New Orleans hotels step up their game with wave of renovations

The attention may have been on the Hyatt Regency as construction crews worked to deliver a sparkling new hotel last month following a six-year closure. But it was hardly the only hotel in New Orleans undergoing a renovation.

More than two dozen New Orleans area hotels are currently undergoing, have recently completed or are about to begin renovations, according to the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and interviews with hotel general managers throughout the city.

"You're seeing an entirely new face put on the hotel industry in New Orleans," said Stephen Perry, president of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. "All of this is happening because it's frankly the right time to do it and we're trying to get set up for the next five to eight years."

While some of the work is routine maintenance, changes at other hotels are being driven by upcoming special events, market demand and competition.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is investing $20 million to give 1,162 rooms and suites at the hotel new carpet, window treatments and lighting among other things before the end of next summer. The hotel also is undertaking a construction project at its health club.

The revered Windsor Court Hotel will spend $22 million replacing 80 percent of the hotel's furniture, General Manager David Teich said. The property's bathrooms will also receive new fixtures and showers, and a spa is being added on the fourth floor next to the pool. Renovations started in June and will end later this year.

The Sheraton New Orleans is putting $45 million toward guest room, public space and lobby refreshing to begin in December and commence at the end of next year.

Those hotels join the New Orleans Marriott, Hotel Monteleone, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Royal Sonesta and others.

"There is a tremendous amount of investment happening in this city and not just at hotels," said Al Groos, general manager of the Royal Sonesta. "There's a little bit everywhere."

This recent wave of hotel updates follows one of not too long ago, when some properties damaged because of Hurricane Katrina used insurance proceeds to conduct renovations.

The Hilton, for instance, redid 460 guest rooms in the low-rise portion of its building in 2009. In 2007 and 2008, the Marriott also completely remodeled its lobby and elevator systems.

Both are now undergoing renovations.

"After Katrina was the first phase of renovations," Perry said. "What our properties are doing now is taking those renovations to another level."

Groos, whose hotel will spend $16 million by December 2012 to renovate its guest rooms, said he believes many of the investments reflect a renewed commitment in New Orleans by hotel owners nationally.

"Owners of these types of properties don't invest in things they don't think have long-term potential," Groos said. "What you're seeing is people putting their money where their mouth is. They are investing in the long-term viability of the city as a tourist destination."