165-Key Warehouse District Hotel Rebrands, Starts $14M Reno
It looks like things are going to heat up even more for the Big Easy’s tourism industry.
By Eliza Theiss, Associate Editor
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
It looks like things are going to heat up even more for the Big Easy’s tourism industry. Speaking at TravelSouth International Showcase, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Stephen Perry announced that the city will host two major international tourism industry events over the next two years, reported The Times-Picayune. The first event will be the Go West Seminar, a three-day event organized by German tour operator Meiers Weltreisen. The three-day event will bring 100 travel agents to New Orleans and Louisiana in November 2015.
The second event, however, will be a landmark happening. In June 2016, the U.S. Travel Association IPW, the world’s largest tradeshow of its kind, will descend upon New Orleans, bringing 1,200 domestic and international travel buyers from more than 1,000 domestic travel organizations and 70 countries.
With the tourism industry riding such highs, it comes as no surprise that the local hotel real estate market is running hot, as well. This week, it was the old Ambassador Hotel’s turn to hit the development block, with the owners announcing a $14 million renovation and rebranding. The 160-year-old building’s remodel will focus on highlighting the structure’s original architectural elements, such as exposed brick, and hardwood floors. In-room amenities will include flat-screen TVs, docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi. Hotel amenities will include a fitness center and a versatile meeting venue. The remodel will increase the number of rooms to 167 and locate a popular food and beverage spot on-site later in 2015. The property, set to open in spring, will be renamed The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in honor of its port trade past.
Previously part of hospitality mogul Warrant Reuther’s holdings, the former ambassador is now under the ownership of Provenance Hotels and GB Lodging. According to The Times-Picayune, Provenance and GB purchased the hotel in August 2013 for an undisclosed price.
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Image credit: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery via FacebookÂ
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