Ramada Breaks Ground On First New Construction Prototype

NEW ORLEANS— Ramada Franchise Systems has broken ground on its first new prototype hotel, located here, in an effort to spur the development of new construction properties and further the brand’s ‘revival’ program. The $9 million New Orleans project marks the first of a dozen new construction prototype hotels planned across the country, said Steven Belmonte, president/CEO of Ramada. In an effort to improve quality, Ramada implemented a ‘revival plan’ in March designed to remove sub-standard properties from its system. “Whenever you’re cleaning up a brand, in terms of quality and consistency, it’s good business to create a new, sleek prototype along with it. One goes with the other,” said Belmonte. “We’re hoping to attract a lot of new construction business, as opposed to conversions,” as well as new Ramada franchisees, he added. The new Louisiana hotel is owned by an existing Ramada franchisee, who also owns a Ramada hotel in Luling, LA. The 130-room prototype hotel in New Orleans is the 11th Ramada property in the New Orleans area. The hotel features the brand’s new prototype lobby, which eliminates the front desk and replaces it with a reception pod and electronic kiosks. “There’s a curved-shaped pod right in the lobby with chairs, so people can sit down, or use the electronic services to avoid the lines,” said Belmonte. The new Ramada prototype also features earth tones and small, full-service restaurants. The corridors, guestrooms, and exterior of the new prototype will remain consistent with the brand’s existing designs. “The New Orleans hotel has a prime location right near the airport, in a business park,” he said, noting that the hotel will most likely cater to business travelers and should not compete with the brand’s existing hotels in the area. “Our Ramada Plaza on Bourbon Street has one of the best locations in all of the French Quarter and serves a more fun, leisure-oriented crowd,” said Belmonte. Ramada’s next new prototype hotel will be located in Georgia and is expected to break ground within the next four months.