Work on the $20 million, four-storey TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel at 1195 Upper James near the Linc began in the spring of 2019. The project is a joint venture between the Mississauga-based Kothari Group and the Sigma Group from Oakville.

Hamilton Community News recently went on a tour of the site and we have five things you should know about the project so far.

1.     Almost finished

Construction is about 85 per cent complete. Work is continuing the ground floor with painting, flooring, wallpaper and furniture installation still to be done. Most of the work is being done by tradespeople from the Hamilton area.

2.    Bookings, bookings

The hotel is slated to open on Nov. 10 and more than 1,500 room nights have been booked for things like weddings, sports tournaments and other events.

3.    Stay a while

The hotel is aimed at extended stay travellers with the average stay three to five days. Each room has a full kitchen. The 125 guest rooms include one- and two-bedroom suites. All suites range in size from 334 to 450 square feet.

4.    Bring your dog

All 17 rooms on the first floor will be pet friendly with vinyl flooring.

5.    Amenities for guests, jobs for locals

The ground floor will also feature a pool, fitness room, meeting area and outdoor patio. The new hotel is expected to create up to 35 full-time jobs.