A 150-room Hampton Inn and Suites opened in Yonkers Wednesday, marking the first time in 46 years that a new hotel has opened in the city.

Hotel co-owner Mark Stebbins does not believe the slumping economy will affect business. He says people will always need a place to stay.

The four-story hotel has 150 rooms, including full-size suites and deluxe rooms. There is computer access for business travelers and a bar for those wanting to relax.

Plans to build the hotel were initiated before the current recession. Caryn McBridge of the Westchester Business Journal says now is a good time to open because the hotel can capitalize on a possible economic recovery in the near future.

The Hampton Inn has created 40 permanent jobs and 107 temporary jobs throughout its construction.

By the end of the summer, a Marriott will open its doors just two blocks away.

For footage of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hampton Inn in Yonkers, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra, Ch. 612.