Astor Crowne Plaza In New Orleans Completes Multi-million Dollar Renewal

Dallas, TX, Hospitality Management Corporation announces that The Astor Crowne Plaza, one of the anchors of the downtown New Orleans hospitality industry, has completed a multi-million dollar renovation program that has renewed one of the city’s major hotels.

“This commitment to The Astor Crowne Plaza confirms our company’s faith in the future of one of America’s favorite cities and its importance as both a major convention and leisure destination,” said Leo Spriggs, President/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation, which was named the management company of the hotel in December 2008.

Built in 2002, the Astor Crowne Plaza is a grand hotel with 693 rooms including 28 spacious suites, strategically located at the corner of Bourbon and Canal streets. Extraordinarily situated in the heart of downtown and at the gateway to the French Quarter, the address also serves as home to the award-winning Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House restaurant, one of the most popular dining establishments in New Orleans. Part of the collection of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and managed by Hospitality Management Corporation, the hotel has increased meeting space to 32,000 square feet with prime outdoor balconies overlooking the sights of Bourbon, Canal and Iberville streets.

With the theme, “We’re Polishing the Crowne of New Orleans,” the renovation began at the end of July and was completed at the end of 2008. It is the first since the hotel’s opening in 2002. Under the design leadership of Lisa Condon, ASID, LA Registered Interior Designer, and Lisambiance Design, LLC, the lobby’s grand corridor has a new look with new furnishings refurbished in a floral palette of greens, citron and earth tones, keeping the traditional flair, yet adding modern components.

The extensive updating of guestrooms is “all about Astor Crowne Plaza comfort,” including the existing Sleep Advantage™ standard bedding with pillow top mattresses, luxurious linens, and duvets. All guestrooms and suites have received new furnishings, wall coverings, drapes, and furniture in keeping with the hotel’s traditional style but with a sleeker appeal in a combination of rich soothing colors, textures, and styles. Custom-designed lighting has been added to desks and nightstands for better illumination. Upgraded wireless internet access has been installed to provide better speed and reliability.

The Executive Lounge on the hotel’s Club Level floor has been enlarged to double its size to provide privileged guests a view of the city’s comings and goings along famed Bourbon Street while enjoying breakfast service, evening snacks, beverages, and evening cocktails serviced by an attentive staff. As well, the Fitness Center has been expanded to twice its size with new flooring, wall coverings, three new flat-screen TVs and new equipment that includes life cycles, aerobic equipment, and a free-weight universal set.

The exciting news for the hotel is the addition of three new meeting rooms with 700 sq. ft. each on the 2nd floor mezzanine level which has expanded the facilities to 32,000 sq. ft. Classic is the theme for all meeting space, which includes new wall coverings, carpeting, and furnishings. All meeting rooms and ballrooms have custom designed carpeting with traditional hues of blacks, reds, gold, and touches of tan. Valenced drapery in rich colors and tassel tiebacks carry out the Old World charm of the hotel for which it is known, and welcomes meeting attendees out to the balconies overlooking views of Canal Street, Iberville Street, and Bourbon Street.