A new extended-stay hotel has opened in the Central Business District.

Residence Inn by Marriott opened Tuesday at 360 St. Charles Ave. The 231-suite hotel began construction a year ago at the site of a former surface parking lot. The developer is Robert Guidry, who built the mixed-used development Fountain Park Centre in Harvey and is a former owner of the Treasure Chest Casino. His family owns Harvey Gulf International Marine.

A news release announcing the opening of the hotel said that one of its most anticipated amenities is a 170-foot-long balcony with six 80-inch televisions overlooking the St. Charles streetcar line.

The pet-friendly hotel offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. The third floor has eight suites with private balconies with downtown views. The hotel also has a business library, fitness center, a bar in the lobby lounge, parking and 5,075 feet of meeting space.

It is owned by St. Charles Prime Properties and managed by InterMountain Management LLC of Monroe.

John T. Campo & Associates handled design, while CORE Construction was the general contractor.

The hotel joins several other extended-stay hotels that have opened since the completion of University Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Hospital in the past five years. Others include Homewood Suites on North Rampart Street and Hyatt House on Poydras Street.