Hyatt Crown Center to become Sheraton

[KCPowercat]

Sheraton is definately on par with hyatt. Probably a half step ahead on average.

[Highlander]

i've been to a couple convention hyatts in last couple years.  it does feel like an aged brand.  they have good ballroom services but the rooms are just avg overall. not bad but not fresh.

I guess it is hit and miss.  I've thought the Hyatt to be the nicer brand but I mostly stay there overseas.  

[beautyfromashes]

I think this change might do the hotel some good.  They probably will put some money into remodeling and it definitely is getting dated.  Skys and the Peppercorn Duck Club are old top hats but definitely are past their prime.  Let the updating begin!

[GRID]

Sheraton is definately on par with hyatt. Probably a half step ahead on average.

I'm just going to have to disagree with you on this one.  While there are some dated Hyatts out there (KC being one of the worst), I don't think sheraton is near as consistent with delivering top quality full service hotels in high end locations.  Sheraton has some good hotels, but most of them seem a step down,  some are way down below anything that would ever fly a hyatt flag (for example, Sheraton ran what was a freaking Clarion at the truman sports complex for a while).

I really think this says a lot about just how tired and dated the large hotels in KC have become.  The only good thing about the Hyatt in the past decade or so is that you could priceline a room for 45 bucks and almost always get the hyatt.  We stayed there pretty recently and they still had tube tvs rather than flat screens.  Ouch.  Most Hiltons are much nicer and more up to date than the KC Hyatt was.

[KCPowercat]

Actually you are right grid. Sheraton is the tier below westin in the starwood family and hyatt and westin were typically seen as on par with each other.

I think its clear hyatt offices weren't looking to get out of this deal to open themselves up to a new convention hotel although it could work that way. Really depends on the developer and who they typically flag.....see white lodging getting back into the mix and their preference of the marriott brand.

[GRID]

Actually you are right grid. Sheraton is the tier below westin in the starwood family and hyatt and westin were typically seen as on par with each other.

I think its clear hyatt offices weren't looking to get out of this deal to open themselves up to a new convention hotel although it could work that way. Really depends on the developer and who they typically flag.....see white lodging getting back into the mix and their preference of the marriott brand.

I also think this might have something to do with Crown Center trying to be more family friendly.  Having a hotel that would appear a bit more modest and less intimidating than a Hyatt for families with children might be a good marketing strategy for crown center as they continue to add family friendly attractions.

I don't think the proposed convention center hotel has much to do with it.  At this point, that is still wide open and Hyatt has flagged large convention hotels blocks from existing Hyatts in other cities.

[ignatius]

looks like both hotels will get an $18M refresh, which they direly need.  westin lobby could really use a refresh too.  both need to do away with the 70s look.

http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/kansa ... crown.html

[kcjak]

I think this was all about consolidating operations under one roof for as many things as possible (both hotels, 2 restaurants in Crown Center, convention area, ball room, etc).

Personally, I'll miss the Hyatt. While I've experienced spotty (at best) quality at Sheratons I've never had a bad room in a Hyatt. Hopefully the Sheraton will be updated on a frequent basis.

[ignatius]

CC said 5 hotel operators bid for the Hyatt spot and claims that 'competition was fierce'.  If the case, might be good news for downtown getting more hotels...

http://m.kansascity.com/kcstar/db_1156/ ... ue#display

[loftguy]

 both need to do away with the 70s look.

How far are we from that "70s" look being retro cool?

Serious question.  I agree that the brass and oak looks pretty tired to our eyes.

[KCPowercat]

This change had nothing to do with the convention hotel possibility was my point.  Totally crown centers call. Having two starwoods will also allow them effeciencies of some staff like sales.

[mean]

This had been the murmur around hotel circles for awhile. Surprised it hadn't been leaked to hyatt staff.

I think everyone had heard "rumors" but nobody thought there was a chance in hell CCRC would actually go that route.

[bobbyhawks]

I agree with those who said that they perceive Sheratons to be generally a step down from Hyatts.

As for the ultimate positives from the deal, I think it will be great to have one big hotel complex in CC.  Also, while probably not as common as people seeking out Hilton, Marriott, and IHC hotels, there are still people who seek out Hyatt's based on points and a generally favorable reputation due to lack of low-end brands.  I'd think that their interest in planting a flag downtown would be doubled now.  While downtown isn't exactly slaying with bringing in new businesses, it is still a big risk to build a hotel in the spread out burbs between Sprint, Corporate Woods, Garmin, various Cerner campuses, etc.  Downtown is still, by many hundreds of orders of magnitude, the most concentrated area for business and entertainment in the city.  If you are a brand such as Hyatt and you are at all interested in KC, the only things that really make sense in my mind are downtown, the Plaza, or a possible casino.

[rxlexi]

How far are we from that "70s" look being retro cool?

great question.  The "70s" chic appeal of Crown Center, or what's left of it, is one of my favorite things about the complex.  It is dated in a rather unique way, a time capsule.

The hotel rooms need to be brought up to top-flight standards, however.  And it would be difficult to maintain a complex of that size and relevance (CC) with a "retro" theme, I would think.  It does need to be upgraded to meet modern expectations, but I hope some of the old style intentionally remains (The American has managed to hang on to this decor...forever!).

[brewcrew1000]

I agree with those who said that they perceive Sheratons to be generally a step down from Hyatts.

I disagree, i think Starwood is way better then Hyatt.  Starwood has great luxury brands like W, Le Meridian, Luxury Collection St Regis, Aloft, and even some Westins are nice.  Starwood is also in a lot more countries and they are building new hotels like crazy in places like China.  
http://new-hotels.starwoodpromos.com/

The Amex Starwood Card is also great, when you sign up you get 15,000 points right off the bat, that is enough for 5 weekend nights at the Aloft Leawood or 7 weekend stays at the Four Points KCI

[GRID]

I disagree, i think Starwood is way better then Hyatt.  Starwood has great luxury brands like W, Le Meridian, Luxury Collection St Regis, Aloft, and even some Westins are nice.  Starwood is also in a lot more countries and they are building new hotels like crazy in places like China.  
http://new-hotels.starwoodpromos.com/

The Amex Starwood Card is also great, when you sign up you get 15,000 points right off the bat, that is enough for 5 weekend nights at the Aloft Leawood or 7 weekend stays at the Four Points KCI

But the Hyatt is not becomming any of those.  It's becoming a Sheraton, which is a downgrade.  Maybe starwood overall is better, but this brand change is a step down.

BTW, the Hilton Honors is also nice.  I think it's the only one that lets you double dip for hotel points and airline miles.

[FangKC]

The downtown Marriott, Westin Crown Center, and Hyatt all have very dated-looking lobbies.

I actually like the old Marriott Muehlebach lobby better than the lobby in the downtown Marriott tower.

[KCPowercat]

Marriott downtown lobby getting a large makeover.

[smh]

Marriott downtown lobby getting a large makeover.

Any idea what is taking so long with that makeover by the way? I think the front has been under construction for a year...and not much looks to have been done.

[KCPowercat]

No idea. Typical delays I'm guessing....it has been awhile. Sidewalk finally opened back up which is nice