LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish officials and community members officially celebrated the opening of Fairfield Inn & Suites LaPlace with a ribbon cutting last week, united by the hope that the new hotel will spur further economic growth along the Belle Terre corridor.

Located at 944 Belle Terre Boulevard, Fair Field Inn & Suites is impossible to miss as motorists travel on and off of the Interstate.

Offering 94 rooms and an inviting atmosphere for momentum seekers from all walks of life, the hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and operated by family-owned company SMC Hotels under the leadership of Harrison and Delton Smith.

Sheriff Mike Tregre welcomed the owners to LaPlace, saying it’s good to have a new neighbor in St. John Parish.

“You guys are the first footprint out here between I-10 and the rest of the community,” Tregre said. “I think this is the first big bite of the apple. I think we’re going to see more development in this area.”

Guests who walk through the glass entrance are welcomed by the hotel’s modern design, inspired by nature and illuminated with natural light throughout the lobby.

Associates are able to easily move from behind the angled front desk to answer visitors’ questions and recommend local attractions, according to general manager Leanne Leon.

“Since most of our employees are residents in the area, we’re bringing a lot of business to the local community and those mom and pop stores,” Leon said. “Our guests want to go shopping, so we like to send them to the little boutiques and restaurants that are locally owned.”

Parish President Natalie Robottom said the hotel is expected to make a huge impact on St. John’s economic development.

“It shows people there is more to come,” Robottom said. “It’s a good sign for us. People in the neighborhood are pleased to see this hotel is here. Maybe they will have relatives come stay in it. Of course, the Andouille Festival is coming up, so hopefully we’ll have some folks staying in it in October.”

Robottom said future development would include a facelift to Belle Terre Boulevard aligning with $6 million in LA Safe grant money awarded to add native plantings, sidewalks and more to Main Street and Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Restore funds related to resiliency opened the door to extend the project down Belle Terre, aiding in storm water management and economic growth through a beautified community.

Timothy Bright of Belle Terre Land LLC said he hopes to see more groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings in the near future.

“We’re optimistic,” Bright said. “We think that when Marriott makes a statement in an area like this, it’s always going to attract more progress to come.”

Fairfield Inn & Suites LaPlace features complimentary breakfast, including oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles and other healthy items, such as fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads.

Standard rooms and larger suites feature TVs with Netflix and Hulu streaming capabilities. Every room comes with a refrigerator and a microwave.

Additional amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, valet laundry service, fax and copy services and a 275 square foot meeting space to accommodate up to 25 people.

According to company executives, Fairfield by Marriot is designed to deliver welcoming service and inviting spaces that feel like a home away from home.

Offering free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, Fairfield has more than 1,000 properties around the world.

To make a reservation, please call 985-359-2000 or visit marriott.com/hotels/travel/msylf-fairfield-inn-and-suites-laplace/.