Hailey
Kansas City is experiencing a strong wave of hotel development, with nine new hotel projects currently moving forward across the metro area.
Together, these projects will add 856 new hotel rooms, strengthening the city’s capacity to host visitors for conventions, concerts, sporting events, and tourism.
The developments are spread across key growth areas such as Downtown Kansas City, the River Market, the Plaza corridor, and the Berkley Riverfront, reflecting confidence in the city’s long-term travel and entertainment demand.
This expansion includes a mix of new construction, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and hotel renovations, allowing Kansas City to preserve its architectural character while modernizing its hospitality offerings.
Major hotel projects currently advancing
One of the most high-profile projects is the planned UMusic Hotel in the historic Scarritt Building downtown. This adaptive reuse project is expected to bring 167 rooms to the market and is part of a much larger mixed-use redevelopment plan that includes entertainment and cultural elements.
In the River Market, a historic structure at 415 Delaware Street is being transformed into a 45-room boutique hotel, adding small-scale lodging to one of the city’s most popular pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Along the expanding streetcar corridor near the Country Club Plaza, the former Seville Plaza Hotel is undergoing renovations and is set to reopen as a Spark by Hilton property with 76 rooms, providing a nationally branded option near retail, dining, and transit access.
Downtown recently welcomed the AC Hotel Kansas City Downtown, a modern, full-service hotel with 239 rooms. This property significantly boosts the downtown room supply and caters to business travelers and convention guests.
At the Berkley Riverfront, the Origin Hotel has added 118 rooms, supporting the area’s rapid redevelopment and growing reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation, entertainment, and waterfront attractions.
Another notable project is the proposed redevelopment of the Mason Building at 1110 Grand, which would restore the historic structure and reopen it as a 35-room boutique hotel, continuing the trend of preserving downtown landmarks while giving them new economic life.
Hotel development summary
| Project Name | Location | Hotel Type | Number of Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMusic Hotel (Scarritt Building) | Downtown | Adaptive reuse | 167 |
| 415 Delaware Boutique Hotel | River Market | Historic renovation | 45 |
| Spark by Hilton (Former Seville Plaza) | Plaza corridor | Renovation | 76 |
| AC Hotel Kansas City Downtown | Downtown | New construction | 239 |
| Origin Hotel | Berkley Riverfront | New construction | 118 |
| Mason Building Boutique Hotel | Downtown | Adaptive reuse | 35 |
Confirmed total: 680 rooms across six projects
Remaining: 176 rooms across three additional advancing projects to reach the full 856-room total
Why this hotel growth matters
The expansion of Kansas City’s hotel inventory supports economic growth, job creation, and increased visitor spending.
More rooms mean the city can compete for larger conventions and major events while also serving leisure travelers looking for unique boutique experiences. The geographic spread of these projects helps distribute tourism dollars across multiple neighborhoods rather than concentrating them in one area.
Kansas City’s hospitality sector is clearly on an upward trajectory. With nine hotel developments advancing and 856 total rooms planned, the city is positioning itself as a stronger regional destination for both business and leisure travel.
From large downtown hotels to intimate boutique properties created through historic renovations, this balanced growth approach ensures Kansas City can meet future demand while preserving the character that makes it unique.