A booming hotel area in Plains and Wilkes-Barre townships is about to get one more.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be held April 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the newest hotel, WoodSpring Suites, in Bear Creek Commons at 350 Bear Creek Boulevard.

The newly-constructed, four-story, smoke-free hotel will be located near LongHorn Steakhouse, Moe's Southwest Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings and other restaurants that have opened in that area behind the Wyoming Valley Mall over the last few years.

The hotel will have 122 rooms and will offer three room types with in-room kitchens as well as guest laundry facilities and vending. It also features free high-speed, wireless Internet and an expanded lobby and gathering space, according to a press release from WoodSpring Hotels and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry.

This is the first WoodSpring Suites to open in Pennsylvania and the second WoodSpring Hotels location. The other is Value Place Allentown-Bethlehem.

"We are really excited about our opportunity in Wilkes-Barre," said Ron Burgett, executive vice president of franchise development at WoodSpring Hotels. "The area is booming with construction and the economy is fueled by professional and financial services, retail trade and manufacturing. That means lots of demand for well-priced, extended stay hotels like ours that give those temporarily working in or relocating to the area a comfortable place to stay."

Developer Posh Properties and WoodSpring Hotels Properties will host the upcoming grand opening. All are welcome for tours.

WoodSpring Hotels has more than 200 hotels in 30 states, including WoodSpring Suites and Value Place brands.

Other hotel developments in the area over the last few years have included Mohegan Sun Pocono's construction of a $50 million, seven-story hotel with 238 rooms as well as Microtel Inn & Suites in Plains Township, Courtyard by Marriott and Motel 6 in Wilkes-Barre Township.

About WoodSpring Hotels

WoodSpring Hotels is the company behind the nation"s fastest growing value extended-stay hotel brand with more than 230 hotels in over 35 states. The company owns 95 hotels and provides management services for both company-owned and franchised locations under the WoodSpring Suites and Value Place brands. WoodSpring Suites are hotels for good people with practical needs, down-to-earth attitudes and a comfortable style, and who appreciate the value of life"s necessities – done really well. For more information, visit www.woodspringfranchise.com.