First-of-its-kind Hilton property in the State of Louisiana combines Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton on one site
Somewhere between Christmas and the Super Bowl, news of two new hotels opening in Bossier City got lost in the celebration shuffle.
Guess what? Two new Hilton hotels with over 9,000 sq. ft. of event space opened in Bossier City on December 20. And, the 291-room hotel, which combines Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, is the first-of-its-kind dual-branded Hilton in the State of Louisiana. The hotel complex is located on Old Minden Road in Bossier City just two miles from downtown Shreveport.
The hotels, combined in a U-shaped building, have separate entrances and lobbies, each catering to the distinctive needs of their respective upscale clientele; short term guests at Hilton Garden Inn and extended-stay and Homewood Suites.
If you have seen the new Hilton complex, you would probably agree that the façade of the combination hotel is quite impressive. However, the real impression is made when you first enter either the Hilton Garden Inn or Homewood Suites lobbies.
The elegant interior is a blend of traditional and contemporary with soaring ceilings, cozy fireplaces, rich woods, and eye-catching vibrant colors. Design aficionados will swoon over the successful blend of subdued modern décor, rich fabrics and the fluid integration of shared spaces such as the event center, lobby, cocktail bar and restaurant.
Other exquisite features include an event center which can accommodate meetings and events for five to 500 people. The Dahlia Ballroom opens to the Wisteria Terrace outfitted with comfy patio decor, perfect for pre-event cocktail receptions or pool-side dining. The Ivy private dining room is ideal for intimate dinners or special events. The latest technology and device compatibility is available in all meeting rooms including provisioning for video conferencing in the Turner Boardroom.
In addition to lavish event space, guests can expect delectable culinary selections developed and prepared by Chef Karl Doernte, co-developer of Market 104 and former Executive Chef at Shreveport Country Club. The Garden Grille & Bar also offers choices from regional comfort food and blue plate specials to exceptional gourmet dishes served at reasonable prices.
Suites and guest rooms are designed to feel like a home away from home with designer furnishings, wood floors, granite countertops, 42” flat-screen, high definition televisions, refrigerator, microwave, and comfortable bedding. Surpassing home, guests can have delicious meals delivered to their room or dine onsite at the Garden Grille, which is quickly becoming a locals favorite dining spot.
The property, which was built on the site of the former Holiday Inn Bossier, is owned and managed by Dimension Development Company of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Presiding over the property is General Manager Ray Ferland, who oversees a staff of 125 and makes sure everything from pillows to fine dining is up to par.
Ferland, well-known for operating hotels at the highest level of guest service, served as General Manager of the Holiday Inn Bossier from 1993 until its closing in 2011 and then as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott at the Louisiana
Boardwalk. In 2012, he received the Master award from the Shreveport Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau for his contribution to the local tourism industry. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and Shreveport- Bossier Hotel and Lodging Association.
Sandra Haynes returned to the hospitality industry and Dimension Development to serve as Director of Sales. Before coming to the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, Haynes was Director of Sales and Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for properties under the Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Holiday Inn brands. Prior to joining the Bossier Hilton, she served as Executive Director of the Shreveport Bar Association.
Ferland and Haynes recognized that a luxury hotel is just a building without luxury service and great food. With that in mind, they set out to hire the best of the best in Shreveport Bossier City. Ferland contacted and rehired twenty former Holiday Inn employees known for providing exemplary service including Executive Housekeeper Jimmie Morris and Cook Martha McConnell, both of whom started with the Holiday Inn in 1973 and worked successively for 39 years until it closed in 2011.
Then, the leadership team reviewed nearly 2,000 applications and resumes with a goal of finding top candidates with a desire to provide the best service in the region. After conducting over 1,000 interviews, Ferland’s dream team was assembled and Hilton brand training began.
In our opinion, the goal was met and the results are outstanding. When you enter either hotel, you will receive a warm greeting followed by what Ferland refers to as “the right mix of Southern Hospitality and Hilton luxury”.
See for yourself with special opening rates starting at $99 per night and discounted meeting room rates through Feb. 28, 2013. Breakfast is served daily. Also lunch and dinner is available Monday through Saturday at the Garden Grille & Bar. Call 318-759-1950 or visit shreveportbossiercity.hgi.com for more information.
