Welcome to this week’s edition of “Hotel News We Noted,” where we round up the week’s best, most interesting and just downright odd news of note in the hospitality world. Have a tip? Send us a note or leave a comment below.
Welcome to February, friends. We’re feeling full of romance this month (have you checked out our series on over-the-top Valentine’s Day packages?) and of course, full of hotel news too … here’s this week’s latest.
Haute Hotel of the Week: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Chances are, if you’re not already in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, you won’t be getting a room for tomorrow night. But if, in fact, you head to the Big Easy soon, check out this week’s Haute Hotel, Hyatt Regency New Orleans – the closest property to the former Super Dome (now Mercedes-Benz Superdome). The famed stadium has been completely re-done post Katrina, as has the aforementioned Hyatt. From the rooftop fitness center (formerly a revolving restaurant) to the airy atrium lobby and the James Beard Award-winning chef in the kitchen, this hotel deserves a visit.
News of Note: W Tops The Digital IQ Index
We’ll be reporting further on this later in the week, but the latest hotel research report is out and Starwood’s W Hotels and Resorts has topped the world’s list of the most digitally savvy hotel brands. From its online web presence to social media, W far exceeded all other brands in the biz.
A Hotel Fit For a Queen: The Goring Gets a Royal Warrant
Daring Designs: Sofitel Taps Karl Lagerfeld
The Sofitel brand has invested a large amount of money into its Asian expansion and they’re dong their best to ensure that the entrance to the market is well received. To celebrate their latest opening in Singapore, Sofitel Luxury Hotels has commissioned the famed head of the house of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, to design the emblem of the new Sofitel So Singapore, the third of the boutique line’s new luxury properties worldwide. The emblem will be displayed on the hotel’s exterior as well as on branded items throughout the property. This isn’t Lagerfeld’s first foray in to hospitality – he has worked in Monte Carlo and even created a chocolate hotel room.
[Image Credit: The Goring Hotel]