FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Elliot Hutchinson, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3723, ellioth@z-comm.com
Tambry Reed Slavich, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3711, treed@z-comm.com

NEW ORLEANS (December 14, 2016)-Each year, Royal Sonesta New Orleans partners with Children's Hospital and opens its Grand Ballroom doors to host the highly anticipated Royal Teddy Bear Tea program and event series. The Royal Teddy Bear Tea program is a multi-layered community outreach program, in which the hotel supports and partners with Children's Hospital of New Orleans during the holidays in support of its mission. The initiative provides not only the patients with unique and memorable Christmas experiences, but also the hospital with meaningful financial resources and contributions.

A major element of the program includes The Royal Teddy Bear Tea ‘Road Trip', which takes place on Thursday, Dec. 15 and brings holiday festivities such as sing-alongs and special one-on-one time with Santa to young patients who happen to be confined to the hospital. Friendly costumed characters on the road from the North Pole join in the fun with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Sugarplum Fairy Princess and stilt walkers, among others, provided by Tammy Kern's Paper Doll Productions team.

In addition, the hotel conducts a holiday toy drive for the hospital and commissions a local artist to create the Official Royal Teddy Bear Ornament, with 100% of the net proceeds from ornament sales benefiting the hospital directly. This year's artist is Logan Ledford of Logan Ledford Art. This philanthropic initiative with Children's Hospital embraces Sonesta Hotels International's ‘Culture of Caring' and has been recognized by the New Orleans City Council. In the past, total efforts of Royal Sonesta New Orleans' Teddy Bear Tea, the toy drive and the sales of the ornaments raised upwards of $5,000 in direct contributions to Children's Hospital New Orleans. The efforts for 2016 are on track to surpass last year's benchmark.

"The dedication and compassion of Children's Hospital of New Orleans and its staff members who care for the sick children of our community, always motivates and inspires us," said Royal Sonesta New Orleans General Manager Alfred L. Groos. "Their passion and service is a point of light and hope for the holidays and for our great city."

And, in keeping with another holiday tradition, Royal Sonesta New Orleans also hosts its beloved and highly anticipated Royal Teddy Bear Tea series, staged each weekend inside its elegant and newly redesigned grand ballroom, welcoming local children of all ages and their families throughout the month of December. Little princes and princesses are treated to activities like story time with Mrs. Claus, a sing-a-long with Rudolph, visits from the Sugarplum Fairy and the Marching Toy Soldiers, plus members of the New Orleans Saintsations, all designed to be a memorable and interactive holiday adventure. Santa himself also makes a special appearance. Each child attending the Royal Teddy Bear Tea experience is invited to share the magic of the season by donating a small, unwrapped gift for the Children's Hospital Toy Drop set up on site at the hotel.

Tickets for the experience are priced at $59 for adults and $39 for children under 12 for general admission, and $69 for adults and $49 for children younger than 12 for VIP admission. VIP admission includes a photo with Santa, a 2016 Commemorative Teacup and champagne for adults. Ticket prices are not inclusive of tax and gratuity, and discounted parking for Royal Teddy Bear Tea attendees will be available for $12.

For more information on the Royal Teddy Bear Tea event series, including the calendar dates as well as VIP and general admission ticket purchasing, please visit: https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/royal-teddy-bear-tea-2016.

About Royal Sonesta New Orleans:
Located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter and steps away from some of the city's finest shopping and visitor attractions, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a hub of authentic jazz, vibrant night life and refined southern design. The hotel is home to several dining and entertainment venues, including Restaurant R'evolution, Bar R'evolution, The Jazz Playhouse, Desire Oyster Bar, Le Booze and PJ's Coffee Café. In addition to world-class amenities, Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers 20,000 square feet of meeting and special event space. With 483 newly appointed rooms, including 36 suites, the luxurious hotel is one of nearly 70 properties within Sonesta. For more information, visit Sonesta.com or call 504-586-0300.

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