Is that neon-lighting we see in the background?

Long operating hotels are working double time to keep up with their slick newer counterparts, undergoing minor facelifts or totally gutting their interiors to compete with fresh faced, showy young'uns. Truth be told, we often enjoy staying at places with a bit of time-worn character, but when a building's facade bears damage from World War I, even us history buffs think it's time for an extreme makeover.]]> Heidi Atwal 2011-11-14T17:30:01-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/31/141828/10 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/surfcomber_kimptonroom.jpg" class="top"><p> While the opening status of some hotels in Miami Beach like the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/24/04745/899/hotels/Finally_Work_is_Beginning_on_The_Edition_Miami_Beach_Or_Is_It_">Edition</a> and the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/28/113651/33/hotels/Can_We_Finally_Call_Cipriani_Miami_Dead_in_the_Water_">Cipriani</a> have us scratching our heads, there is one confirmed hotel "opening" coming soon--<a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/The+Surfcomber%2C+A+Kimpton+Hotel/local/2869"><b>The Surfcomber Hotel</b></a> on <b>December 1</b>. Ok, so the hotel has been open for a long time, but come December 1st, the hotel will officially turn into a <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/kimpton hotels">Kimpton Hotel</a> (previously, it was a Doubletree.) <p>The rebranding made news back in <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/4/6/94032/28651/hotels/Doubletree_Surfcomber_Will_Turn_Into_a_Kimpton_on_April_15">April</a> but the hotel has since undergone a top to bottom renovation that has sought to combine "the eclectic style of European Bohemia with a down home American front porch appeal." The 186 rooms now feature Frette linens and Ero bath toiletries juliana 2011-10-31T15:42:48-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/28/11423/893 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/30451/Shelborne.JPG" class="top"><p>As you can see from this shot we snapped yesterday, there's lots going on at the <a href='http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel/local/2624'><strong>Shelborne Beach Resort</strong></a>. The hotel's renovations are under way, and according to hotelier Keith Menin, right on track for the hotel's big reopening on November 30.<p> Finishing touches were still being added to the guest rooms, so we can't show you those just yet but we can tell you that they are smart, light and beachy with tons of natural light and simple, modern spins on the classic Deco hotel room. As Menin himself says, the idea is to create "a great, beachy, fun hotel" that will appeal to all kinds of travelers.<p> A laidback beachfront, poolside eatery, <b>Lucy's Cantina Royale</b> MsRebecca 2011-10-28T11:37:09-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/26/111956/75 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/30451/HyattRegencyBar.jpg" class="top"><p>It's no secret that the eatin' and drinkin' in New Orleans is out of this world. Also, on game days, there is tailgating aplenty around the Superdome&#151;and, now it's <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/25/114245/68/hotels/Inside_the_Newly_Reopened_Hyatt_Regency_New_Orleans">reopened</a>, the <a href='http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel/local/1819'><strong>Hyatt Regency New Orleans</strong></a>. But inside? There's even more yumminess to be had.<p> Our gallery has a little visual sampling of what's on offer, and here are the important deets on where to eat in the hotel:<p> <strong>8 Block Kitchen & Bar: </strong>Named for the eight blocks of Upper Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, the Hyatt Regency NOLA's signature restaurant is helmed by executive chef Eric Damidot, who joined the hotel from Caesar's Palace in Vegas. His menu is farm-to-table driven and blends international MsRebecca 2011-10-26T13:20:02-05:00 Search HotelChatter string http://www.hotelchatter.com/search/