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The Concierge

Alex Persaud
The Heldrich
New Brunswick, N.J.

What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?

We have special arrangements with the area’s hottest restaurants and nightspots. Our guests have experienced everything from VIP treatment at local nightclubs and lounges (including special reserved tables and areas) to some extras from restaurants. We have even made special arrangements for a local four-star restaurant to do take out and delivery for our guests.

What are your group restaurant recommendations?
Our own Christopher’s restaurant is fast becoming the place to be in New Brunswick. Within a few blocks we have a veritable United Nations of restaurants to suit every taste and imagination. Whether it’s home-style Italian at Catherine Lombardi’s, eclectic Mediterranean at Verdigre, or for something really different, Ethiopian cuisine at Makeda’s. If you are really in the mood for a special evening, try Stage Left, arguably one of the finest restaurants in the state.

What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
At night Verdigre transforms into the hip hot spot known as V-Lounge. For Latin jazz, try Nova Terra on the weekends. If you want to mingle with the college crowd, we recommend Glo. If you are just looking for somewhere to have a quiet drink, you’ve got to try the bar at Catherine Lombardi, which overlooks the center of town. Of course, if you just want to stay close to home, Christopher’s Bar right here in the hotel is a great place to relax.

Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
New Brunswick has experienced one of the greatest renaissance and revitalizations happening in any area in the tri-state region (N.J./N.Y./Pa.). I recommend a stroll around town so that you can experience all New Brunswick has to offer. In addition, there is always Rutgers University, where guests can tour the vintage buildings, museums and libraries, or engage in some good old-fashioned people-watching. Then there is always the stroll around the hotel to enjoy its many works of original art.

Are there any quirky places we should check out?
As with any college town there is always room for something different. Take a stroll up Easton Avenue in the Rutgers area and explore the many little vintage stores and unique fashion choices. And of course while you are there check out West End Coffee for much more that just your dose of caffeine.

If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
Well, for the best way to relax I would check out our brand-new spa. We offer a full range of services and amenities to ensure that you remain refreshed during your stay. If you are looking to get out a bit, try one of the great local theaters and comedy clubs.

A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
We have special arrangements with all the area restaurants to handle last-minute requests. Stage Left, Nova Terra and Verdigre have private rooms and areas within their restaurants. And of course there is Soho. In addition, we have arranged for direct billing with all these restaurants to allow our clients to pay one bill for everything.

What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
We had the honor of acting as the host hotel for New Brunswick’s CoExistence festival, with musical legends such as Ritchie Havens and the Temptations, as well as popular artists such as the Indigo Girls. And then to top it off, the stage for the concerts was at the end of our driveway so our guests got front row seats for all the shows. Also, we’ve hosted a major fund-raising arts gala with special guest Aretha Franklin. And, we hosted the 2007 IACC Annual Conference, which was a great honor and pleasure, too! We are a relatively new property and this was the first time IACC chose a new property for their annual international conference.