Downtown Doubletree to change to Radisson

[KCPowercat]

Not huge news but a renovation is a part of the flag change and that hotel is in serious need of upgrades so this is very good news.

Now when is somebody going to buy the Holiday Citi Center.

[Long]

Maybe they can address that clumpy parking garage and the cheesy purple and pink lighting.

[Big Red Storm]

I personally like the lighting.  It's something very different from the rest of KC.  Now the parking garage on the other hand...

[KansasCityCraka]

I've been saying this for months...that the Doubletree should move. Hopefully they will look to build something but probably not until 2007 as he earliest date.

[paisstat]

Well said Long, this building has been on my nerves since I moved to KC.  The parking garage and blank walls along the sidewalk ruin the streetscape in this vital part of downtown.  And the lighting, don't get me started, seems so out of character for KC, it belongs in Miami.  As I look out my window at night, it is one of the last things I see before I fall asleep! 

[trailerkid]

I noticed this hotel had really, really cheap rates. They started at $69 a night...is this place a dump?

[bahua]

I have heard that "maintenance" is a poor word for what goes on in this building. Crumbling walls, ripped and stained carpets, faulty wiring and leaky plumbing abound in the building. It will cost millions to bring it back to an attractive state. It's cheap because yes, it's a dump.

However, I think  its purchase is a very good sign. Its location is frigging perfect for any event downtown, especially for the coming years. If the building is restored to good condition, they could easily charge $190 a night there, in the not-too-distant future.

[AndrewN]

I think it is important to note that this was a dump before it was renovated from the Americana into an Omni many moons ago.  Then the hotel got another life as a Doubletree.  I stayed there when it was the Americana for spring break during my senior year of college.  Talk about scary.  Surely it is not as bad as it was back then.  But we were able to stay in a prime location for only $40 a night.

[trailerkid]

When will there be pressure/demand for a complete redo of this facility? I've heard it is still a dump. I would think with the recent hotel activity in the metro there be word on a renovation and/or rebranding of this property.

[Sparty]

The inside doesn't look very dated.  The lobby looks like it has been renovated recently, and the penthouse ballroom on the top floor is probably one of the best places in the city to have a wedding reception.  The view is amazing, as it sits up with the glass skyscrapers.  I think the worst part is the exterior, it's just an odd design with the garage, but the interior is rather nice IMO.

[DaveKCMO]

i'd rather just see them focus on improving the restaurant.

[lock+load]

From the roof of Clubhouse Lofts this building look particularly bad.  At least paint the thing.

[moderne]

Is the paint peeling?  It was lasted painted taupe from the white when it was converted to the Omni, what about a dozen years ago?

[lock+load]

Is the paint peeling?  It was lasted painted taupe from the white when it was converted to the Omni, what about a dozen years ago?

Yep.  You don't really notice it from the street, but higher up it stands out.

[kard]

They'd better get their butts in gear or it'll be declared blighted!

[KansasCityChiefs]

Since Radisson no longer owns this building, who does? And what's next for it?

[schugg]

Since Radisson no longer owns this building, who does? And what's next for it?

I say implode it and put the thousand room convention hotel there.

[bahua]

The current occupant is Crowne Plaza.

[kcdcchef]

The current occupant is Crowne Plaza.

totally fucking amazing. that hotel shut down as the americana in 95, went into a 14 month renovation, spent close to 80m opened as an omni hotel, and the restaurant became bistro 1301, and it was the shiznit. i remember being so happy omni came to kc, i was elated.

now, 13 years later, this place has been so mismanaged and so screwed over by poor ownership, it is amazing. i mean, omni, doubletree, radisson, then crowne plaza.

the ownership group has really destroyed this place. it was never owned by radisson, just franchised out. i give it another year or two before it is closed down, again.

[bahua]

I wouldn't be surprised if it gets demolished within five years.