The Saint Hotel Announces Opening Date

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Barbara Buzzell
The Buzzell Company
214-219-9191
bb@buzzellco.com

THE SAINT HOTEL ANNOUNCES OPENING DATE
Historic Audubon Building Being Renovated into Boutique Hotel
Noted Chef Michael Stoltzfus to Open “Sweet Olive”

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 18, 2011) – Built in 1909 and located on Canal Street at Burgundy Street in the world famous New Orleans French Quarter, the historic landmark Audubon Building is being totally renovated and re-christened as The Saint Hotel. Striking a balance between its storied past and limitless future, The Saint Hotel will provide the ultimate luxury lifestyle destination, following its recent $45 million dollar purchase and transformation.

According to David Mark Wyant, Sr., owner and developer of The Saint Hotel, the property is scheduled to open to the public in mid-December 2011. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 1 with room rates beginning at $149.00.

The property will reflect a new and contemporary spirit and look while staying true to important designs and traditions, such as the opulent grandeur of the Beaux Arts décor and era. The 166-room, 8-story Saint Hotel includes 320 sq. ft. modern guest rooms; 1450 sq. ft. of meeting and special event space; Sweet Olive, a modern American restaurant created by Chef Michael Stoltzfus; the Burgundy Bar offering live jazz; and Halo, a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of downtown New Orleans.

“New Orleans represents the heart beat of American history, with its own style, music and food. I love it!” said Wyant. “My family has been in the hotel business for over 40 years and the opportunity to restore the historic Audubon Building is an honor for us. I promise you that The Saint Hotel will offer a new, different and exciting hotel choice for the millions of leisure and business travelers who come to this beautiful city on the bayou.”

Renowned executive Chef Michael Stoltzfus of the ever-popular Coquette in the Garden District once again lends his modern touch to classic American cooking at Sweet Olive at The Saint Hotel. Serving updated takes on Southern and New Orleans cooking, Sweet Olive will offer a constantly changing seasonal menu focusing on local produce and products.

“When we met Mark and heard his vision for the hotel, it was an immediate connection for both of us,” said Chef Stoltzfus. “Sweet Olive will be a complement to my current restaurant Coquette and I will be overseeing the kitchens at both locations. Sweet Olive at The Saint Hotel will provide me with a new culinary platform to explore flavors that will entrance our guests.”

“I wanted to brand the hotel with a New Orleans flavor and Chef Stoltzfus is an amazing talent who will establish Sweet Olive at The Saint Hotel as a location for unforgettable dining,” said Wyant.

The Saint Hotel is a one-of-a-kind property which will provide memorable experiences and surprises with a spontaneous, haute bohemian eclectic, eccentric and edgy sophistication for even the most sophisticated traveler. Ideal for leisure or business, The Saint Hotel is located on the Canal Street streetcar line and is a short walk from the French Quarter’s charming galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and music-filled nightclubs while also convenient to the Riverwalk, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Aquarium of the Americas and Harrah's Casino. It is minutes from the Louisiana Superdome and the New Orleans Arena.

(Editor’s Note: See attached Fact Sheet for details on The Saint Hotel.)

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