Hyatt Hotels and Resorts has announced that it will manage a 166 room hotel in the Essendon Fields development at Melbourne airport.

Opening in 2017, the hotel will be the first Hyatt Place in Australia.

Upon making the official announcement, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said, “Airports are now business destinations in their own right and provide a powerful economic engine for their home region and local communities.

“Not only will this development contribute towards local job creation on-site, the broader economy will benefit through the demand for day-to-day goods and services needed to operate the facilities,” said Truss.

Area Vice President of Pacific Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Robert Dawson said,“Hyatt Place was designed for today’s multi-tasking travellers 24/7 lifestyle by combining stylish design and practical amenities with forward-thinking technology and purposeful service. Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields will offer a fresh and friendly stay experience, ideal for business and leisure travellers.

“We are confident that travellers to Essendon Fields, a strategic gateway on the aviation corridor into Melbourne, will find the comfort they want and the service they deserve at Hyatt Place,” Dawson said.

The hotel will front the Tullamarine Freeway and will be adjacent to the new Larkin Events Centre.