtures.
• Executive and Junior Suites: (36 rooms) Suites are considered premium rooms because they feature a foyer, half bathroom, sitting room, bedroom and master bathroom. Depending upon the location, they offer exceptional views. The primary colors used throughout the suite are teal, gold and taupe with ruby as the accent color. The foyer will offer a sense of arrival with new finishes and a marble-patterned floor. The sitting room area experience will be enhanced with a fifty inch television and an ergonomic desk chair. The focal point of the bedroom is the sumptuous king-size iron poster bed; an updated version of antique beds found in historic New Orleans homes. The head of the bed will feature luxurious, draped fabric from the iron posts and a matching luxe upholstered wall panel with velvet accents. Two pin lights will be recessed in the ceiling, providing the perfect lighting for guests choosing to read in bed. A ruby red crocodile embossed bench rests at the base of the bed. Curtain and valences utilize the same teal, gold and taupe color scheme, blending with the painted walls that have been stripped of patterned wallpaper. These showcase commissioned artwork throughout and the only alteration to the standard Ritz-Carlton white marble bathrooms are the lighting fixtures.
• Club Level Executive Suite: (1 room) The hotel's exclusive Club Level provides a hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Housed within the main hotel, this seventy-five room key access only property spans six floors and offers an intimate, residential ambience. The design and decor is that of an upscale bed and breakfast or perhaps a home along tree-lined St. Charles Avenue, but with the amenities and service that only a Ritz-Carlton can provide. This premium level features seventy-four classic rooms and one suite. In an effort to upgrade all premium room categories, the fabrics and furnishings of the Club Level Executive Suite will be updated. Just like the main hotel's Executive Suite, it features a foyer, half bathroom, sitting room, bedroom and master bathroom. The suite's color scheme is an opulent blend of mint, apricot and gold. Additional design elements include a faux fireplace, hardwood floor, tapestries, ceiling fans, a soaking tub and locally-purchased antiques.
• The Ritz-Carlton Suite (Penthouse): (1 room) This 2,800 square foot penthouse overlooking the French Quarter and Canal Street offers guests a home-away-from home and a place to entertain. This luxurious penthouse is situated on the top floor and features a foyer, half bathroom, dining room, butler's pantry, living room, bedroom, master bathroom and outdoor terrace. Design elements will enhance the suite's existing appeal as the most sought after penthouse in New Orleans. Fabric paneled walls and a fresh, updated color palette will marry classical elements with the contemporary. An entertainment center will be added to the living room area along with a full-size billiard table. French doors open onto the outdoor terrace where new seating will allow guests to relax and unwind atop the city's premier luxury hotel. From a full-size outdoor sofa to chaise lounges and cocktail rounds, the terrace will become a focal point for guests.

Additional Renovations:

• Elevator Landing Furnishings (Floors 4 - 15; main hotel)
• Corridor Carpet (Floors 3 - 15; main hotel)
• Lighting (Floors 3 - 15; main hotel)

We invite you to experience New Orleans and its premier luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, to see that innovation is alive and well. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 74 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-241-3333 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.