Name:

Richard D. Sanders

Email:

richpeggie@aol.com

code:

HdlM

Date:

December 20, 2008

Comments

Suzan, Please disregard the request to put wk.15(302/15) in the rental pool. We will place it into II bank instead. Please verify this request. Richard Sanders

Name:

loly02

Email:

lolababe2005@yahoo.com

code:

HdlM

Date:

February 06, 2008

Comments

identify the importance of the switch board to the hotel

Name:

Jeannine Pringle

Email:

jexcaliber@shaw.ca

code:

HdlM

Date:

October 24, 2007

Comments

As much as we have loved using our week we have found over recent years that our travel plans are not quite the same. We are wanting to sell our week and if anyone is interested please email me.

Name:

Linda Kniepkamp

Email:

lmksassy@yahoo.com

code:

HdlM

Date:

March 26, 2007

Comments

I'd like to know if anyone would be interested in trading week 20 for 21. I own week 20 which starts the 18th and ends on the 25th. My friends are going down a week later for their anniversary. They got married there a couple years ago (I was in the wedding), and I'd like to join them. They are going the 24th through the 29th. Please let me know. Thanks.

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

code:

HdlM

Date:

March 17, 2007

Comments

Had a wonderful visit at Hotel de la Monnaie this past week. We were able to take in the Mosaic exhibit at the Ursaline convent which was great. Also got to see the Femme, Femme, Femme, exhibit at the Art Museum in City Park. It is a special exhibit from the French Goverment and it too was so good. Also saw the Anne Frnak exhibit at the War Museum and enjoyed this very much also. All in all New Orleans has so much going on. Had to leave before the St. Patrick's Day Parade and that was a dissapointment. Looked like the Hotel was quite busy. The Hotel was looking good and of course the service as always was great. Looking forward to our next visit which I hope is soon.

Name:

Mark Bagozzi

Email:

mbagozzi@bellsouth.net

code:

HdlM

Date:

January 02, 2007

Comments

Does anyone know of a Mardi Gras week for sale? If so, I'm interested. Please contact me via email, mbagozzi@bellsouth.net with the details.

Name:

Bill Prentiss

Date:

August 09, 2006

Comments

On July 3, Christy Edwards posted a message on this website questioning issues regarding HdlM operations. Because I have been unsuccessful in my many attempts to reach Christy by phone, even after leaving a message with her husband, I thought it best to post a reply. This will allow any owners with similar questions an opportunity to view the information that I would have shared with Christy.

The comments in italics are followed by my reply:

“It becomes apparent that hotels need to change with the times to market themselves. Hotels need to be able to compete, not just locally, but regionally and internationally.”

This is certainly a valid observation for commercial properties but, unlike hotels and most timeshares, HdlM is a not-for-profit establishment. Our principal thrust for many years has been to accommodate our owners and other timeshare owners who exchange to join us in New Orleans. Five years ago, the board asked for a breakdown on the percentage of HdlM owners who actually rented their units annually. The highest was 18.6% in 2000; the lowest was 12.9% in 1997. I asked the board at that time to approve a budget to promote property rentals, but they decided it was not appropriate to use funds contributed by all owners to promote rentals for less than 20% of our membership. Since that time, we looked into aggressive participation in websites locally, as well as listings with large search engines. Bids were taken to create a competitive website and a virtual tour was also priced. But, again, the need for website marketing was refuted because of the delicate balance between availability for owner use and outside sales. After Katrina, when the demand for owner use and exchanges declined, the board realized that a significant opportunity existed to bring in public rental while the city is in the process of rebuilding. The HdlM site was created and wi-fi was installed throughout the property in an effort to encourage commercial renters to stay with us for extended periods. However, we will continue to focus first and foremost on the needs of HdlM owners and other timeshare travelers who select us for exchange.

“Who goes on vacation to watch movies on TV? We don’t need VCRs or DVDs.”

While our younger owners may not go on vacation to watch TV or DVD’s, we also have a large contingent of owners who either use these items to entertain their children or, in some cases, their grandchildren. Also, many of our owners are retired and enjoy watching TV or a DVD after a long day of activity, just as some prefer to prepare meals in the kitchens rather than visit restaurants. Hotel de la Monnaie has never endeavored to function as a “Club Med” but rather to provide a clean, comfortable and welcoming environment for our guests.

“How much was spent on refrigerators? It seems to take a long time to get anything done and when it finally does, it seems no one is shopping for a bargain and we end up paying through the nose.”

When I came to HdlM, units were equipped with Scotsman refrigerators, which are currently priced at $1200 each. We replaced the 16 units ruined during the storm with Summit frost-free units from Lowe’s costing $343 each. In the aftermath of Katrina, we were scrambling to get all our units up and available to be rented when virtually everyone in the city needed refrigerators. Phone service was down, most places still didn’t have electricity and the few stores that were open for business had limited supplies. It was not a get-three-bids shoppers market. In fact, there was nowhere to go to even get three bids. Nonetheless, we installed quality replacement units at a considerable savings over previous costs. The additional revenue from outside rentals post-Katrina has enabled us to make many improvements at the hotel. While all costs have risen considerably in this disaster-driven environment, we continue to shop for the best prices and to seek bids for repairs and purchases.

While the vast majority of our owners have expressed their satisfaction with the constant improvements being made in all areas at the hotel, it is impossible to please everyone. Sadly, there will always be a small group who are unhappy about everything—regardless of the benefits to HdlM or the majority of our owners. Monday morning quarterbacking is always easy, particularly when individuals have personal issues with management, but no valid or actual negative management issues to challenge.

In closing, I will share a phrase used by one of my professors after every class. He asked for “questions, comments or criticisms.” I urge all owners to please pick up the phone and call me with any further comments or problems so I can provide each of you with the same courtesy and concern that I use in all my dealings. This is what I do.

Bill Prentiss
General Manager

Name:

Elaine Cusey

Email:

flgstffmm@msn.com

Date:

August 06, 2006

Comments

My husband and I visited the week of July 15 on an exchange and loved the hotel and city so much we bought a week (week7, unit 309). Just wanted to say the hotel and the staff, especially Robert, were wonderful. We look forward to returning the week of March 2 and meeting other owners.

Name:

Major Cox

Email:

majorcox2@cs.com

Date:

August 04, 2006

Comments

My wife and I have owned our two units for many years and we love the place. The hotel is getting better all the time. It stood-up well during Katrina and did not receive any of the flood water that covered most of the city. The problems that are discussed on the Owners' Blog demonstrate the vitality of our owners' association. We are considering another purchase. Major and Margaret Cox

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

July 29, 2006

Comments

As I understand an assessment fee is usually a one time fee that a timeshare will assess their members for special expenses. ie: a major renovation, fire damage not covered by insurance, or other major expenses that the regular maintenance fees did not cover. To my knowledge Hotel de la Monnaie has not spoken of having it's members pay an assessment fee. Maintenance fees are a yearly fee the members pay for the upkeep of the timeshare and salaries of the personnel. Florine Daigle

Name:

Lucy

Email:

ChicLucy@yahoo.com

Date:

July 26, 2006

Comments

What is an "assessment" fee and does the facility charge one and if so, how much is it? THANK YOU!

Name:

Rhonda Collis-Yoder

Email:

charlestonyoder@comcast.net

Date:

July 25, 2006

Comments

We enjoy our timeshare at the hotel. The location is wonderful and the services you receive are in a timely manner. The staff did a wonderful job during and after Katrina and are extremely dedicated. The management and staff strive to make your experience each and every time a special one. They all take pride in the hotel and it shows.

The only downfall is parking. There is a limited number of spaces in the garage. I do wish the hotel would comp parking in the neighboring city lot if you have to park in it. Most of all, the board and management care about the property and want the owners and hotel guests to be happy and enjoy their stay. The Yoders

Name:

Lucy

Email:

ChicLucy@yahoo.com

Date:

July 24, 2006

Comments

I am thinking of buying a week here. Would you, as current owners, recommend that I do or that I look elsewhere? Thanks!

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

July 21, 2006

Comments

Surely there MUST be some election results by now; it's been almost a week. Isn't it possible just to post the election results, either here or on the website?

Name:

Sonja

Email:

ssguthrie@earthlink.net

Date:

July 17, 2006

Comments

Would like to see the minutes of this past weekend's Board meeting, including the election results. THANKS

Name:

Sandra Dartus-Horwitz

Email:

dartowitz@bresnan.net

Date:

July 13, 2006

Comments

I'm on my way to the meeting in New Orleans and hope to see many of you there. I decided before leaving to check out this site and, of course, noticed the comments about the settlement agreement advised by Hartel & Kenny. Like many of you, I was certainly not happy about these legal fees or the need to settle, but it is important to note that the current board inherited this situation (and the expenses). The decision to pursue the case was made under Mr. Defracesco's leadership, with oversight by Katie Foley. This board simply brought it to conclusion. Otherwise, the legal meter would still be running. Sandra

Name:

Louise Clement

Email:

billou985@aol.com

Date:

July 12, 2006

Comments

How many fellow owners did NOT receive correct number of ballots? We didn't, nor did we receive ANY REVISED BALLOTS from the 'second' mailing. I called Joyce Lovett, who assured me she was putting some in the mail, yet a week went by and no ballots...I called her again; this time "answer machine"--left a brief message with contact phone number but no reply...hmmm.... we can imagine how this 'vote' will turn out.......LOUISE CLEMENT

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

July 06, 2006

Comments

In addition to these costs, don't forget that the Board wrote off/absorbed all of the maintenance fees that were due from these units as well......

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

July 06, 2006

Comments

I quote the Hartel & Kenny report. Subsequent to the judgment a settlement agreement was finally reached involving the trust's conveying its entire right in the units to Hotel de la Monnaie in return for a one-time payment to the trust of the sum of $10,522.40. Am I understanding right that Hotel de la Monnaie paid Hartel & Kenny $30,452.00 and then the trust $10,522.40 to settle this? Florine Daigle

Name:

Major Cox

Email:

majorcox2@cs.com

Date:

July 05, 2006

Comments

Christe, you makes several good points in your post to the blog. One thing that is improper if not illegal, are the actions leading to this outrageous legal bill, ($30,000 to recover $11,000. The board needs to hold the manager to account. The board is elected to oversee and prevent fleecing of the association. Someone (management) should be required to reimburse the association. I would hope that we have insurance for this type of management error. This never should have happened. It may be time to change management and elect a board that conduct's real oversight, which prevents this types of abuse of management's fiduciary duties.
 

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

July 03, 2006

Comments

As a relatively new owner (2003), I have closely watched the 'politics' involved in owning a Timeshare. I admit some ignorance in the operation of such a facility, however these past years have been quite an education. I received the letter from Bill Wester, and took him up on his offer to discuss the various issues affecting all of us. It is obvious that the New Orleans of 2006, post Katrina, is not the same as the 1980's New Orleans. Things have changed, not just in New Orleans, which has taken a major 'hit' but globally as well.

When it is possible with a computer to look at photographs and reviews of a hotel on the other side of the globe, it becomes apparent that hotels need to change with the times in order to market themselves. Hotels need to be able to compete, not just locally, but regionally, and internationally. It took a long time for HdlM to try and catch up with the modern world and finally develop a website. It took a long time for the hotel to get wi-fi. There are still VCR's in the units. Who still has VCR tapes?? Who goes on vacation to watch movies on TV?? We don't need VCRs or DVDs. HOW much was spent on refrigerators??

It seems to take a long time to get anything done and when it finally does get done, it seems no one is shopping for a bargain and we end up paying through the nose. Instead of always trying to 'catch up', it seems to me that we should have a Board and a Manager that are 'ahead of the game'.

In my opinion, as a newer (and perhaps a younger) owner, Hotel de la Monnaie needs to change with the times, and if that means a new Board and a new Manager with new, fresh ideas about how to increase revenue and reduce costs then that's what we need to do. I think the Owners, Board and Manager need to realize that it is 2006, not 1986 or even 1996. We need to look towards the future and plan for that, not keep looking back over our shoulders at the past.

Name:

Margaret E Meier de Cox

Email:

coxm@team-support.com

Date:

June 24, 2006

Comments

There is a new status report from Sandra. See the Home page.

Name:

Jim and Char Rhyan

Email:

cowboy22@gvtc.com

Date:

June 23, 2006

Comments

We just want to second the comments made by Carl and Dianne. We have been owners since 1986(the bad ole days!!!!) and the current board along with Mr Prentiss are doing an outstanding job in our humble opinion. We don't need to go back to the "bad ole days".

Name:

Carl & Dianne LeFrere

Email:

dlefrer@citgo.com

Date:

June 22, 2006

Comments

This week we were appalled after reading a letter mailed to us by William Wester, with accusations against Bill Prentiss and our current Board of Directors. We are disgusted with the negative influence Mr. Wester is trying to perpetrated in the minds of our owners so he can get elected to the Board. He wants us to believe he is trying to rescue us. We've owned at HDLM since 1984 and we remember the bad years. In our opinion, Mr. Prentiss is the best manager we've ever had and is very deserving of his salary, especially after his heroic efforts to secure HDLM during Katrina. We believe our current Board of Directors has done an outstanding job during their tenure. The election is July 15 and your vote is important! Remember, we need a Board of Directors with positive ideas who are willing to work together as a team for the good of our hotel and our Owners Association. Thank you.

Name:

Sandra Dartus-Horwitz

Email:

dartowitz@bresnan.net

Date:

June 22, 2006

Comments

Wanted to provide a quick update. The June le centime has been mailed but I'm hearing that the New Orleans mail problems have caused delays in receipt. I haven't received mine yet here in Jackson Hole. For those of you who are anxious to read the newsletter, visit our site, www.hoteldelamonnaie.com and click on members. Our access codes and user names are hdlm, nola, in that order. Also, once we went online with le centime, we instructed our printer to cull the mailing list so that owners of multiple units wouldn't receive several copies - thus, saving on printing and postage costs. Unfortunately, the printer used the culled list for the ballot mailing. This means that people like me with four units (two under my name, two under my husband's) received two ballots rather than four.

Immediately upon discovering this problem, Bill Prentiss contacted the printer and a second mailing is being process now. You should receive ballots on colored paper shortly with directions to use these rather than the earlier ones sent in error. To facilitate cross-over in the mail and because owner addresses appear on the outside of ballot envelopes, we will insure that ballots are honored -- but only once per unit owned. I wanted to make you aware of this because I have rec'd inquiries from owners who, like me, didn't receive the appropriate number of ballots. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Prentiss. I am in the middle of a move and don't have computer access at all times, so contacting Bill Prentiss directly will be more effective. Sandra

Name:

Sandra Dartus-Horwitz

Email:

dartowitz@bresnan.net

Date:

May 29, 2006

Comments

Just wanted to report that we had a very productive board meeting in New Orleans last weekend. I am confident that everyone will be pleased with the work of the board in terms of planned improvements and rental income that is being passed on to owners. Art and I have just completed our work on the upcoming issue of le centime, which will be sent to the printer this week. Once the newsletter is posted on the HdlM website, I'll place a message here so those who access this site can view le centime online. In checking this site today, I noticed that the last two messages deal with inquiries about maintenance fees and availability for exchanges. Please direct such inquiries directly to staff at the hotel by phone or email to accounting@hoteldelamonnaie.com for cherie or sdoucette@hoteldelamonnaie.com for susan/exchanges. The staff does not visit this site; therefore, direct contact will be more effective. Hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day holiday and that you'll all visit New Orleans and Hotel de la Monnaie soon. Sandra

Name:

Sally Musso

Email:

sgr1019@aol.com

Date:

May 19, 2006

Comments

Hello! We are owners of a two bedroom unit, but have exchanged for a one bedroom unit for June 30 - July 7, 2006, since that was all that was available. Would you please let us know if any two bedroom units have become available since our original request? We would be very appreciative of a prompt response. Thank you.

Name:

Bradford & Debra Morgan

Email:

debrabmorgan@mac.com

Date:

May 10, 2006

Comments

We have tried several times to contact the resort verifying our maintenance dues payment and left messages on Cherie's voice mail. It was originally sent in back in January along with the intent form and credit card number. The exchange company has denied our deposit and we just recently received a letter of delinquency. We reviewed records and don't see where the credit card was charged so we paid the fee via our bank "bill pay" for CHASE today. We are trying to get this matter resolved and would like help. We can be contacted at (318)795-0776. Thank You Bradford & Debra Morgan Unit 409 Week 26

Name:

Beverly A Martin

Email:

bamology@yahoo.com

Date:

April 21, 2006

Comments

Just checking out the site. Congrats!!

Name:

Charmaine Rice

Email:

tootsie038@prodigy.net

Date:

April 10, 2006

Comments

We own three units and sent our rental request the first of January this year along with the maintenance fees. Received confirmation on two of the units. Requested a change of dates on week 31 to May 19. Have no confirmation for that week as of this date!! The hotel can't possibly have been full since Jan. 1. Please respond as we would like to come to N.O.

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

April 04, 2006

Comments

We are really looking forward to our visit April 20-28th! Who else will be in town for the French Quarter Festival? Can't wait.....

Name:

BJ Carr

Email:

hobiebjc@sbcglobal

Date:

March 22, 2006

Comments

I used my week, just prior to Mardi Gras. Had a wonderful time, and though it was sad to see such small crowds at the early parades it was so moving that the Krewes rolled. I actually teared up in between laughing at the satirical floats. The staff at HDLM was great- so nice to see familiar faces, and some new. Nearly everyone I met while out and about was with FEMA, or SBA, or an insurance adjustor, or........well, you get the drift. Most told me how much money they were making, and after a while I got disturbed by their feeding at the trough while so many are suffering. But at least they are bringing some business while the city re-builds. Many of my favorite places were open. I heard lots of the music I love, ate well, spent as much as I could and tipped heavily. I had a splendid stay. But the city I hope to eventually spend more time in has a long hard road ahead; I hope and pray they will recover, and that the rest of the country doesn't forget.

Name:

Edgar/Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

March 18, 2006

Comments

The availability of le centime online is great. Was able to access it with no problems. Keep up the good work. Edgar-Florine Daigle

Name:

Sandra Dartus-Horwitz

Email:

dartowitz@bresnan.net

Date:

March 18, 2006

Comments

Hello all. Just wanted you to know that le centime is currently at the printer and will be mailed shortly. It is also posted online on our new website: www.hoteldelamonnaie.com. Click on members on the bottom of the homepage, then type in hdlm and nola, which are the username and password, and you should be able to view. Unfortunately, my blocker prevented my access, but my husband didn't have a problem. This will give you a jump-start on reading le centime. Of course, it is still necessary to print the newsletter because so many owners are not internet accessible or would prefer to receive a hard copy. Soon, as you'll read in le centime, we will send an inquiry out to owners to determine who would like to receive email notices. This new process will take some time, so please be patient as we strive to meet the needs of all owners. Sandra Dartus-Horwitz

Name:

William O. Peecher, Jr.

Email:

williamjr0305@sbcglobal.net

Date:

March 08, 2006

Comments

Just returned from my annual Mardi Gras trip and am passing along my impressions. (1) The town is loaded with FEMA people who are taking up much of the hotel space. (2) There were way too many cops in the quarter - NOLA cops, county cops, state troopers, and FEMA (ICE) cops. They were nearly falling over one another. (3) The JAX and Riverwalk Malls were nearly deserted - not many shops open and not many people looking to buy. (4) Bourbon St. just as drunk and dirty as ever and it seems more Bourbon activities spilling over into Royal and, even, Chartres. (5) More gays than in former times, and they are moving into the quarter, not just visiting. (6) Several restaurants still closed and the Court of Two Sisters operating at about 1/3 capacity. Problem is that they can't get enough staff to open the entire place and would-be staff can't find a place to live. (7) Plenty of FEMA trailers available but a 3 or 4 month wait to get one and get it hooked up to utilities. Until this problem is solved the many, many "now hiring" signs will continue looking for people who will not be available. (8) Cafe Du Monde practically empty on all three days following Mardi Gras. (9) I didn't recognize any of the counter people at Central Grocery. (10) The weather was beautiful - felt like central Florida. (11) The hotel is in good shape and appears to have a good volume of other than owners business. My 403 was occupied and Susan gave me 502. I was glad to go along with the change because we need all the traffic we can get and the hotel staff seems to be doing a good job of handling both owners and regular business. (12) Pat O'Brien and Jean Lafitte both open so one need not fear running on empty. Bill Peecher

Name:

David Etzold

Email:

Date:

March 07, 2006

Comments

I like the new website which looks very professional. I noticed there is a members section. I'm assuming it is for us owners and am wondering how do we get a user name and password to access it?

Name:

Dixie Thompson

Email:

chaadixx@neto.com

Date:

February 27, 2006

Comments

Guess I am better than I thought as I tried another way and was able to bring up your message. Really appreciate your good news. I think Mr. Prentiss is doing a great job with the help of the staff of course. Like you, I get homesick for New Orleans and I did not get my "fix" this last October. Will be a long time until Oct. again and no longer have the spring week that I had earlier. Will just have to wait and by that time maybe a lot of improvements will be made. Unfortunately the news we get on the TV is always the bad. It is good to have someone to have a first hand look. Of course a disaster of this magnitude can not be solved in a day. Thanks again. Dixie

Name:

Margaret E Meier de Cox

Email:

coxm@team-support.com

Date:

February 24, 2006

Comments

Click the link for Status Reports or home above to see the latest update from Sandra (the Board).

Name:

evelyn welch

Email:

evelynwelch@comcast,net

Date:

February 24, 2006

Comments

What are update that Sandra was able to pass on I would relly appricate gettin them, as we will be there the same week. Thanks Eveltb

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

February 23, 2006

Comments

You know I'm the first one to complain if there is something I don't like, but let me be the first to say that the new website looks GREAT!! Everyone should take a minute to look it over: http://www.hoteldelamonnaie.com It should really be a great tool to help market the hotel! Also, thanks to Sandra for the Status Report. It's great to get the updates so promptly! Personally, for me, it was very good news about the new designation for the French Quarter Festival week. I promised Susan that every penny I saved from this switch I would spend in New Orleans (and plenty more!). I'm really looking forward to our visit in April!

Name:

Evelyn Welch

Email:

evelynwelch@comcast.net

Date:

January 31, 2006

Comments

I haven't heard anything since the November meeting. Christy, are you going to be at the Hotel April 23 -30, if you are I would like to meet you. Evelyn

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

January 31, 2006

Comments

Any news/updates from the last Board Meeting?

Name:

Evelyn Welch

Email:

evelynwelch@comcast.net

Date:

January 19, 2006

Comments

I agree that on line would be great for the news letter, also the people that don't have a computer should receive a mailed copy. This would be very easy just takes a little time and enger, but once it set up it would be very easy to make the changes as needed. I will be glad to do this if the board will O. K. If you call Bill Wester, he can tell you all about the about law suite. His number is 972-204-0344 call him and he will call you back he has unlimited calling. I hope this will answer some of the question you have. Thanks, Evelyn

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

January 19, 2006

Comments

Posting the newsletter online is a very good suggestion. Could this site be used for such a project? As you said it would eliminate keeping track of e-mail addresses. Do you have any idea of the percent of members who know of this site? Thanks again to Margaret Meier de Cox for starting this site. I think it is wonderful and look forward to getting any information about our favorite timeshare. Would anyone be interested in sharing information on good exchanges they have made with II or RCI using HDLM? Using II we have exchanged to Church Street Inn in Charleston S.C.

Name:

David Etzold

Email:

Date:

January 19, 2006

Comments

While I think delivering the newsletter by e-mail has some merit, I think it would be much better if the newsletter was available on-line, that would prevent HdlM from trying to keep up with everyone’s e-mail address. E-mail addresses change much more rapidly then mailing addresses thus many people would miss the e-mail. If e-mail is used, the addresses of everyone should not be exposed to everybody as they were during the last election when a candidate sent out an e-mail to everyone on the list. I also can’t believe every owner has e-mail or even direct access to a computer. Yes, they can go to the library. This needs to be investigated before anything is done and not decided by the few people that have replied on this website. There are around 2,500 room/weeks and there have been less then a half a dozen post expressing desire for an electronic version of the newsletter. This is not a mandate to do anything yet. Personally, I would prefer to read the newsletter online, I'm just saying it should not be the only method available. On a slightly different topic, I was disappointed that this website was not in the last newsletter or in the packet about our maintenance dues. Also, I am frustrated that the board has not really published anything about the lawsuit, even if it is "We can't talk about it because our lawyers say not to."

Name:

Evelyn B, Welch

Email:

evelynwelch@comcast.net

Date:

January 19, 2006

Comments

I think it time the board stops and listen to what the member are saying. Three years ago at the July meeting my self and a guy who was also running for office suggested that the news letter be sent out by e-mail, the excuse than. was people might not want to give their E-mail address. I think now we have heard enough from people they want to get the news while it still news and not a month old, also we need to update the list and only sent one copy to each owner, I get three of everything some people have eight units. I have an up to date list and would be glad to do this and I'm sure other would be glad to help. We need to stop and do the math and save every way we can. Christy, I'm so glad you have made it clear how you feel. and thanks, for your input Florine. Maybe others would like to voice their feelings. Thanks, for listening . Evelyn

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

January 17, 2006

Comments

Christy Edwards had some great ideas which I hope that the board will take into consideration and act upon. Cutting cost at this time should be one of our main concerns and a hike in Maintance Fees I hope is a last resort since we have had an increase recently.

Name:

Christy Edwards

Email:

CEfromLA@aol.com

Date:

January 15, 2006

Comments

Warning...I've had several cups of coffee and I get a little cranky when caffeinated! I finally got my copy of Le Centime on Friday. There is absolutely NO reason that we can't do that by email. All of those pages wasted on minutes from meetings so long ago (prior to Katrina) that NO ONE cares about anymore. Minutes from the meetings should be typed up and emailed within DAYS of the meetings, not months. If someone doesn't have email (WHO in 2006, does NOT have email??), then those people get it printed out on a laserjet, on cheap regular paper and mailed to them, also within a few days of the meetings. It is as though the Board wants no input from Owners. If we're not aware of what is going on, how can we respond? By the time we are informed, the issues are already a 'done deal'. The photos should have been exclusively of the hotel and the damage AT the hotel, not of Esplanade; we've seen images like that over and over on TV, we don't need to waste paper and postage showing them again. How much did that edition of the newsletter COST to produce, print and mail? At a time when revenue has plummeted, shouldn't we be cutting costs like crazy? This would be a really good first step, in my opinion. If, for some reason, the Hotel feels the burning need to have a newsletter, make it one page, once a month, and get it out in a timely manner. I'm well aware that Katrina impacted everything, but there is no reason for the Hotel to wish us Happy Holidays in the middle of January! Having said that, I did enjoy the sketches by Art Lange (see, I'm not totally cranky!).

Name:

Sue McLachlan

Email:

suejade92119@yahoo.com

Date:

January 14, 2006

Comments

I received my LeCentime and read it from cover to cover. It still did not explain what the lawsuit is all about. Why can't we get this information?

Name:

Margaret E Meier de Cox

Email:

coxm@team-support.com

Date:

January 12, 2006

Comments

The leCentime was supposed to go out mid-December. Bill Prentiss told me it was delayed until after Christmas. I still have not received my copies (Jan 12).

Name:

Lucille Hiltgen

Email:

LCHiltgen@aol.com

Date:

January 05, 2006

Comments

I just found out about this site and I very happy to see it. My husband and I are would like to know if any members have stayed at the hotel since Katrina and if so, how did you feel about being in New Orleans and our hotel. Did you feel reasonably safe ?

Name:

Lucille Hiltgen

Email:

LCHiltgen@aol.com

Date:

January 05, 2006

Comments

I just found out about this site and I very happy to see it. My husband and I are would like to know if any members have stayed at the hotel since Katrina and if so, how did you feel about being in New Orleans and our hotel. Did you feel reasonably safe ?

Name:

Florine Daigle

Email:

edd@centurytel.net

Date:

January 04, 2006

Comments

The HdlM had a brochure with what was open. Check www.quartercrawl.com or http://neworlensinfo.com Both of these sites have a lot of info. Florine

Name:

Patti Abernethy

Email:

abernpat@wcboe.k12.md.us

Date:

January 04, 2006

Comments

I have put in to transfer my week (3rd week in January) to a later week in April. Anyone know how things look now for restaurants? For jazz? Is that too early to return? Are there FEMA workers staying there?

Name:

Jack McDaniel

Email:

jackmcdan@earthlink.net

Date:

January 04, 2006

Comments

1st line of my blog should read "one of the plaintiffs" (that the suit) is in the process of being withdrawn.

Name:

Jack McDaniel

Email:

jackmcdan@earthlink.net

Date:

January 04, 2006

Comments

For those of you asking about the law suit, I've just received an e-mail from on of the plaintiffs that it is in the process of being withdrawn. I would also add to several positive comments about the recovery efforts going forward in NO. It is certainly not the city we have known in the past, but you can find a lot to do and have fun. Several of our favorite restaurants are still in the process of coming back. We had a wonderful meal at the Maringy Braserie (sp) on New Year's Eve - just 2 short blocks up Frenchman's and Snug Harbor is going strong. (2 Marsalis' were there one nite) Go and have a good time before the BIG crowds come back. Jack