The Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center family gathered at its opening

We have to admit it - New Orleans is one of our all-time favorite cities. With great people, great food, great architecture, great tourism, and great fun, what's not to love? That's why we feel so strongly about supporting New Orleans in any way we can and growing our presence in this vibrant community.
In fact, just last week, we added another Hyatt property to our New Orleans roster. Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center opened just steps away from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the French Quarter, making it an ideal spot for business and leisure travelers. With the new Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, and Hyatt French Quarter, which will be opening in May, we're making big moves in the Big Easy!

The Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center family gathered at its opening
But, our love for New Orleans is about more than just hotels - it's about getting involved and supporting the city's continual recovery. We're humbled to have just taken part in a monumental fundraising event with the Make It Right Foundation. In case you're not familiar, Make It Right is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Pitt that is committed to the redevelopment of New Orleans, particularly an area hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
Our great associates at Hyatt Regency New Orleans approached the Make It Right Foundation with this fundraising idea, and they agreed! And on March 10, Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres hosted A Night to Make It Right at Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The sold-out event raised more than $5 million to build sustainable homes in the city's Lower 9th Ward.
It was a star-studded event, including hometown hero Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Angelina Jolie, Portia de Rossi, Randy Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman, Harrison Ford, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fischer, Wendell Pierce, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Senator Mary Landrieu and many more. Guests enjoyed musical performances throughout the night from Rihanna and many legendary local musicians, including Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Irvin Mayfield.
Chef John Besh coordinated the four-course dinner menu with help from famed chefs, a successful live auction sold off one-of-a-kind celebrity items, and the After Party continued with comedy from Aziz Ansari and performances featuring Kanye West, Seal, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna and Jamie Foxx.
Make sure to watch the video below to see how Hyatt Regency New Orleans helped transform this inspiring idea into a reality.
