Kansas City, Mo.
- Kansas City’s historic Gate City National Bank building is being revamped as the home of the new Ambassador Hotel Kansas City (www.ambassadorhc.com), scheduled to open in June 2012. The company has budgeted $11 million to transform the six-story neoclassical structure into a 43-room luxury boutique property with two executive meeting rooms, a boardroom with seating for 16 and a banquet room that will accommodate 100 for receptions and 50 for dinner.
- Effective Jan. 1, the 40-story Hyatt Regency Crown Center will be rebranded the Sheraton Crown Center (816.841.1000; sheratonhotels.com). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will now manage the Sheraton property as well as its sister property in the complex, the Westin Crown Center. During the next three years, Crown Center and Starwood will invest more than $18 million in the two hotels. The Sheraton will receive a significant upgrade, including a new front drive, overall lobby improvements and the brand’s signature guest experiences. At The Westin, the entrance and lobby areas will be updated, along with improvements to the Century Ballroom and public restrooms.
- The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza (816.756.1500; www.kansascityic.com) has been undergoing some cosmetic and modernization projects due for completion in February. At press time, restoration of all guest room balconies was scheduled for completion in November, as was a makeover of the entire rooftop, including the elegant Rooftop Ballroom, Rooftop Bar and Plaza Room banquet and reception facilities. Corridor carpet and wall covering will be replaced in January.
- The Hotel Phillips (816.221.7000; www.hotelphillips.com) in downtown Kansas City completed a guest room renovation this fall and at press time was on track to complete a renovation of the lobby and mezzanine areas by year’s end.
- The Raphael (816.756.3800; www.raphaelkc.com), Kansas City’s historic boutique hotel, recently underwent a lobby makeover that incorporates two distinct seating areas, each with French doors opening onto a courtyard terrace with plaza views.
- The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (816.994.7200; www.kauffmancenter.org) opened in September. It was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and is the new home for the city’s symphony, ballet and opera companies. Event space offers some of the best views of downtown Kansas City.
Kansas City, Kan.
- Best Western KC Speedway Inn & Suites (913.334.4440; www.bestwestern.com) opened last summer with 82 guest rooms, meeting space for 50 people, an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness center.
- Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway (913.288.9300; www.hollywoodcasinokansas.com) is scheduled to open in early 2012. The casino will be on turn two of the Kansas Speedway and feature state-of-the-art gaming, restaurants and views of the Speedway and Village West.
- Livestrong Sporting Park (913.912.7600; www.livestrongsportingpark.com) opened in Village West in July. Home to the KC Sporting Professional Soccer Team, the venue is well suited for concerts, meetings, receptions and various large gatherings.
Overland Park, Kan.
- In October, the Doubletree by Hilton Kansas City-Overland Park (913.451.6100; www.doubletree.com) expanded its dining offerings with a new outdoor patio. The extension of the hotel’s popular Trofi Restaurant and Bar is also available for private functions for up to 60 guests.