Kansas City Hotels Hold Up in 2008

The hotel business in Kansas City dipped held its own in 2008, better than most U.S. cities. One local hotel is posting a banner year, with
occupancy up 22 percent over 2007.

“Business is good. It’s really good,” said downtown Hilton President general manager Phil Strnad. “We’re bucking the trends,” said Strnad, “we are fortunate to be in an entertainment district. Our hotel is the right place at the right time with the right product.” The historic 213-room hotel in the Power & Light District was refurbished and reopened in early 2006.

Sales and marketing director Sher Wolf said some of the hotel’s stunning success was due to patronage by local residents. “We have found a
new market segment that is local, people who spend the night enjoying the Power & Light District ... and go home the next morning,” she said.

Wolf said the President’s overall weekend business in 2008 was up 36 percent over 2007 - some of it lured through the doors by co-marketing deals with the Midland by AMC theater and the Cordish Co., which manages the Power & Light District. One promotion offers hotel guests a gift card worth $50 at various Power & Light venues.

People are looking for value and entertainment and the President hotel offers both with the events at the Power & Light District and area theaters. The President’s success stands out against a backdrop of downtown hotel occupancy.