 |
Cutting a ribbon of Mardi Gras beads to celebrate the official opening of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Downtown New Orleans, are first guest Emily Voros, Gerry Chase, president and COO New Castle Hotels and Resorts, Patricia Coulter, general manager, Adam Valente managing director Rockbridge, Charles Snyder New Castle director acquisitions development, Ted Stimson vice president Rockbridge, Kurt Weigle CEO of New Orleans Downtown Development District. Rear Ben Johnson, CEO New Orleans Chamber of Commerce |
 |
| Gerry Chase |
NEW ORLEANS, LA —New
Castle Hotels and Resorts (NCHR), a leading third-party management company,
developer and owner of a diverse, international portfolio of hotels and
resorts, celebrated the opening of the 103-suite Fairfield Inn and Suites Downtown New Orleans/French Quarter Area,
the company’s first project in this top US convention and leisure market. Rockbridge Capital provided financing for the
project.
The historic hotel, built
in 1910 as the Interstate Electric Company, was acquired by New Castle in April
of 2015 and under the direction of New Orleans architect John T. Campo
Associates, underwent a $10 million transformation utilizing historic tax
credits for the preservation of the building’s façade and interior structures.
“New Castle has a long
history of rescuing high-potential historic buildings and transforming them
into top-performing, modern hotels that reflect their original character,” said
Gerry Chase, president and COO of
New Castle Hotels & Resorts.
 |
| Patricia Coulter |
“This Fairfield Inn and
Suites, in the center of New Orleans Central Business District, threads the
needle of evolving guest expectations by combining the best attributes of this
popular Marriott brand, and the destination-specific details and influences
that speak to contemporary travelers.”
“New Orleans is a city
whose present and future success is founded on a rich and distinguished
history, including our musical, architectural, and the less-appreciated
industrial heritage,” said Kurt Weigle
president and CEO of the New Orleans Downtown Development District.
“Congratulations to New Castle Hotels &
Resorts for recognizing the important role the Interstate Electric Company
building played in advancing all three elements of our history and for the
beautiful job they did highlighting them.
This new Fairfield Inn & Suites will contribute nicely to writing
the next chapter of the New Orleans story.”
Chase cited the 13-foot ceilings
in the guest rooms, exposed original brick interior walls and support beams,
and the building’s façade as noteworthy examples of the hotel’s historic
character. Jazz-themed lobby decor and a
full-service bar, 346Blu, pay homage to the city’s vibrant music scene and
elevate the hotel beyond the traditional Fairfield prototype.
“Guests will find that the
Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans is in a class by itself when
compared to most select service hotels,” noted General Manager Patricia Coulter. “Top-of-the-line finishes, guest suites with
two king beds, and full-service hotel amenities such as 346Blue will provide an
upscale experience for an exceptional price.”
 |
| Kurt M. Weigle |
The hotel also is in close proximity to the Port of New Orleans, Shell Oil, Entergy, New Orleans City Hall and numerous federal government offices.
“New Orleans is on a
10-year run of record-breaking tourism growth, with nearly 10 million visitors
spending more than $7 billion in 2015,” said Chase. “This city has a tremendous marketing engine
and a world-class infrastructure capable of hosting major events like Mardi
Gras and the NBA All-Star game simultaneously next year.
“They also have a need for
new, top quality accommodations to host those guests. We look forward to playing a small role in
this city’s tremendous economic trajectory.”
For a complete copy of the company’s news release,
please contact:
Lauralee Dobbins
Write Touch PR
609-451-5102
