NEW ORLEANS/SHELTON, Conn. – – February 8, 2016—Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced that Patricia Coulter, formerly the director of human resources for the company’s Marriott in Racine, Wisconsin was promoted to general manager of the Fairfield Inn and Suites New Orleans. The hotel was acquired by New Castle in 2015 and currently is undergoing a comprehensive, $10 million renovation, with a targeted opening of early summer 2016.

Coulter is a career hotelier, who began her industry tenure with New Castle as a room attendant in 1991. Over the past two decades Coulter has worked in nearly every area of a full service hotel operation. Previous positions include rooms division manager, front office and reservations manager.

“Pat is a masterful operator with great people skills and a 20-plus year history with Marriott systems,” said Chase. “Those are essential qualities in a dynamic and challenging market like New Orleans where there is a great demand for talented, service-oriented associates and guests are primed for an outstanding service experience. Both our internal and external customers will expect a confident and enthusiastic leader, which is why Pat is perfect for the position.”

“Being given the keys to a brand new hotel in one of the world’s leading convention and tourism cities is a dream come true for any hotelier,” said Coulter. “While we’re in the construction phase, I have plenty of time to get acquainted with this fascinating city and make plans for our opening this summer. I am grateful to New Castle for this opportunity and look forward to our opening with great enthusiasm.”

The Fairfield Inn and Suites New Orleans is located at 346 Baronne St., in the central business district and just one block off Bourbon St. The hotel will feature 103 guest rooms, a full bar outfitted to emphasize the hotel’s one-of-a-kind destination, and will offer complimentary breakfast and WiFi; everything a guest needs for a comfortable and productive stay at a great value.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites New Orleans will mark the brand’s debut in the Big Easy and is within walking distance of the Mercedes Benz Superdome, the Morial Convention Center and Harrah's New Orleans Casino, as well as the city's famed French Quarter. The Port of Orleans, one of the busiest cruise terminals in the U.S. and Louis Armstrong International Airport are both minutes away.