31 January 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Double Tree, Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn.
Those are some of the big names being considered for rebranding Hotel Topeka at City Center, the hotel next to the Stormont Vail Events Center in central Topeka.
The city purchased the 224-room hotel for $7.5 million at an auction in 2023, at the end of former city manager Stephen Wade’s time with the city. Since then, the city has made it clear the government entity is not interested in being in the hotel business but wants to find a way to fix up the hotel for economic reasons, including bringing more conventions and expos to the events center and the attached Maner Conference Center.
RevPAR International, the reputable consultant the city hired for $516,300, has recommended the city fix up the hotel – at a price tag of $10 million – and run it independently. If the city decides to enter into an agreement with a major hotel chain, the consultant recommends DoubleTree by Hilton, which would cost the city at least $2 million more to meet the brand’s stricter standards.
“I think its always been clear from day one this is a facility that needs renovations…” TDC Board Member and District 8 Council Member Spencer Duncan said. “The rooms need renovated and that’s expensive… the facility itself isn’t falling apart.”
Duncan said depending on who’s at the table, all options are open. He said there have been some preliminary talks but when “we find the quote unquote right person, we’re willing to work with them for whatever.”
The consultant said no matter which option the city goes with, they recommend a full renovation to the guestrooms and exterior.
The consultant also notes the DoubleTree by Hilton brand would strengthen the hotel’s notoriety but take longer to make it profitable.
The consultant has also considered affiliating with Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites.
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