The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- There were smiles all around as food was being served and the drinks were flowing Monday evening.

Hundreds of people gathered at the newly opened Hampton Inn in Ottumwa for its official ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Hotel staff was also on hand to take guests on tours of rooms and everything it has to offer.

Not only will the hotel attract more visitors but it will also influence the city’s economy.

“Everyone works real hard at bringing larger events here and obviously the more hotel rooms we have, the bigger crowds we can host. So it’s definitely going to make an impact on the amount of rooms that are there for that. That's one of the first questions that are asked when there's a large convention -- how many rooms. That's definitely going to make an impact. Now we can give a bigger number,” said Terry McNitt, Executive Director of the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce.

Many people believe the Hampton Inn will bring a lot of positivity to Ottumwa.

“Every time someone comes here and stays in a hotel room, you know, that boosts up our hotel- motel tax money and folks coming here. They buy gas, they shop and they eat. It's very good so when the folks are coming down the highway they'll be more people pulling in to spend the night so that's all good for Ottumwa,” said McNitt

The hotel boasts 77 rooms, a pool, a workout facility, meeting room and business center.