First New Ramada Prototype Slated

New Orleans will host the first new real-life Ramada Inn and Suites prototype. Developer St. Charles Hotel is planning a 130-room hotel near the Crescent City's airport; the property is slated to open in 2001.

The project is part of Ramada's aggressive strategic growth plan to enhance the chain's position in the upper midmarket segment and bolster its presence in downtown, gateway city locations, key secondary markets and airport locations.

"Our new construction Ramada Inn prototype combines Old World hospitality with New World technology for tomorrow's traveler," says Steven Belmonte, Ramada Franchise Systems president and CEO. "By providing guests with valuable amenities and a comfortable environment, the new prototype goes hand-in-hand with the service culture we've established throughout the Ramada system."

With an average of 120 rooms, Ramada Franchise Systems' new construction prototype features a welcome center with electronic check-in/check-out kiosk, a fireplace, cordless phones and various other amenities.

Edited by Megan Rowe