KC Marriott Downtown completes $65M remodel

After eight years, the Kansas City Marriott Downtown's $65 million renovation is complete. The major investment includes a $44 million transformation of its 970 rooms into luxurious, technology-forward spaces designed for the modern traveler.

The Raphael Hotel Group, led by the Pistilli family, manages the flagship property, located in the heart of downtown Kansas City; steps from the streetcar, entertainment and attractions.

The new, modernly-designed rooms include modular furniture as well as a focus on technology. Each room includes an average of six USB ports, fast Wi-Fi and a 55-inch, high-definition smart television, ready to stream top services like Netflix, Hulu and more.

The hotel took extra steps to include green initiatives in the renovation plan by including a temperature-controlled energy system in each room. The system automatically resets when guests enter or leave a room. An extensive recycling program, composting, pens and note pads made from recycled material and paperless billing add to the hotels' green efforts.

“The $65 million invested back into the Kansas City Marriott Downtown is a commitment to continue providing the highest level experience for visitors and locals alike,” said Cynthia Savage, Raphael Hotel group vice president.

All beds in the 430 king rooms, 501 queen rooms and 39 suites, were replaced with the hotel's signature Marriott Bed and Marriott Bedding. The Marriott Bedding is curated, aimed to give each guest a luxurious sleep experience while the Marriott Bed markets to distribute body weight evenly and reduce pressure points for a serene sleep experience.

Additionally, the new bathrooms feature walk-in showers and are outfitted with spa-quality furnishings and features, including back-lit mirrors.

Artist Anthony Benton Gude, grandson of famous Missouri-born muralist Thomas Hart Benton, created an abstract jazz interpretation piece for every room, in honor of Kansas City’s jazz culture.

The lobby provides locals and visitors a perfect work-life balance. During the day, the adaptive, technology-friendly area serves as a space to recharge or use as a remote workspace. The area features Coffee Central, the hotel's quick-service coffee shop, a breakfast bar and a large two-story waterfall.

The lobby bar, Bar Central, offers locals and travelers a place to mix and unwind at communal tables with local beer, wine and spirits.

The hotel is equipped with a team of more than seventy experienced event and banquet associates and thirty-five customizable event spaces, ranging from a few hundred square feet to ballrooms as large as 17,000 SF.

For locals, the hotel holds an average of more than 300 social events a year, and provides high-quality dining experiences at Bar Central and its restaurant, MetropolitanKC.

The 22,000 SF fitness center on the 22nd floor offers expansive views, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, on-demand classes and an open-year-around, indoor pool. Locals can utilize the fitness center as well with a no-contract membership for only $45 a month.

The locally owned hotel is the largest hotel in the region, attracting more than 323,000 guests annually and hosting more than 900 meetings and events a year.