Millions in state funding is heading to downtown Niagara Falls for a new hotel.

Part of an $18 million multi-use development project will go toward building the Cambria Hotel. Once completed, it will be just two blocks away from Niagara Falls State Park on Rainbow Boulevard.

"Niagara Falls is one of New York's most visited tourist destinations and as we work to rebuild our economy, we must capitalize on all the city has to offer," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "With the Cambria Hotel's construction underway, visitors from around the globe will soon be welcomed to this historic city with a beautiful new place to stay and have direct access to the culture and natural beauty that makes Niagara Falls a gem of upstate New York."

The hotel will be a seven story, 120 room building. The project will also include three residential guest houses nearby with a plan to open everything by spring 2023.

"We're committed to bringing the Cambria Hotels brand to more of guests' favorite destinations, and I cannot think of a better place to do so than the breathtaking Niagara Falls," Senior Vice President, Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels Janis Cannon said. "Not only will the Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls put guests right at the doorstep of the majestic waterfalls, but its central location near downtown's shops and restaurants will make this hotel the perfect place to experience this stunning part of the country."

The hotel is being developed by Plati Niagara Incorporated, the same group that owns a Wingate by Wyndham in Niagara Falls.

"The Strangio family is very excited to break ground on our next hotel project in our hometown of Niagara Falls, N.Y. USA," Plati Niagara Inc. Co-Owner Frank Strangio said. "My father Antonio, brother Anthony and I have always had great faith in the future of the city of Niagara Falls and believe strongly in its potential for growth. It is especially gratifying to be able to begin work again after one of the most difficult times in our country's history. We hope that this project is a sign that we are moving forward and past the pandemic and that it may spur additional economic growth in our region. We believe that this unique mixed-use project will be transformational in our downtown tourism district. The project could not have come to fruition without the great leadership and support on the city, county and state levels, the amazing people at Choice Hotels International and Bank on Buffalo and especially from our family, friends and staff!"