Monthly Archives: August 2017

The Roosevelt New Orleans, announces New Executive Chef Jose Martinez

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, announced Chef Jose Martinez as the new executive chef. In his new role, Martinez is responsible for the creation and execution of menus throughout the entire hotel, including in-room dining and banquets, as well as the training and management of the hotel’s entire culinary staff.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Martinez fostered his love for food through his family’s restaurant in the heart of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, where they served tourists from all over the world. Coming from a culture with a rich history of serving rice and beans as a base for meals and incorporating seafood from surrounding bodies of water, Martinez will fit right into New Orleans, bringing even more flare to the Crescent City’s culinary scene.

In 2002, Martinez enrolled in the Caribbean Culinary Institute in Puerto Rico where he fully immersed himself in the art of cooking. Martinez is a firm believer in using the freshest local ingredients to produce the best results, mastering his skills on an island influenced by the colorful flavors of the Caribbean. At the age of 21, Martinez sought to expand his knowledge in the kitchen, making the move to the contiguous U.S. where he studied at the Florida Culinary Institute.

With a diverse background, Martinez will apply his extensive knowledge and creativity to continue the hotel’s excellent culinary reputation

“I always say, enjoy the moment you are at the table because nothing comes close to that feeling of being surrounded by great food, friends and family. The Roosevelt New Orleans is now my table,” said Martinez. “I am honored to play such a large role as executive chef, carrying on the tradition of sophisticated and luxurious dining for the whole hotel.”

Chef Martinez’s career began when his family opened up the Crab House in Puerto Rico where he continually filled the 75-seat restaurant with guests eager to try the family’s cuisine. Following his desire to expand his culinary skills, he attended the Florida Culinary Institute. Chef Martinez gained experience at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In 2013, he started his career with the Waldorf Astoria brand at the Arizona Biltmore luxury resort as executive banquet chef and worked his way up, eventually earning the title of executive sous chef. In 2015, he move to Colorado Springs and gained new experience at The Broadmoor before he returned to the Waldorf Astoria brand here in the Crescent City. Chef Martinez is now catering to New Orleans luxury at The Roosevelt New Orleans as the executive chef.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Martinez to our kitchen,” said Resident Manager Sebastian Stutz. “The Roosevelt New Orleans has a century-long tradition of culinary excellence all centered on the guest experience. We know Chef Martinez’s culinary creativity and love for executing artful dishes for our guests will keep the hotel at its best.”

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is one of America’s most luxurious and revered properties in one of the world’s greatest cities. This iconic hotel offers 504 rooms, including 125 suites, along with ballrooms and meeting space for every event from elaborate galas to private groups, weddings and more. Built in 1893 and boasting its signature block-long golden lobby with dozens of sparkling chandeliers, The Roosevelt has created its own history with the renowned Blue Room, Sazerac Bar, Waldorf Astoria Spa, fitness center, Rooftop Bar, Teddy’s Café, Fountain Lounge, Emporium Gift Shop and its true Waldorf world-class service. Located steps from the history and excitement of the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans is the crown jewel of New Orleans luxury.

Hyatt Centric Guatemala City

Hyatt Hotels Corporation in conjunction with LATAM Hotel Corporation and GHL Hotels, announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, the brand’s first hotel in Central America. The 138-room hotel is located along 2nd Avenue in the heart of Guatemala City’s Zona 10, known locally as “Zona Viva,” which is considered one of the city’s most upscale commercial areas and provides a perfect launch pad for guests to explore and discover the diverse offering of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

“This hotel is a prime destination in Guatemala City, allowing guests to begin their journey of the country’s economic, governmental, and cultural center,” said George Vizer, vice president of franchise operations, Hyatt. “We are confident Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will deliver on the brand’s commitment to put guests in the middle of the action and inspire them to explore Guatemala’s capital city.”

As the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Central America, the hotel is designed to make guests feel welcome and connected to the heart of Guatemala City and all it has to offer. From Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, guests can meander through the National Museum of Archeology, shop for handmade textiles at the Plaza Mayor, and experience the Historic Center and National Palace. Additionally, La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala’s passenger and cargo hub, is only 10 minutes away from the hotel.

“Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand – we are confident that Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will serve as a terrific launch pad for guests, but will also be a great gathering point for the local community. Furthermore, the location of the hotel in Zona Viva will position Hyatt Centric Guatemala City as an outstanding hotel in the city,” said Fernando Paiz, president of Latam Hotels Corporation.

“We are delighted to open Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, which will set a new standard for hospitality, service and facilities in Guatemala City. Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand, and whether traveling for leisure or business, our guests will have the opportunity to explore a full service lifestyle hotel and have a wonderful experience,” said Jorge Londoño, president of GHL Hotels.

Guestrooms
Modern explorers can relax and recharge in one of the hotel’s 138 guestrooms and suites, each complete with floor-to-ceiling views of Guatemala City or the hotel’s atrium. Design features include vintage artwork highlighting Guatemalan culture and desired conveniences such as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an airport shuttle to La Aurora International Airport are provided with your stay.

Dining and Drinking
Food lovers can discover local flavors at the hotel’s distinct dining outlets. Starting with the hotel’s main restaurant, Zamat brings a unique open kitchen concept offering a delicious mix of modern inspirations and classic dishes prepared with local ingredients. Decorated with organic materials such as wood and the colorful textiles from Guatemala, Zamat features a display wall with the traditional masks of Guatemala as a central point of the restaurant. Adding to its character and a sense of place, an artisanal cocktail menu featuring local plants enhances the experience and atmosphere.
When the sun starts to set over Guatemala City, guests will find themselves at Zielo. This unique rooftop restaurant with a central open kitchen is the perfect place to relax or spend time with friends, family, and colleagues while being in the middle of the action. Enjoy tropical cocktails, live music once a week and a casual menu consisting of pizzas, small bites, and other sharing plates.

Additional food and beverage outlets include the exclusive Bar Zeis and Ezprezzo Corner, which serves delicious coffees from different regions of Guatemala with gourmet pastries.

Wellness and Recreation
The rooftop fitness center at Hyatt Centric Guatemala City pulls out all the stops to motivate your workout. Guests can enjoy skyline views while getting their heart rate going on a treadmill or stationary bike. Additionally, guests can round out their workout with a suite of strength-training equipment.

Pet Friendly
Guests are welcomed to join us with their favorite four-legged friend during their stay in Guatemala City. Up to one dog per room weighing up to 40 pounds. The hotel offer beds, bowls, toys, and treats, free of charge.

Source: Hyatt Hotels