After more than three years of construction, a new hotel has opened in Mt. Lebanon’s business district.

The 108-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott on Washington Road began operation Dec. 29, said Cindy Grubisa, general manager.

Mt. Lebanon officials have long anticipated its presence.

“We’re absolutely delighted that it’s here and that it’s open,” said Eric Milliron, economic development officer and commercial districts manager for Mt. Lebanon. “The impact is already seen.”

The hotel was up to 70 percent occupied last week, he said.

“These are fresh faces to the uptown business district that clearly are going to see what it has to offer as far as shopping and dining,” Mr. Milliron said.

Kratsa Properties, based in Harmar, developed the property, which it purchased from the former Mt. Lebanon Parking Authority for $450,000 in 2008, a year after the project first was proposed. Construction, which began in May 2011, encountered several delays, including the discovery of an underground storage tank.

“We’ve lived with the construction with what seems like forever,” Mr. Milliron said. “It’s nice to see people coming out of the lobby and walking around the streets.”