Aug 27, 2008 7:04 pm US/Central
Hotels Prepare To Give RNC Delegates VIP Treatment
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
Delegates to next week's Republican National Convention are already starting to arrive, and hotels are pulling out all the stops to make sure they enjoy their stay.
The Hyatt Hotel in downtown Minneapolis is the official headquarters for the RNC. They're preparing for one of the biggest parties they'll ever throw.
"Once in a lifetime. Who gets to say they got to handle the Republican Convention? It's a great opportunity," said Hyatt Catering and Convention Director Dustin Imbesi.
Finishing touches are underway in every room of the Hyatt in preparation for RNC officials and delegates.
All the VIP rooms have been remodeled for convention visitors.
"You're basically looking at a place where you can entertain," said Imbesi.
Guests will receive specially created amenities in their rooms daily. Some relate to Minneapolis while others to specific delegations.
"For example, one of them is Kentucky so we're going to do a bourbon amenity," said Imbesi.
The banquet kitchen is already busy preparing meals. Special RNC entrees were also created like red, white and blue steak.
"The red represents the steak, the blue is represented by the blue cheese we put on it and white is represented by asparagus," said Hyatt Executive Chef Loni Crowe.
Pepperoni and onion pizza, presumptive GOP nominee John McCain's favorite meal, will also be served.
Partiers can try to Hyatt's new organic Greentini.
"The secret is held with out food and beverage director," said Imbesi.
Guests can work off those refreshments in the newly renovated Stay Fit Athletic Club.
"And if guests are pooped from Pilates or partying they can come to the spa for a relaxing massage. Then top off the day with a red, white and blue nightcap -- a shot of liquor with all the colors of the flag.
The Hyatt expects to serve 21,000 eggs, 28,000 bacon slices, 58,000 potatoes and 875 gallons of orange juice over the next two weeks.
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