With increasing consumer focus on a greener environment it’s no surprise that travelers are seeking hotels that consider the environment too. Here at the Hotel Monteleone we believe that every amount of effort helps in making a difference and have pledged to work towards a greener way of operating. In order to carry out our ideas and goals towards minimizing the hotel’s ecological footprint, a “Green Committee” has been formed and is responsible for developing an Environmental Green Plan for energy, water and solid waste. From donating left over food to a local non-profit organization to recycling paper, the Hotel Monteleone is proud to be working towards making a difference.

In order to be successful in our green initiatives, we realize everyone from hotel guests to employees must work as a team.  “We encourage our employees to think about ways they can each minimize their own footprints on the environment, not only at work, but all the time,” said Andrea Thornton, the Director of Sales and Marketing. Housekeeping provides reminders to hotel guests about energy efficiency such as turning off lights and lowering AC when not in the room and encourages guests to participate in the hotel’s towel/linen re-use program. These simple things can have an important impact.

In the last couple of months, employees of the Hotel Monteleone have come together to prove they are dedicated towards making a difference. So far there has been a newspaper and magazine recycling contest in which over 225 staff members participated and a gently-used clothing drive and there was no lack of enthusiasm or commitment. Both projects have proven extremely successful and employees continue to brainstorm new ways to recycle various resources used on a daily basis and ultimately become a “green hotel.”

Other Green Initiatives Include:

• Energy-efficient lighting
• Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
• Donating gently-used amenities to local charities
• Offering recycling in meeting spaces
• Bike racks and bike storage for employees and guests
• Glass instead of plastic
• Recycling of fluorescent light bulbs and printer cartridges
• Promotion of walking and public transportation
• Reusing paper for in-house messages and notes
• Removing all Styrofoam products

The sales department here at the Hotel Monteleone received word a few weeks ago that PAWS (Plaquemine Parish Animal Shelter) a no kill shelter, has been receiving a lot of dogs with pinned notes to their collars from local fishermen unable to feed them.  The Gulf oil spill has been devastating on all levels and here at the Hotel Monteleone we are determined to help.

At the Hotel Monteleone we are pet friendly and when we heard the heartbreaking news about our furry friends we wanted to contribute in any way we could. So far we have collected 676 pounds of dog food donations from our Monteleone employees and one group raised over $800. You can join us in supporting the cause!

Below is a Wish List of supplies PAWS is in need of to keep our furry friends comfortable.

Wish List

All donations can be brought to the Plaquemine Parish Animal Shelter located at 9596 Hwy in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.  Please bring your donations directly to the shelter, as we are unable to process donations here at the hotel.

The NOWFE seminars and events will present exciting discussions about what’s hot in the wine world while offering up tastes from celebrated local chefs.  As the birthplace of two of their own delicious libations and home to the award-winning Hunt Room Grill, the Hotel Monteleone is no stranger to delicious New Orleans food and drinks, making it the perfect place for such palate pleasing events to occur. Check out all the exciting NOWFE events going on at Hotel Monteleone below. Deciding which ones to attend is sure to be a difficult decision!

Thursday event will include:

• Royal Street Stroll – A definitive evening event of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, which brings together New Orleans’ greatest gifts: rare antiques, fine art, live jazz and stunning historic architecture with the world’s outstanding wines. Shop the enchanting galleries of Royal Street while experiencing wine offerings at each stop, as live jazz music fills the air. As always, we will be joined by the Krewe of Cork, as they parade down Royal Street. You must be 21 to enter. At the event, in exchange for your ticket, you will receive a 2010 Wine Glass & Wristband that allows you receive wine & food offerings. $75 per person in advance ($90 on-site), 5:30 – 8:30 pm, 300 Royal Street, BUY TICKETS NOW!

Friday Seminars will include:

• Think Outside the Bento Box! – It will be a champagne and sushi paring featuring fresh sushi from Rockin’ Sake. $75 per person, 10:45 – 11:45am, Hotel Monteleone (La Nouvelle East Room)
• Romancing the Rhone – Rhone style wines from California’s Central Coast, and especially the Paso Robles area, made from traditional French Rhone varietals will be paired with tastes from Le Foret. $50 per person, 12:30 – 1:30pm, Hotel Monteleone (Royal Ballroom A & B)
• Big Red Seminar – These “Big Red” blends are paired with artisan cheeses from The Epicurean Connection. $75 per person, 2:30 – 3:30pm, Hotel Monteleone (La Nouvelle East Room)

Saturdays Seminars will include:

• Gone Gulfing – Learn why they call Louisiana a “Sportsman’s Paradise” through an exploration of gulf coast seafood varieties with Chefs Tenney Flynn (GW Fins) and Brian Landry (Galatoire’s). $50 per person, 10:45 – 11:45am, Hotel Monteleone (La Nouvelle East Room)

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or foodie, or maybe even both, the NOWFE seminars and events are an experience not to be missed!

To purchase seminar tickets please email jamie@nowfe.com or call 504.529.WINE (press 1).

After a long day shopping on Royal Street or exploring the French Quarter, stop into SpaAria for a relaxing and rejuvenating  pedicure. Or go all out for the Extreme Monteleone Experience, the ultimate package including manicure, pedicure, custom facial, and full body massage or reflexology. On Mother’s Day we will have free champagne and chocolate for an even more decadently relaxing afternoon.

Do you remember your first Carousel ride? Bet your mom wasn’t far away. Treat her to a spin and a special cocktail at the Carousel Bar.  Legendary author Truman Capote used to brag over drinks that his own mother gave birth to him at Hotel Monteleone. While true that his mother did live in the hotel during her pregnancy, she safely made it to the hospital in time for Truman’s debut. In case you are too relaxed from your day, feel free to stay the night and have sweet dreams on our plush mattresses and wake to a coffee by the rooftop pool overlooking the city. Sounds pretty dreamy, right? Did we mention our Mother’s Day rates start as low as $129.

Whether born here or not, this Mother’s Day (and every other day of the year), Hotel Monteleone wishes all mothers a wonderful day!

The Carousel Bar, which celebrated its 60^th birthday last year, has been home to an exciting array of musical acts over the years and is proud to continue to showcase the city’s most talented musicians and entertainers making it the perfect host for “Jazzy Jams.”

“Jazzy Jams” will be starting April 23 and continuing every night until the Jazz Fest finale on May 2^nd. The sessions will feature locally-based, nationally recognized musicians who will give both hotel guests and locals alike, an intimate and fascinating taste of the musical New Orleans’ long after Jazz Fest is closed each day. Every night, John Austin, one of New Orleans musical treasures, will begin the jam session at 9:00PM and will be followed by the featured performer at 10:30PM.

• Fri. April 23th: Don Vappie
• Sat. April 24th: Cindy Scott
• Sun. April 25th: Cherie Mannino
• Mon. April 26th: Big Daddy ‘O’
• Tues. April 27th: Leroy Jones & Tom McDermott
• Wed. April 28th: Jon Cleary
• Thurs. April 29th: Sam Broussard
• Fri. April 30th: Mitch Woods & Bill Malchow
• Sat. May 1st: Lindsay Mendez
• Sun. May 2nd: John “Papa” Gros

At the end of the day remember that just because the Jazz Fest gates close doesn’t mean the music stops. Make sure to choose Hotel Monteleone’s “Jazzy Jams” as your post Jazz Fest place to keep the good times rollin’ long into the wee hours of the night.

To learn more and hear Big Daddy “O” perform, see the below clip from ABC:

The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone has lured guests in from the crowded French Quarter streets to take a spin on their bright and colorful merry-go-round for decades now, but the real treat lies in a glass. Just added by Elements, the Bar Blog, to the “classics list,” the Vieux Carré, a cocktail unique to the Crescent City, ceases to disappoint.  A drink with six ingredients, the Vieux Carré, may appear to be a bit complex for some however, most cocktail enthusiasts insists that once given a try, it will surely end up on your short list of cocktails.

There is no doubt the Vieux Carré has proven to be a success since its very start and continues to draw locals and travelers alike into the historic Carousel Bar for a taste. Give this cocktail recipe a try in your kitchen.

Vieux Carré

• 3/4 oz Rye Whiskey
• 3/4 oz Cognac or good Brandy
• 3/4 oz sweet Vermouth
• (a short) ½ oz Benedictine
• 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Pour the Whiskey, Cognac, Benedictine and Vermouth into a mixing glass full of ice and shake in the bitters. Stir well for 20-30 seconds, and then strain into an old-fashioned glass half-full of ice (or strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass). Twist a slice of lemon peel over the glass and drop it in. Enjoy.

“Our first vacation giveaway was such a hit that we are thrilled to be hosting more,” says Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing Andrea Thornton, “Our Tweetcations will give people from around the country a chance to experience the city of New Orleans at its finest.”

Through out 2010 The Hotel Monteleone will host a series of Tweetcation give-a-ways centered around Broadway Across America’s Mamma Mia, Wicked and Avenue Q, Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest, Tales of the Cocktail, Southern Decadence and Halloween. Deluxe accommodations for the winner and a guest will be provided along with meals, tours and other surprises.

The Hotel Monteleone hosted their first social media vacation giveaway in November and named Tampa resident, Sarah Gadol, the winner. Gadol and a guest will be in New Orleans in June to redeem her Tweetcation package. In addition to deluxe accommodations at the historic Hotel Monteleone, Gadol will also receive meals at Hotel Monteleone’s Le Café and Hunt Room Grill, as well as Brennan’s Restaurant, Mr. B’s Restaurant and Arnaud’s Restaurant. Tour passes for The National World War II Museum, New Orleans Spirit Walking Tour and The Historic New Orleans Collection are also included in their trip in addition to a romantic Dinner Jazz Cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez.

Followers of the Hotel Monteleone on Twitter and fans of the Monteleone on Facebook can enter to win this Tweetcation by tweeting or posting why they want to come to New Orleans. Applicants many enter the contest more than once but original posts and tweets must be used each time. Applicants must be 21 years or older to be eligible to win. A winner will be randomly chosen at the end of the two week contest period. For complete rules and requirements please visit, www.hotelmonteleoneblog.com. Additional rules for a specific Tweetcation may be added on Monteleone’s website as each contest period approaches.

For more information on the Hotel Monteleone’s Tweetcation series or on the Monteleone, please visit www.hotelmonteleoneblog.com, follow the Monteleone on Twitter @HotelMonteleone and become a fan of Hotel Monteleone on Facebook.

Mamma Mia! NOLA Tweetcation

The Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the world famous New Orleans French Quarter. The city, known for its culture and cuisine, is a favorite vacation destination and welcomes millions of visitors from across the globe annually. Hotel Monteleone is inviting you to pack your bags and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Hotel Monteleone is offering a Tweetcation in the Big Easy to the hotel’s friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter. The winner will receive:

• Deluxe accommodations for a 4 day and 3 night stay at Hotel Monteleone
• 2 tickets for Mamma Mia! playing in New Orleans at Mahalia Jackson Theater, February 2-7, 2010
  • Showtime to be selected by the Hotel Monteleone
• Breakfast for 2 at Le Café located in the Hotel Monteleone
• 10% discount at Spa Aria located in Hotel Monteleone
• Dinner for 2 at the Hotel Monteleone’s Hunt Room Grill
• Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde
• Welcome cocktails for 2 in The Carousel Bar
• Complimentary hotel parking

CONTEST INFO: Information on the contest will be available on the Hotel Monteleone’s blog, www.hotelmonteleoneblog.com or via Twitter, follow hash tag #nolatweetcation The winner will be announced by 5PM on Friday, January 15, 2010.

HOW TO ENTER: Simply tweet or post why you want to come to New Orleans as our guest.

RULES: To be eligible to win, contestant hopefuls must be a follower of @HotelMonteleone on Twitter or a fan of Hotel Monteleone on Facebook. The prize is non-transferable and must be redeemed within February 2010 coinciding with Mamma Mia! playing at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. If the winner fails to claim the prize in five business days, a new winner will be named. A winner will be randomly selected at the end of the one month contest and notified via Facebook or Twitter. The winner must be willing to be publically named as the winner in press materials and through Facebook and Twitter. Contestants may enter as many times as desired but each entry must be an original post or tweet. No retweets or post duplications will be accepted as an entry. The hotel accommodations are based on hotel availability and are not applicable during special events or close out events. The winner must be 21 years or older to claim the prize.

Hotel Monteleone is offering a Tweetcation in the Big Easy to the hotel’s friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter. The winner will receive:

• Deluxe accommodations for a 4 day and 3 night stay at Hotel Monteleone during Mardi Gras, February 14-17, 2010
• Breakfast for 2 at Le Café located in the Hotel Monteleone
• 10% discount at Spa Aria located in Hotel Monteleone
• Dinner for 2 at the Hotel Monteleone’s Hunt Room Grill
• Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde
• Welcome cocktails for 2 in The Carousel Bar
• Complimentary hotel parking

CONTEST INFO: Information on the contest will be available on the Hotel Monteleone’s blog, www.hotelmonteleoneblog.com or via Twitter, follow hash tag #nolatweetcation

HOW TO ENTER: Simply tweet or post why you want to come to New Orleans as our guest.

RULES: To be eligible to win, contestant hopefuls must be a follower of @HotelMonteleone on Twitter or a fan of Hotel Monteleone on Facebook. The prize is non-transferable and must be redeemed within January /February 2010 coinciding with the dates selected by the hotel February 14-17 2010. If the winner fails to claim the prize in three business days, a new winner will be named. A winner will be randomly selected at the end of the contest, January 29, 2010 and notified via Facebook or Twitter. The winner must be willing to be publically named as the winner in press materials and through Facebook and Twitter. Contestants may enter as many times as desired but each entry must be an original post or tweet. No retweets or post duplications will be accepted as an entry and will be removed from the entries. The hotel accommodations are based on hotel availability and are not applicable during special events or close out events. The winner must be 21 years or older to claim the prize.

Hotel Monteleone is offering a Tweetcation in the Big Easy to the hotel’s friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter. The winner will receive:

• Deluxe accommodations for a 5 day and 4 night stay at Hotel Monteleone
• Complimentary breakfast at Le Café located in the Hotel Monteleone
• R&R in the luxury spa located in Hotel Monteleone
• Dinner at the Hotel Monteleone’s Hunt Room Grill
• Breakfast at Brennan’s Restaurant
• Dinner at Mr. B’s Restaurant
• Sunday Brunch at Arnaud’s Restaurant
• Complimentary cocktails in The Carousel Bar
• Complimentary hotel parking or airfare provided
• Complimentary passes to The Historic New Orleans Collection, www.hnoc.org, as well as a $25 gift certificate for The Shop at The Collection
• Complimentary passes to The National World War II Museum
• A complimentary romantic Dinner Jazz Cruise aboard the famed Steamboat Natchez from New Orleans Steamboat & Gray Line Tours\
• Complimentary passes to the city’s Original Walking Tour or Ghost & Spirits Walking Tour

CONTEST INFO: Information on the contest will be available on the Hotel Monteleone’s blog, or via Twitter, follow hash tag #nolatweetcation.

HOW TO ENTER: Simply tweet or post why you want to come to New Orleans as our guest.

RULES: To be eligible to win, contestant hopefuls must be a follower of @HotelMonteleone on Twitter or a fan of Hotel Monteleone on Facebook. The prize is non-transferable and must be redeemed within six months of being named the winner. If the winner fails to claim the prize in five business days, a new winner will be named. A winner will be randomly selected at the end of the one month contest and notified via Facebook or Twitter. Contestants may enter as many times as desired but each entry must be an original post or tweet. No Retweets or post duplications will be accepted as an entry. The hotel accommodations are based on hotel availability, and are not applicable during special events or close out events. The winner must be 21 years or older to claim the prize.