What about all our Marriotts in New Orleans??

As many of my friends and family know, I work at a Marriott Hotel in Racine.
I have been wondering about all the Marriotts down in New Orleans and how they fared in the hurricane.
One story I just found sheds a little light on the conditions of the properties down there....

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Marriott addresses Hurricane KatrinaNEW ORLEANS-
Marriott International is working to evacuate 350 people, victims of Hurricane Katrina, who remain at two downtown New Orleans hotels, according to reports by Marriott executives during a conference call that took place Sept. 1.
About 300 people remain in the Ritz-Carlton, which is surrounded by about 4 feet of water, and about 50 people are in the JW Marriott, following the Aug. 29 storm.
At the start of the hurricane, there were 2,000 associates represented in the city and about 2,500 guests. Marriott has 15 hotels with over 4,600 guestrooms in the New Orleans market.
"Our intent is to move in once we get accessibility from local officials," said Lenny Jachimowicz, vice president, engineering , North American lodging. Engineers are standing by to assess the conditions of the structures at that point, Jachimowicz said.
"This is a most distressful and concerning time for us in the New Orleans area and the Gulf Coast-obviously the biggest natural disaster that probably has ever hit our country," said Bill Marriott, chairman and c.e.o., Marriott International.
"… The long-term outlook for New Orleans, I think, is very positive. When this country gets mobilized and decides they're going to do something, it gets done … We get it rebuilt and we do it in a hurry. We have great resources in this country. We've got what it takes to rebuild the city and we are very confident that it will be rebuilt in a timely fashion and come back better than ever before. We recognize the tremendous importance of New Orleans not only as the major port and refinery area for the country, but also in many other respects. We will get through and the future is going to be fine."
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Well folks....you heard it here first. The Marriott Hotels in the "Big Easy" will rebound and be rebuilt. At least I know I still have a place to sleep when they do bring back "Mardi Gras"........I was a bit worried.

It also sounds as if the Lodging industry as a whole is putting some muscle behind trying to make for some semblence of orginazation down in this area also:
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FEMA requests your help
AH&LA is working in close cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to mobilize hoteliers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the surrounding states that are willing and able to assist with hurricane relief efforts.
HSMAI reacts to Katrina
In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International has spearheaded a series of initiatives, including the creation of a foundation.
Marriott gives update on impactMarriott International has established a toll-free line for friends and families to call for information about guests and associates who may have been affected by the hurricane: (866) 211-4610.
IHG advises on travel
InterContinental Hotels Group announced that as a result of the hurricane, many hotels are overbooked, especially in areas with a huge influx of evacuees, including Alabama, Arkansas, east Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. IHG guests who have plans to travel to these areas during the next several weeks are encouraged to call (800) 331-0573, or call the hotel directly.
Hilton Hotels reports status of hotels
Hilton Hotels Corp. continues to monitor the status of its hotels. The company is waiving group cancellation damages for meetings through Sept. 30 at hotels in the New Orleans area. For families of guests trying to locate current and evacuated guests, the number is: (888) 240-6152.
La Quinta lists closed properties
La Quinta Corp. reported that as of Aug. 31, eight company-owned hotels in the greater New Orleans area are closed and will be unable to accept reservations until further notice. None of the company's franchised locations in the area are currently closed. For families of guests trying to locate current and evacuated guests, call: (866) 328-1759.
• The Royal Sonesta and Chateau Sonesta hotels in New Orleans, both located in the city's French Quarter, sustained only minor damage from Hurricane Katrina, although managers are still assessing the condition of each property. The hotels are not able to reopen because they do not have power or any ability to receive deliveries. Both hotels will remain closed until Sept. 30.
• Harrah's Entertainment expects Harrah's New Orleans to remain closed for at least four weeks. The company's six other properties in Louisiana and Mississippi are supporting relief efforts and remain in full operation.
• MGM Mirage issued a statement about Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss. A team is in the process of evaluating the damage and expects the process to take several weeks. The company is working to establish a means of communicating with employees.
• Jameson Inns reports no significant damage. All hotels affected by the hurricane remain open.

• According to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.neworleanscvb.com/, a number of New Orleans hotels remain open and are accommodating guests and survivors. However, all are attempting to evacuate remaining tourists. The focus of hotels is managing water and food supplies to guests and making them as comfortable as possible under difficult disaster conditions.