THE ROOSEVELT NEW ORLEANS WILL WELCOME ITS FIRST GUESTS IN NEARLY A HALF-CENTURY JUNE 25

NEW ORLEANS - May 28, 2009 - On Thursday, June 25, the grand lobby doors of The Roosevelt New Orleans will swing open as the hotel greets its first group of guests following a $145-million historic restoration, returning to an era of grandeur for which the legendary hotel once was known. The monumental event will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with details of the event to be announced soon.

"The Roosevelt New Orleans again will be the prime destination for travelers and locals because of its reputation for glamour and excitement," said general manager Tod Chambers. "We hope our guests are as excited as we are and that they find that we've not only restored The Roosevelt to its original luster and brought back its fabled splendor, but that we've also introduced the kind of luxury that marks every Waldorf Astoria Collection property worldwide."

The grand hotel boasts 504 rooms, of which 135 are luxury suites, some named for celebrities who once visited the hotel. Other amenities include a comprehensive business center, private dining and suite butler service, an outdoor pool and courtyard, and a specialty gift shop.

The Blue Room also has been restored to its previous splendor and will serve as a place for families and friends to enjoy good music and food and to celebrate life's special occasions. On Sunday mornings starting in October, the Blue Room will feature a grand brunch complete with delights such as mascarpone-stuffed French toast with house-made satsuma marmalade, boiled Gulf shrimp, a carving table featuring the finest roasted meats and much more.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail in the Sazerac Bar and Restaurant, a Roosevelt landmark for decades. The Sazerac Bar will serve its signature Sazerac cocktail and Ramos Gin Fizz - both invented in New Orleans and made popular worldwide by The Roosevelt - among other delights. In addition to beverages that stimulate the palate, patrons again will be able to enjoy the Art Deco-style murals by artist Paul Ninas and woodwork once held in awe by visitors.

The Roosevelt New Orleans also will feature nearly 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including three spectacular ballrooms and 23 distinctive meeting and event rooms that span two floors of the hotel.

For more information about booking any of the rooms, contact Mark Wilson at (504) 648-1200 or at mark.wilson@hilton.com. Memories of the hotel can be logged at the hotel's blog site:  www.therooseveltneworleans.com/blog.

About The Waldorf Astoria Collection ^(TM)

The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a distinctive group of unique luxury hotels from the Hilton Family of Hotels, each indigenous to its destination and situated in key cities around the world.  Home to world leaders, royalty and society's elite, The Collection's elegant assortment of hotels and resorts aims to provide affluent travelers with authentic, luxury experiences and unlimited opportunities for discovery. The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a member of Hilton's Luxury and Lifestyle Brands along with Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. For more information on The Waldorf Astoria Collection, please visit: waldorfastoriacollection.com. 

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