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Belinda Lazaro
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STEP INTO THE MONTELEONE JUST LIKE TENNESSEE
Visitors in Town for the Tennessee Williams Festival Invited to Visit His Favorite Hotel

(New Orleans, February 13, 2008) Attendees coming to New Orleans for the upcoming festival dedicated to “all-things-Tennessee Williams” this March will have plenty of reasons to visit one of the literary legend’s favorite stomping grounds.

Not only will fans get to peruse a special “Tennessee” inspired menu in the Hunt Room Grill, or order his favorite cocktail from the Carousel Bar, the Brandy Alexander, one lucky fan might even be able to spend the night in the suite dedicated to him, if they make their request very soon.

“The Monteleone dedicated one of the finest corner suites in honor of Tennessee Williams five years ago because we were so proud of the connection we shared with the esteemed playwright,” explains Ronald Pincus, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President.

But, how can the Monteleone boast of such a connection with Williams? “Well,” explained Mr. Pincus, “Tennessee Williams really slept at the Hotel Monteleone! He would order Brandy Alexander at the Carousel, and poppy seed cake for dessert.”

According to Mr. Pincus, “He also recorded how one of his fondest memories as a child was visiting Hotel Monteleone with his grandfather, an Episcopal minister. Tennessee later related ‘When we went to the front desk to check out, my grandfather inquired about our bill. The desk clerk simply smiled at us and said, ‘There isn’t a bill, you were the guests of Mr. Monteleone.’ The kindness left a lasting impression on the lad who was destined to become one of the world’s greatest writers.”

Until Williams purchased a fine mansion in the French Quarter, he often stayed at the Monteleone, and his affection for the hotel even rated it a place in his play, “The Rose Tattoo.”

The rate for the Tennessee Williams Suite is $1200 per night, and is subject to availability.

Scores of other fans may reserve a deluxe room for the special rate of $129 per night during the festival, March 26-April 1, 2008.

About the Hotel Monteleone

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone (www.hotelmonteleone.com) has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. Designated an official literary landmark by the Friends of the Library Association, the Monteleone has been immortalized in works by Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Rebecca Wells, Richard Ford, and Eudora Welty and was frequented by Truman Capote and William Faulkner. The French Quarter’s largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites, the AAA Four Diamond award-winner has also won the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for an “Outstanding Guest Experience” for the past three years. For reservations, please call the hotel directly at 504.523.3341, or visit the hotel’s website at www.hotelmonteleone.com.

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