THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS OFFERS A MARDI GRAS OASIS
Friday, February 5, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The site of revelry throughout the hotel’s 117-year history, The Roosevelt New Orleans this year will deliver a luxurious Mardi Gras oasis, along with experiences fit for kings and queens both real and imaginary, as the landmark property hosts locals and visitors for the first carnival following its $170-million historic restoration.
The Roosevelt, located just steps from the French Quarter, will deliver an off-Bourbon Street experience throughout the carnival season, but with even greater luxury, elegance and pageantry from the weekend before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday.
Greeting guests as they arrive during the weekend preceding Mardi Gras will be the purple, green and gold colors of carnival executed in elaborate wreathes festooned with carnival images; imaginative lobby decorations; live music designed to prompt unscripted “second-line parades”; and, true to the Mardi Gras spirit, the costumed “King and Queen of the Roosevelt” bearing specially minted Roosevelt beads destined to become keepsakes.
“We’ve made a commitment to New Orleans to make every season as memorable as the hotel itself,” said Tod Chambers, general manager. “Few experiences in New Orleans can quite match that of carnival, and no other property is better suited as a Mardi Gras oasis than The Roosevelt New Orleans.”
On arrival, guests will be greeted by the hotel’s “monarchs,” presented with their commemorative beads and escorted in grand style to the front desk.
After long hours watching parades, the hotel’s guests and visitors can slip into a state of tranquility with a full line of spa services at the internationally acclaimed Guerlain Spa. From massages and facial treatments to hand therapies and complete day spa experiences, each is personally tailored to revive mind, body and soul.
Also available are the Sazerac Bar, featuring the world-famous Sazerac cocktail and Ramos Gin Fizz, both favorites of Mardi Gras royalty; the Sazerac Restaurant, featuring the creativity of executive chef Stefan Kauth; and Teddy’s Café, where lighter fare and relaxed surroundings will be especially appreciated.
“The Roosevelt New Orleans is perfectly situated for those arriving from out of town and those who call the city home,” Chambers said. “Vehicular access will be easy, and visitors on foot will find the hotel welcoming. We believe the tradition of ‘Mardi Gras at The Roosevelt’ will become a lasting one.”
Guests can experience Mardi Gras at The Roosevelt with rates starting at $289. For reservations, call (504) 648-1200.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL IN NEW ORLEANS
Monday, December 21, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Celebrate the New Year in style inside the legendary Blue Room at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, Thursday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
New Years Eve at The Roosevelt will feature live music by the Tim Laughlin Jazz Band along with The Dawnbusters, featuring Debbie Davis. Each couple will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine with dinner. Guests will also enjoy a Champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year 2010.
“2009 has been a landmark year for The Roosevelt New Orleans. The city has really embraced the return of the hotel and what it stands for in New Orleans. Now it’s time to celebrate that and cheers to another successful year ahead,” said Tod Chambers, general manager at The Roosevelt. “We are excited to have Tim Laughlin perform in the Blue Room and join a roster of great musicians that have entertained here in the past including Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Marlene Dietrich, and Sonny and Cher.”
Tickets to New Years Eve at The Roosevelt are $199 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and include complimentary valet parking, party favors and a commemorative photo. To purchase tickets, call reservations direct at (504) 648-1200.
A NEW ORLEANS TRADITION RETURNS TO THE ROOSEVELT WITH THE LIGHTING OF THE WALDORF WONDERLAND LOBBY
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
WHO: The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel
WHAT: Lighting ceremony of the Waldorf Wonderland Lobby at The Roosevelt
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Roosevelt’s grand lobby, University Street entrance, New Orleans
A New Orleans tradition returns Dec. 1, 2009, through Jan. 3, 2010, in time for the start of the holiday season at The Roosevelt New Orleans, as the grand hotel lights its beloved decorated lobby, newly named the Waldorf Wonderland at The Roosevelt.
Guests are invited to attend the lighting of the lobby Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. In keeping with the Waldorf Astoria brand, the lobby will contain all of the charm guests have come to expect, with a sophisticated twist. This year, the grand lobby will be transformed into a canopy of white birch branches and thousands of twinkling lights. The lobby also will be lined with Christmas trees decorated with bows and ornaments, poinsettias and other holiday-themed displays. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a live performance by Benny Grunch.
THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS IN HIGH STYLE WITH THE WALDORF WONDERLAND LOBBY, RETURN OF THE TEDDY BEAR TEA AND SPECIAL PAPA NOEL RATES
Thursday, October 29, 2009 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments
Two typically New Orleans traditions will return this holiday season to The Roosevelt New Orleans, as the grand hotel brings back the beloved Teddy Bear Tea and decorated lobby, newly named the Waldorf Wonderland at The Roosevelt.
“The holidays are such a wonderful time, especially for families,” said general manager Tod Chambers. “Families across the Gulf South grew up with these two marvelous traditions. That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to bring them back, this time under the Roosevelt name and with the same luxury that distinguishes every Waldorf Astoria hotel around the world.”
Keeping with the Waldorf Astoria brand, the Waldorf Wonderland Lobby at The Roosevelt will contain all of the charm guests have come to expect, with a sophisticated twist. This year, the grand lobby will be transformed into a canopy of white birch branches and thousands of twinkling lights. The lobby also will be lined with Christmas trees decorated with bows and ornaments, poinsettias and other holiday-themed displays.
“It was important to us when choosing a holiday concept that it accentuate and embrace the luxury and grandeur of the architectural detail uncovered through the restoration,” said Chambers.
The holiday delight has been a New Orleans tradition since the 1930s and returns once again from Dec. 1, 2009 through Jan. 2, 2010.
Teddy Bear Tea returns to The Roosevelt, Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13 and 19 – 23, inside the Crescent City Ballroom with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The event, which is a family favorite during the holidays, hosts guests and their children for a special tea party featuring children’s menu items which may include some combination of hot chocolate, scones, pizza and petite sandwiches, as well as traditional tea, a cash bar and a menu for adults. Each child will receive a teddy bear upon arrival. Entertainment will include storytellers and trumpeters, as well as appearances by Santa, his elves and Mrs. Claus. Framed, commemorative photos with Santa will be available at an additional cost.
“Both of these events help put locals, visitors and their loved ones in the holiday spirit,” Chambers said. “To host these events at a grand hotel like The Roosevelt adds to the sense of amazement for children. We look forward to the big smiles and memories we can help create, for both the young and the young at heart.”
Tickets for Teddy Bear Tea are $49 for adults and $34 for children 10 years and younger, plus tax and gratuity, and can be purchased by calling The Roosevelt at (504) 648-1200.
Guests can extend their holiday cheer at The Roosevelt with the Papa Noel rates starting as low at $139 for a deluxe guest room and $199 for a suite. To take advantage of this offer, guests can call 1-800-WALDORF or visit www.therooseveltneworleans.com. Enter promotional code PN when booking. The special is available Dec. 9 – 29, 2009, based on availability. Rate excludes taxes, gratuities and incidental charges.
PUBLIC INVITED TO TOUR HISTORIC ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS AS PART OF THE HOTEL’S GRAND OPENING
Friday, October 16, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The Roosevelt New Orleans invites the general public to celebrate its $170-million restoration with a tour of the hotel Friday, Oct. 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests are asked to gather in the Blue Room. The Roosevelt Open House will kick off the grand opening celebration weekend, which will include music by New Orleans’ own Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint and Tim Laughlin. Tickets and reservations are available by calling in-house reservations at (504) 648-5380.
The grand hotel boasts 504 rooms, of which 135 are luxury suites; the legendary Blue Room; the Sazerac Bar and Restaurant, John Besh’s Domenica Restaurant and Teddy’s Cafe; state-of-the-art meeting and convention rooms; and a 12,000-square-foot, world-class Guerlain Spa and fitness center.
THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS INTRODUCES GRAND OPENING PACKAGE OPTIONS AT VARIOUS PRICES
Thursday, October 1, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The Roosevelt New Orleans today announced new ticket and lodging packages for guests wanting to celebrate the hotel’s historic grand opening Oct. 23-25.
Packages include:
• Tickets to Friday Night Celebration with the Neville Brothers: $150 per person
• Friday Night Celebration with the Neville Brothers and Take the Elevator Home: $679 for double occupancy and $529 for single occupancy
• Tickets to Grand Opening Gala Dinner with Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint: $250 per person
• Grand Opening Gala Dinner with Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint and Take the Elevator Home (includes four-course dinner): $879 for double occupancy and $629 for single occupancy
• Sunday Brunch in the Blue Room with clarinetist Tim Laughlin: $75 per person
These new packages are in addition to the Grand Opening Weekend Extravaganza Package which includes one deluxe guest room or luxury suite Oct. 23 and 24, two tickets to the Neville Brothers and two tickets to Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint, a welcome amenity and gift, and valet parking.
Prices for these packaged events are $1,500 per couple for guests choosing a deluxe room and $1,750 per couple for those preferring a luxury suite.
“We want to share the grand opening of this New Orleans icon with the entire city,” said Tod Chambers, general manager at The Roosevelt. “We’ve created these new packages at various price levels to make that possible.”
The events coincide with the opening of Domenica as well as the introduction of the 12,500-square-foot Guerlain Spa, which will feature 10 private treatment rooms, a fitness center, a couple’s therapy suite and more.
Reservations are available by calling in-house reservations at (504) 648-5380.
Brunch in the Blue Room Returns This Sunday, Oct. 4
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 | Blue Room, Uncategorized | No Comments
The Roosevelt New Orleans welcomes back a beloved tradition. Beginning Oct. 4, the Blue Room will return to the Sunday brunch circuit by offering guests a gourmet plated brunch, complete with a performance by jazz clarinetist Tim Laughlin and a complimentary glass of champagne.
“The tradition of Sunday brunch in the Blue Room has been part of The Roosevelt for many years,” said general manager Tod Chambers. “We look forward to creating a grand and memorable experience for both guests and locals with a delicious meal and some of the best jazz around.”
The plated brunch will feature gourmet culinary creations by executive chef Stefan Kauth and desserts by executive pastry chef Robert Plouffe. Two culinary stations containing seafood creations and desserts will serve as focal points and add to the pageantry of the meal.
Brunch will be available every Sunday in the Blue Room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adult plates are $59 and include valet parking and a complimentary glass of champagne. Children 10 and under will be served at half price. Reservations can be made by calling (504) 648-1200.
Send Us Your Photos!
Monday, September 21, 2009 | Blue Room, Gallery, History | No Comments
Arthur Wehl, from San Francisco, submitted the following photos.
“The photo of the children is one of me, Arthur Wehl and my cousin, Catherine Mistretta, at the Blue Room in the early 60s. Children would get to sit in special seats in front so that they could see the performers. I became a fan of the Blue Room early on and remember seeing Anthony Newley, Ella Fitzgerald and Lainie Kazan there to name a few.
The photo of the adults is of my mother and father - My mother, in white, with the cigarette, is Josie Mistretta Pardys. My father is behind her, Anthony Wehl. Across from them are my Aunt and Uncle, Evelyn Wehl Vulevich and George Vulevich. The photo appears to be from the late 40s or early 50s. All but my mother have passed away. My mother loved the Blue Room and would have me join her when there were shows that she thought I might enjoy as a child.
What a wonderful magic place! I’m so glad that the hotel is back and that it’s part of the Waldorf group. It deserves to be part of the best….”
Have photos of yourself at The Roosevelt New Orleans? Send them to us!
The Roosevelt New Orleans To Celebrate Its Grand Opening in High Style Oct. 23 - 25
Monday, September 14, 2009 | News | 3 Comments
Event Also Marks Introduction of John Besh’s Domenica Restaurant and Internationally Acclaimed Guerlain Spa
The Roosevelt New Orleans will roll out the red carpet for a historic grand-opening gala weekend Oct. 23-25 featuring world-famous New Orleans entertainers and the introduction of John Besh’s Domenica Restaurant and the acclaimed Guerlain Spa, benefiting area non-profits.
The newest member of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the hotel follows up on its July ribbon-cutting with a weekend of festivities expected to attract up to 1,000 guests to hear New Orleans’ first family of funk, the Neville Brothers; Grammy Award-winning singer Irma Thomas; musician, composer and producer Allen Toussaint; and clarinetist Tim Laughlin.
The events will coincide with the opening of Domenica as well as the introduction of the 12,500-square-foot Guerlain Spa, which will feature 10 private treatment rooms, a fitness center, a couple’s therapy suite and more.
“Our grand-opening marks the return of a New Orleans icon that is revered by locals and visitors from around the world,” said general manager Tod Chambers. “Downtown New Orleans has what we call a ‘sense of place’ because of its history and vibrancy. Now, with the return of The Roosevelt, we’re playing a key role in our city’s future.”
The Oct. 23 and 24 events are combined into one package that includes a two-night stay at the luxurious hotel, two tickets to the events, a welcome amenity upon arrival, a Roosevelt New Orleans commemorative gift and valet parking. Entertainment includes:
* Oct. 23: The Neville Brothers in the Roosevelt Ballroom starting at 8 p.m. Included are two tickets to the performance, hors d’oeuvres and an open-bar reception.
* Oct. 24: Grammy Award-winning singer Irma Thomas and musician, composer, and producer Allen Toussaint in the Roosevelt Ballroom starting at 8 p.m. Included are two tickets to the performance, a four-course dinner, wine and a champagne toast. Black tie is required for this event.
Prices for these packaged events are $1,500 per couple for guests choosing a deluxe room and $1,750 per couple for those preferring a luxury suite.
Tickets to the Oct. 25 champagne jazz brunch in the Blue Room, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., may be purchased at an additional cost of $75 each.
Reservations are available by calling in-house reservations at (504) 648-5380.
Send Us Your Photos!
Thursday, September 10, 2009 | History | No Comments
Linda B. Dumaine submitted the following article and photographs about her father, who worked at The Roosevelt New Orleans nearly his whole life.
“In answer to your request as seen on the internet for interesting stories about the wonderful Roosevelt Hotel as it is now renamed, I would like to submit the following very interesting information. It details the career and employment of my father, Anthony (Tony) Biscotto, who worked for the Hotel Gruenwald and also the Fairmont Roosevelt (as it was later renamed) from 1919 to 1972 – almost his entire life. Many of these interesting stories were relayed to me by my father during his career at your hotel.”
Movie Stars and Other Influential People in the Life of Tony Biscotto
Although his full name was Anthony Joseph Biscotto, he became known throughout his hotel career as Tony.
Tony, a native of New Orleans, began his career as a bellboy at a Vieux Carre hotel. After one and a half years, he saved enough money for tuition at Soule College where he graduated and went to work for the Railway and Light Company as a bookkeeper. For two years during the First World War, he kept records of all the coal that came in. Realizing that he preferred the hotel business, after a short time, Tony quit, and in 1919 Tony began his employment of hopping bells at the age of 19 when he began working for what was Hotel Grunewald. Tony said that Mr. Grunewald sold the Hotel Grunewald (because of health reasons) to Joseph and Lucca Vaccaro. The new owners demolished the old five story building on Baronne Street which joined the Grunewald and constructed the annex which stands today. The larger hotel was named the Roosevelt in the 1920’s after Felix Vaccaro’s friend, Teddy Roosevelt. In later years it became known as the Fairmont Roosevelt.
Soon after the larger hotel was doing business, a fire began in a salesman’s room due to a burning cigarette, which caused the bed to catch fire. Bellboy Tony, being nearby smelled the smoke, forced his way into the room and put out the flames, preventing the hotel from further damage. He also saved the salesman hundreds of dollars in dresses, but burned his hand in the process and was out of work for a week.
Tony once told a story that in the Hotel Grunewald days, the whole staff had to follow rules set up in a “Manual of Conduct.” Each day an inspection was held, and the bellhops had to carry a tray, pad and pencil, finger nails needed to be cut and clean and shoes needed to shine at all times. Tony said concerning his hat-checking days, he met and checked the hats of Marshal Ferdinand Foch, commander of Allied Forces in World War I and General Armando Diaz, the Italian in charge of general staff in World War I. Tony’s other job duties including bringing laundry to Sanitary Troy on Conti Street. Then he delivered the clean clothes to each of the guests of the hotel. Then in the late 1930’s, Tony recalled that the hotel constructed its own housing of laundry in the basement. So Tony no longer had laundry duties. Tony assisted such people as the Lombardo brothers, the Andrew Sisters, Martha Raye and Sophie Tucker, who each year came to N.O. on her birthday. Also Jimmy Durante asked him to bring his laundry backstage at the Blue Room before his act.
Tony also took care of all the uniforms for the Cleveland Indians when they came for spring training to New Orleans. He waited on Wallace Beery, but claimed that his favorite guest of all was William S. Hart.
An interesting story about Tony: At the time of prohibition a movie star named Jack Mulhall wanted some whiskey. He said to Tony, “Do you know who I am?” Tony seriously replied, “Yeah, but I ain’t gonna get you no whiskey.” Tony was as honest as the day is long. In fact, he was so trustworthy that Tony was chosen to go to an attorney’s home by cab to get a million dollars in bonds for Theodore Grunewald who was purchasing the Bienville Hotel.
Tony would take the Dolly Sisters (all six of them) to the horse race track. When he picked up two winners for them, they came to the conclusion that he knew all there was to know about the races. Tony played the horses for many years and then stopped. Why? Well, it was because he wanted to get married.
Tony recalled another incident about a diamond salesman named Agate for whom he assisted many times, and Agate offered to sell Tony an engagement ring for his bride-to-be. Agate went out for dinner one evening and left the diamonds in his room. Two thieves had followed Agate from Chicago and stole all the valuables out of his hotel room. These robbers were later caught in New York. When the trial came up in New Orleans, Tony went to court as a witness. Tony said, “The defense lawyer tried to cross me.” He said, “How do you know these men are the ones you roomed with when you room dozens of people everyday?” Tony relayed, “Because they came in with heavy bags, and they gave me a DIME tip. I don’t forget THOSE kind of faces.” The robbers were convicted, and Tony bought his diamond ring.
Tony remembered Eleanor Roosevelt in March, 1932, when she came to New Orleans. He and another bellboy served her. It was reported that she had 29 pieces of luggage. Tony, who carried her bags, knew there were only 7 pieces of luggage. Mrs. Roosevelt gave Tony a tip, and he kept that tip for the rest of his life. Tony’s daughter, Linda, still has that tip today. Other tippers that Tony remembered were Huey Long and Martha Raye. Tony would take Ms. Raye’s dogs for walks. Everyone in the hotel business and all the guests respected and liked Tony.
Another great relationship that Tony had which he always spoke of with great loyalty and pride was his long relationship with Mr. And Mrs. Manuel Dinkelspiel, who permanently lived in a beautiful suite in the hotel for a great many years. This couple did not have any children and Tony spent a great deal of time with them as they aged, going to baseball and football games in City Park, running errands and the like. Tony’s assisting of the Dinkelspiel’s was approved by The Roosevelt. The Dinkelspiel’s trusted Tony who was like their son, you might say. Mr. Dinkelspiel passed away in 1957 and his wife in 1969.
During Tony’s days of service at The Roosevelt Hotel, he met many fine guests, but being so good natured he would laugh at the “stiffs,” which was the word bellboys called guests who do not tip.
Tony worked for The Roosevelt Hotel for 53 years in jobs such as: bellboy, bell captain, a valet, a runner for valet, a room and a key clerk and delivering laundry for the hotel guests. Then seven years before he retired, due to doctor’s orders, Tony stopped carrying bags of luggage and was one of the leading reservations employees in the Fairmont Roosevelt’s front office until he retired in 1972 at the age of 72. Tony Biscotto was so loved, respected and admired by all his family, plus everyone at the Fairmont Roosevelt. Tony always told his daughter, Linda, that he wanted to live to be 100 years old. Well, he almost made it as on December 20, 1989 Tony Biscotto passed away at the age of 89.
Have photos of yourself at The Roosevelt New Orleans? Send them to us!
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