A new hotel in Erie is providing additional options for visitors along upper Peach St. in Summit Township.

There was a ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the new Holiday Inn on Downs Dr.

Its owner Hawkeye Hotels expanded into the northeast region, and this is the company's second property in Pennsylvania.

It took months to renovate the space because of setbacks caused by the pandemic, but the hotel is now fully functioning with 150 guest rooms and meeting spaces in addition to a fitness center and pool.

The hotel is up to par with rigorous cleaning standards and procedures to follow all protocols.

The directors said they are excited to finally open the doors and welcome guests.

"[We're] excited to be open after after quite a few years of hard work and determination," said Om Patel, development director for Hawkeye Hotels. "Erie is is a pretty big leisure market, so we do believe that there is a large pent up demand for leisure travelers. We're actually very optimistic about the future and think next year is going to be great."

Guests can book their stays starting now.