Join The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel for Seersucker & Fizz Friday, Aug. 26 beginning at 1 p.m. The free and open to the public event will celebrate the birth of the “Kingfish” with two of his favorite things: Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails and seersucker.

The celebration will include a variety of specially flavored Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails priced at just $8.30 (normally $13), in honor of his birthday August 30 or 8/30. A special three-course menu also will be available inside the Sazerac Restaurant, beginning at 1 p.m., along with complimentary chair massages by the Guerlain Spa at The Roosevelt.

Rumor has it that Long flew a bartender from the Sazerac Bar to New York to teach other bartenders how to make the cocktail to his liking. Long was born on Aug. 30, 1893, so this would have been the 118th birthday of the flamboyant former governor, who influenced presidential politics of pre-World War II America.

Guests are encouraged to dress in seersucker. Complimentary valet parking is available for those who dine at the Sazerac Restaurant. For lunch reservations, call (504) 648-5486.

To mark the second anniversary of the completion of the $170-million historic restoration and grand re-opening of The Roosevelt New Orleans, two of the city’s leading tourism and sports celebrities – Mark Romig, newly named CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, and father Jerry Romig, voice of the New Orleans Saints – will come together to wind the towering, historic clock in the hotel’s grand lobby. The event will be held Thursday, July 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the property’s University Street entrance.

Guests and the public then will second-line with the Hot 8 Brass Band down to the world-famous Sazerac Bar for a complimentary, celebratory champagne toast with hotel general manager Tod Chambers.

In addition, the adjoining Sazerac Restaurant will offer a two-for-one special on all entrees. Complimentary valet parking is available for those who dine at the Sazerac Restaurant.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, has been ranked for the first time as one of the top large hotels in the United States and Canada by the readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine.

The Roosevelt’s No. 13 ranking in the magazine’s 16th annual World’s Best Awards surpassed a number of other properties in far larger luxury destination cities, including New York, Chicago, Vancouver, San Francisco and others. Travel + Leisure readers evaluated rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants, food and value. The category in which The Roosevelt was rated includes large-city hotels with more than 100 rooms.

“This grand hotel, just one street west of the French Quarter, embraces the elegance and drama of 1893 New Orleans,” the magazine writes in its report. The publication also cites the Guerlain Spa at The Roosevelt, the expansive size of the guest rooms and numerous in-room amenities.

General Manager Tod Chambers expressed pride in the ranking. “We’re pleased that guests, visitors and locals appreciate the focus on luxury that guided every part of our $170 million historic restoration. We thank the readers of Travel + Leisure and encourage everyone to experience the legendary Roosevelt.”

For a complete list of winners, visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2011.

This summer, experience the best of Waldorf Astoria at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel. Enjoy complimentary breakfast for kids in the legendary Sazerac Restaurant, plus an on-property credit of $25 per night for any of the hotel’s venues with the Best of Waldorf Astoria package, starting at $179 per night.

The complimentary breakfast offer is valid for up to two registered children under 18 years of age when accompanied by at least one registered adult. This offer is only valid in the Sazerac Restaurant and cannot be used for in-room dining. The $25-per-night credit does not apply to guest room rate or room tax, or at Domenica Restaurant. To take advantage of this offer, guests can call 1-800-WALDORF or visit https://secure.hilton.com/en/hi/res/choose_dates.jhtml;?spec_plan=PBBWS1&spec_plan_desc=The%20Best%20of%20Waldorf%20Astoria&hotel=MSYRHWA.

The Best of Waldorf Astoria offer is valid for stays booked through Oct. 2, 2011, and completed between May 27 and Oct. 2, 2011, subject to availability. The Great Getaway, designed for guests looking for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, includes breakfast in the room for up to two people, starting at $179 per night.

To book this special offer, guests can visit https://secure.hilton.com/en/hi/res/choose_dates.jhtml;?spec_plan=PGGG03&spec_plan_desc=The%20Great%20Getaway&hotel=MSYRHWA.
The Great Getaway offer is valid for stays booked through Sept. 5, 2011, and completed between May 27 and Oct. 2, 2011, subject to availability.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, reborn as a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, will mark the second anniversary of its reopening this July following completion of a $170 million historic restoration in 2009.

The landmark downtown New Orleans property, shuttered after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, originally opened in 1893 as the Grunewald. In 1923, it was rebranded as The Roosevelt in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt and retained its distinctive moniker until it changed hands in 1965 and was renamed The Fairmont.

Since its reopening, nearly 350,000 guests have stayed at the historic property, the equivalent of the entire population of Orleans Parish, in which the property is located. These guests include celebrities, musicians, politicians from around the globe and major industry CEOs.

The Roosevelt New Orleans has also served as the backdrop for a number of prominent meetings and conventions, performances and city-wide celebrations, and has hosted countless visitors for events such as the annual Teddy Bear Tea and holiday lobby displays. This year, the hotel was the site of a weeklong National Football League owners’ meeting.

Additionally, the world-famous Blue Room returned as a destination for entertainment by welcoming clarinetist Pete Fountain to christen the reopening, the James Rivers Movement for Sunday Jazz Brunch, performances of “The Kingfish” with actor Spud McConnell and more. The Roosevelt also has hosted numerous local and visiting artists, weddings and other celebrations.

“During the past two years, the New Orleans community has welcomed The Roosevelt with a passion that we strive to reciprocate in our guest service, events and restaurants,” said general manager Tod Chambers. “With each year that passes, we appreciate more and more the continued support that locals and visitors bring to our hotel. We look forward to continuing to provide our partners, vendors, owners and guests with incredible memories at this legendary hotel for years to come.”

The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, has launched a special summer rate to encourage Louisiana residents to experience the historic property.

This summer, Louisiana residents can enjoy a stay at the luxurious Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel for just $149 per night, with the Louisiana Purchase promotion.

“There’s no better time than the summer for Louisiana residents to experience and explore all this great city has to offer,” said Tod Chambers, general manager. “The history of The Roosevelt, coupled with our modern amenities, gives guests the ultimate weekend getaway.”

To take advantage of this offer, guests can call 1-800-WALDORF or visit https://secure.hilton.com/en/hi/res/choose_dates.jhtml;?spec_plan=P9&spec_plan_desc=Louisiana%20Purchase&hotel=MSYRHWA. A non-refundable deposit equivalent to one night’s room and tax is due at the time of booking.

The special is available July 10 through Sept. 10, 2011, based on availability. Black-out dates apply. The rate, which excludes taxes, gratuities and incidental charges, is valid for Louisiana residents only and is not transferable. Proof of residency may be required at check-in.

“This promotion has become somewhat of a tradition here at The Roosevelt,” said Chambers. “We like to take any opportunity we can to thank the great folks of Louisiana for their support leading up to and following our grand opening nearly two years ago.”

Additional information and bookings are available by calling (504) 648-1200. For more information on The Roosevelt New Orleans, log on to www.therooseveltneworleans.com.

This Mother’s Day, introduce Mom to the indulgence, comfort and luxury for which the Guerlain Spa is known worldwide – right here in New Orleans at The Roosevelt Hotel. Massages, facials, hand therapies, complete day spa experiences — each is personally tailored to revive her mind, body and soul. For mothers who find serenity in working up a sweat, the 2,300-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center ensures that nothing stands between her and a good workout. The prestigious Guerlain name carries with it 180 years of beauty and relaxation, and the location at The Roosevelt is one of only three in the United States. The Guerlain Spa at The Roosevelt Hotel is located at 123 Baronne St. in New Orleans and can be reached at (504) 335-3190.

http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/guerlainSpa.php