The Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South has opened its doors, marking the first Hyatt Place property to debut in New York City. The new Midtown Manhattan location represents a move into downtown urban locations for the upscale select service brand, which has grown by nearly 18 percent in the past three years.

The 185-room property features complimentary wifi access, 250 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space, an intimate Bakery Café featuring specialty coffees, premium beers, wines and cocktails and 24/7 Gallery Menu serving made-to-order entrees and appetizers. Guestrooms feature a 42-inch HDTV, the plush Hyatt Grand Bed and a seven-foot sofa.

“New York is a significant and exciting market that represents so many opportunities for us as we look for meaningful growth across our portfolio of brands,” said Rakesh Sarna, group president – Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

“The opening of the city’s first Hyatt Place is a significant step forward in our goal to become the most preferred brand for our guests, and we can’t wait to show New Yorkers and its many visitors from around the world what Hyatt Place is all about.” Added Sharna.

Earlier this month, a Hyatt Place hotel opened in downtown Austin, Texas, and other downtown locations are expected to open this year in Chicago’s River North neighborhood; Minneapolis, Minn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; Nashville, Tenn; Panama City, Panama; and Santiago, Chile.

In 2014, the company anticipates additional urban, downtown openings for the brand in New York City’s Times Square and Flushing; Washington D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, and Lincoln, Neb.; among others.

“Hyatt Place guests may be accustomed to seeing our brand in suburban and airport locations, but we feel there is also demand in downtown locations for the accessibility, convenience and overall experience the brand provides. Hyatt Place delivers a seamless experience to meet the needs of our guests’ multi-tasking 24/7 lifestyles, so what better place to showcase that experience than The City that Never Sleeps,” said Chris Walker, vice president of brands, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. “We look forward to introducing a new group of customers to the Hyatt Place brand.”