Cutting Remarks

Hyatt hotels was able to deliver a convoy of food and water to its stranded guests in its downtown New Orleans high rise 2 days before the government could get suppplies to those trapped at the Superdome. Also - the 700 or so guests, staff and family, who were holed up in the comfortable hotel, were able to cut to the front of the line of 1000's of people who were waiting to be rescued.

Kanye West's off-script remarks about Bush not caring about African Americans might not have come out very coherently, and certainly put a look of shock and embarrasment on Dreamworks shill Mike Myers - but I am sure his sentiments echo what a lot of people in the trenches are thinking. Still, I don't think the telethon was the proper place to air his views - as the focus should have stayed on just raising money for the victims.


from the corporate press release:

Guests Evacuated Today From Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Global Hyatt Corporation and Strategic Hotel Capital, Inc. Announce Worldwide Hyatt Relief Fund for Employees Affected by Hurricane Katrina

CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/02/2005 -- Hyatt Regency New Orleans and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the evacuation of hurricane victims -- including both guests and employees -- from the hotel. With the exception of a small group of Hyatt executives, safety experts, city officials and FEMA representatives, all guests have vacated the premises.

According to Hyatt Regency General Manager Michael Smith, guests and employees who had operable cars were evacuated and cleared to drive to points north via caravan, and the remainder were evacuated via bus. No guests were suffering from major injury or illness at the time of evacuation, Smith said.

The approximately 900 guests that remained on the premises following Katrina's powerful blow -- primarily hotel staff and their families, officials, and those in emergency-related roles -- were safely relocated to the hotel's well-sheltered ballroom, exhibit hall areas and serviceable guest rooms where they were kept comfortable following the hurricane while city and emergency officials began the difficult process of assessing storm related damage to the hotel and the city.

According to Smith, the heaviest physical damage to the property was caused by significant water and debris being blown into hotel guest rooms and atrium lobby after windows were shattered by severe winds.

A convoy of food and supplies provided by Hyatt hotels in Atlanta and Houston arrived at Hyatt Regency New Orleans on Wednesday of this week.