Hotel Monteleone Celebrates 125 Years of Hospitality in the Vieux Carre

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its founding in 1886, the luxurious Hotel Monteleone has made an historical, economical and cultural impact not only on the French Quarter, but on the entire city of New Orleans. As it looks back on 125 years in 2011, the "Grand Dame of the French Quarter" celebrates the people, the community and the employees that have made the legendary landmark a sparkling jewel in the heart of the Vieux Carre.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101216/DA18513-a)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101216/DA18513LOGO-b)

"The Hotel Monteleone invites employees, locals and out-of-town guests to join the celebration all year long as we honor the people – our founder, our employees and our guests - who have made this elegant establishment a desired destination for a century and a quarter," says Andrea Thornton, director of sales and marketing for the Hotel Monteleone. "From special events and book releases to vacation getaway packages, strategic partnerships and the unveiling of Antonio Monteleone's wax statue at the 125th anniversary gala, the year-long anniversary of the Hotel promises to be another unforgettable year."

During the course of the year, the Hotel Monteleone will recognize the various aspects that make up its colorful character including the literary, musical, culinary, political and paranormal influences. It will pay tribute to authors such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemmingway who have stayed at and immortalized the Hotel in their works, and thus earned it the prestigious distinction as a Literary Landmark – an honor bestowed upon only three hotels in the country.

The Hotel Monteleone will also acknowledge musical legends including Etta James and locals such as Dr. John, Louis Prima and Allen Toussaint among others who have entertained crowds with their melodious sounds over the years in the famous, revolving Carousel Bar, making it a regular hotspot for locals and tourists. Home to the "Vieux Carre Cocktail" and "The Goody," the Hotel Monteleone's bar has regularly been voted as the best hotel bar in the city. On another musical note, the Hotel will continue its sponsorship of the popular Broadway Across America series and will offer special theatre packages as a result.

In addition to musical legends and events, the Hotel played host to almost every Louisiana governor at least once during their time in office and will pay tribute to these individuals on several occasions including a Legacy Series Luncheon in June and a birthday party for former Governor Edwin Edwards in July.

Finally, the Hotel Monteleone recognizes that some people who come to the Hotel don't ever want to leave. Named as one of the top haunted hotels in the country, the Hotel Monteleone is home to more than a dozen friendly ghosts as discovered by the International Society of Paranormal Research in 2003. Generations of Hotel guests and staff have experienced haunted events that would cause even the staunchest skeptic to take pause.

In addition to highlighting its character assets during the 125th anniversary, the Hotel Monteleone acknowledges its civic duty and the need to give back to the community. By teaming up with local nonprofit organizations such as Catholic Charities and making continuous enhancements to its operations to improve the energy efficiency of the Hotel and the environmental awareness among employees and guests, the Hotel Monteleone looks forward to continuing its tradition of giving back to the community throughout 2011.

Historic Hotels of America, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group, recently honored the Hotel Monteleone with the 2010 Best Practices in Historic Marketing Award for the flawless preservation of its historical ambiance, structure and culture. Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America, agrees that "the Hotel embodies the elegance, grace and grandeur found in some of the finest hotels in the world. We commend the Monteleone family and the countless staff members who have built and maintained the reputation of this fine establishment over the past 125 years."

The Hotel Monteleone has been recognized by numerous other organizations over time for excellent customer service, superior hotel and meeting room accommodations and contributions to the hospitality industry. A few accolades include the JD Power Award for Outstanding Customer Service, the Award of Excellence from Corporate and Incentive Magazine, the Star of the South from Meetings South Magazine, the AAA Four Diamond Award, the Gold Key Award from Meetings and Conventions Magazine, the Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings Magazine, the Best Romantic Hotel by Citysearch and the Best Hotel Bar by National Geographic and New Orleans Magazine.

For more information about the Hotel Monteleone and to make reservations, visit www.hotelmonteleone.com or call 1-504-523-3341. To stay updated on the latest activities surrounding the 125th anniversary, visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/125anniversary/.

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone, www.hotelmonteleone.com, has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. The hotel is the Quarter's largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites. Hotel Monteleone is within walking-distance of some of New Orleans most famous attractions and is conveniently located 11 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Hotel Monteleone is a member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a consecutive AAA Four Diamond award-winner, and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for "An Outstanding Guest Experience."  The Hotel Monteleone is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.

SOURCE Hotel Monteleone