[fla_tiger]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/fla_tiger/CENLA/36_1_b.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/fla_tiger/CENLA/29601738_tp.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/fla_tiger/CENLA/024280B.jpg

ALEXANDRIA -- The group that has bought the historic Hotel Bentley plans to make its entry and lobby "more ornate than when Buddy Tudor owned it," says chairman Brace B. Godfrey Jr. He and John Schneider are partners in Centreniks Hospitality Group LLC, which is putting up $14 million to buy and renovate the eight-story, European-style hotel, which closed in 2004. It was completed in 1908 and features a balconied lobby, crystal chandeliers and antiques. Godfrey said he isn't just interested in money. He wants to preserve history, "to return the Bentley to its glory days."

The Bentley is among several historic buildings which Godfrey and Schneider have bought from Baton Rouge multimillionaire Bob Dean.

[Tex1899]

Good.

Maybe these guys will buy the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells and do the same. Of course, a much bigger market exists in Alexandria than in Mineral Wells.

[alon504]

Good.

Maybe these guys will buy the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells and do the same. Of course, a much bigger market exists in Alexandria than in Mineral Wells.

I am thrilled to read of this news of such a fabulous piece of Southern real estate. I worked at the Hotel Bentley as a fine dining waiter while I was in college...and yep, it was when Buddy Tudor owned the hotel.

[jowens]

This is good news especially since the previous owner Bob Dean stripped the hotel of alot of historical artifacts after he closed it down and sold some of them in auctions.

Part of the new deal is some of the artifacts is being returned to the Bentley. Unfortunatly all of will not return.

[Double L]

Some more good news for Louisiana.