New Orleans, Here We Come!
By Sheri Davies
Vice President, ConferenceDirect
What a great city to hold the 68th NAPS National Convention! Awesome food, amazing entertainment, beautiful artwork, plenty of sites to see and the genuine feeling of happiness all around. This article will provide you with helpful information to make your stay in New Orleans smooth and easy—just like the Big Easy.
General Information
The convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113; 504-524-6048. Check-in is 3 p.m.; checkout is at noon. The New Orleans Post Office will be onsite Thursday, Aug. 11, through Friday, Aug. 12, in Storyville Hall on the 3rd floor of the Hyatt.
Transportation Centers
Airport Shuttle Service
National Convention Host Branch 73 has made arrangements with Airport Shuttle New Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the New Orleans Hyatt Regency. The discounted rate is $40 per person for round trip and $20 per person for one way:
Public Transportation
Visit the city’s most popular attractions via the Loyola-UPT Streetcar Line, which passes the hotel every 20 minutes. The fee is $1.25 paid upon boarding. One-day and three-day unlimited-ride Jazzy Passes also are available for $3 and $9, respectively. For more information, please visit the hotel concierge.
Restaurants On-Site at the Hyatt
8 Block Kitchen & Bar
Named after the blocks that make up Bourbon Street, this restaurant is the cornerstone of the Hyatt’s dining options. It offers an award-winning buffet of gourmet breakfast and lunch dishes and features a delicious fusion of farm-to-table and traditional cuisine. Explore the executive chef’s “Ground Grits and Bits Pancake” recipe featured in Men’s Journal.
8 Block Kitchen currently is serving a food hall concept. Breakfast offerings consist of fresh eggs, potatoes, breakfast meats, sandwiches, fresh pastries and assorted beverages. Dinner service offers build-your-own salad stations, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pizza and chef’s daily entrée choice.
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; breakfast is 6:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon
Happy hours, 3 - 6 p.m.
Dress code is casual.
Starbucks®
Conveniently located on the 2nd floor, Starbucks® has the coffee, tea or quick bite you’re craving. Pastries and sandwiches are made with high-quality, simple ingredients, so all the goodness you taste is real food. Grab items to go or relax and surf the web with spacious seating and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to noon
Vitascope Hall
Vitascope Hall is the place to unwind and continue the fun all at once with huge TVs for sports. Enjoy the freshest Louisiana seafood, an exceptional raw bar and stunning sushi.
Hours:
Daily, noon to 9 p.m.; hours may vary based on special events
Lagniappe Exchange
In a town that never stops, the Hyatt’s fresh market and gift shop is open late seven days a week to keep you going. Whether youforgot sunscreen, want a book to read poolside, need a late night snack or early morning refreshment or are looking for the perfectsouvenir to take home, the exchange has you covered.
Hours:
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dress code is casual.
Pizza Consegna
Try the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the Big Easy. Our master chefs bake each gourmet pie fresh with the highest quality, locally sourced organic ingredients and specialty homemade dough made with Antico Molino Caputo flour. Pizza Consegna currently is being served through 601 Delivery; call 54 from your guestroom phone to order—504-561-1234,ext. 54. Hours subject to change.
601 Delivery
Experience the Hyatt’s anytime food delivery service offering a wide variety of culinary offerings. No need to leave your room, 601 Delivery will have all your cravings delivered quickly to your hotel door in biodegradable disposable packaging. Dial 54 from yourguestroom phone to feed your cravings.
*For your safety, 601 Delivery is the only food and beverage delivery service with access to the guestroom floors.
Hours:
6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 504-561-1234, ext. 54
Bywater Pool Deck & Bar
The full-service Bywater Bar & Grill is at the 5th-floor pool—a tranquil spot for an invigorating swim or to enjoy lunch with friends. Or escape the New Orleans sun in one of our private, poolside cabanas with lounge chairs and full food and beverage service. The pool is open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hours:
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fitness Center
Work up a sweat with the Hyatt’s state-of-the-art spin, elliptical, cardio and free weight equipment. The concierge can help set up personalized classes with your favorite yoga and martial arts facilities. Uniquely positioned on the 32nd floor, the fitness center overlooks the Caesars Superdome and features expansive views of the Crescent City.
Hours:
Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NAPS Monday Welcome Reception
Wear your dancing shoes and bring your NOLA appetite because on Monday night NAPS Headquarters and New OrleansBranch 73 are working hard to bring you an absolutely amazing night!
There will be live entertainment, cash bars, delicious food and some New Orleans fun surprises. The event will be in thebeautiful Empire Ballroom.
SPAC Walkathon
This year’s national convention SPAC Walkathon will be on Thursday morning, Aug. 11, at 6:15 a.m.; meet in the lobby.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in one of my favorite cities! Safe travels; here’s to an amazing 68th NAPS National Convention.
Categories: The Postal Supervisor
