Royal Sonesta Named Host Hotel for Tales of the Cocktail 2019 in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – January 24, 2019 – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is pleased to announce Royal Sonesta New Orleans as its host hotel for this year’s Tales of the Cocktail, taking place in New Orleans from July 16-21, 2019. This will mark the 17th year for Tales of the Cocktail, an annual event that has evolved from a walking tour of historic New Orleans cocktail bars into the world’s premier cocktail festival. 2019 is also a showcase year for Royal Sonesta New Orleans, celebrating 50 years of serving New Orleans and bringing a touch of luxury to Bourbon Street.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a hotel partner was issued in September 2018 and the decision to engage in an RFP process for a host hotel was multifaceted. Reinvigorated under new leadership, recommitted to its status as a 501c3 non-profit, and driven by a clear mission to “Educate, Advance, and Support” the global spirits community, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation knew it needed to evaluate all of its existing partnerships to ensure the Foundation is both forward-thinking and financially sound.
Critical to the RFP process, TOTCF sought to identify a hotel that is centrally located, accessible for locals and international visitors alike, and possesses both the availability and ability to handle the volume of attendees the festival brings. The costs of execution within the venue has also been essential in the decision-making process; the Foundation strives to ensure that its dollars are being spent efficiently so that proceeds can be reinvested in the organization’s mission.
“We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which will serve as home base for Tales of the Cocktail in 2019,” said Gary Solomon Jr., Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “Over 30,000 attendees flock to New Orleans for the annual festival and we are confident that this decision will both enrich the experience of our guests and further the ambitious goals of the Foundation.”
While Royal Sonesta New Orleans has previously served as home to select Tales of the Cocktail seminars and events, this partnership will bring all of the 2019 Seminars, Tasting Rooms, and Pool Tastings to the iconic French Quarter venue. Registration will also be held within Royal Sonesta New Orleans, to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Royal Sonesta New Orleans,” said Caroline Rosen, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “They mirror the organization’s values and are the embodiment of hospitality. We’re looking forward to using some of their signature spaces like Le Booze Bar and The Jazz Playhouse to activate in some new and exciting ways.”
“This unprecedented level of partnership with Tales of the Cocktail comes at a pivotal time in our hotel’s history,” said Royal Sonesta New Orleans General Manager Alfred “Al” Groos. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary throughout 2019, this collaboration is a perfect fit for our mission to bring first-class hospitality and revelry to the heart of the French Quarter and across the Crescent City. We’re beyond excited to welcome everyone through our doors.”
Reservations can be made by visiting Tales of the Cocktail 2019. Guests can also book by calling the reservations line at 1-855-463-3092. They should reference Group Code 0712TOTCAT, or Group Name Tales of the Cocktail 2019 Attendee Block.
For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, please visit www.talesofthecocktailfoundation.org.
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About Tales of the Cocktail Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail has grown from a small gathering of cocktail lovers into the world’s premier cocktail festival. Each year the international spirits industry is welcomed to New Orleans for a week of seminars, tastings, networking events and much more. With 200+ annual events developed specifically for bartenders, distillers and other spirits professionals, Tales of the Cocktail is the industry’s annual meeting place for the exchange of new ideas, products and techniques.
About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that educates, advances and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events.
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 nightlife 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.
Media Inquiries:
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