Future of Hotel Topeka taking shape

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 hotel be repaired – at a price tag of $10 million – and run independently. Otherwise, the consultant recommends the hotel be developed with DoubleTree by Hilton, which would cost 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," said Spencer Duncan, city councilman. "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 'right person,' we're willing to work with them."

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.

The city council will meet Tuesday to determine next steps, said city spokeswoman Rosie Nichols.

"The suggested next step is for the consultant to ... solicit proposals from qualified owner/operators to acquire and redevelop the hotel under one of those hotel flags," Nichols said.

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