logo
AC Hotel Wichita Downtown to open July 16 2025

AC Hotel Wichita Downtown to open July 16 2025

AC Hotel Wichita Downtown opens July 16, 2025, blending European design with historic charm in Kansas' first AC Hotel by Marriott.
WICHITA, KS – The much-anticipated AC Hotel Wichita Downtown will open its doors on July 16, 2025, introducing Kansas to its very first AC Hotel, part of Marriott's global lifestyle brand. Located in the heart of downtown, this boutique property brings together timeless European design, exceptional amenities, and the enduring character of the historic Broadway Plaza Building.
An Iconic Setting Reimagined
Built in 1929, the Brown/Broadway Plaza Building has long been a downtown landmark—a cornerstone of Wichita's commercial district and a symbol of the city's resilience and innovation. Originally a hub for local businesses, and home to the beloved Russell Stover Candy Shop from 1932 until 1987, the building's Art Deco elements, terracotta exterior, and distinctive Classical Revival architectural detailing have been carefully preserved in the hotel's transformation.
Today, the 11-story structure has been reimagined into a 118-room boutique hotel that honors its storied past while offering a stylish, modern experience for travelers and locals alike.
Purposeful Design and Thoughtful Amenities
True to the AC brand ethos, the guest rooms are designed with intentionality – clean lines, open layouts, premium bedding, and walk-in or roll-in showers. Larger rooms and a suite option offer added flexibility with pull-out sofas.
The AC Lounge and Restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner daily. In the morning, guests can enjoy a European-style breakfast featuring imported croissants, carved meats and cheeses, Nespresso beverages, Tazo teas, fresh juices, and signature hot items like baked cazuela with egg, cheese, and prosciutto, or open-face toast with scrambled egg, manchego cheese, arugula, and prosciutto. Coffee and Espresso drinks are available throughout the day to enjoy in house or to go.
Dinner transforms the space into a lively tapas-style dining experience with small and large plates, artisanal toasts, and craft cocktails – highlighted by signature gin tonics and a full bar.
Unmatched Downtown Access and Amenities
Located steps from INTRUST Bank Arena, The Orpheum Theatre, Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Exploration Place, and the Museum of World Treasures, the hotel is ideally positioned for business travelers, leisure guests, and local explorers alike.
It also offers 2,000 square feet of flexible event space ideal for meetings, dinners, social gatherings, and corporate events – all within a modern, sophisticated setting in the heart of Wichita.
The property includes a 24-hour fitness center – described as enormous by the hotel staff – featuring state-of-the-art cardio and multi-functional fitness machines, free weights, and ample space to work out, making it one of the most expansive hotel fitness centers in the region.
'We are beyond excited to open the doors of AC Hotel Wichita Downtown on July 16, 2025,' said Jeff Barnett, General Manager of AC Hotel Wichita Downtown. 'This hotel represents more than just a new place to stay – it symbolizes the continued growth and revitalization of our beloved downtown. Nestled within the historic Brown/Broadway Plaza Building, our hotel honors the rich legacy of this iconic structure while introducing modern European sophistication to the heart of Wichita. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far, offering them a unique experience that reflects the spirit and vibrancy of our community.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump signs new travel ban targeting 19 countries, citing national security concerns
Trump signs new travel ban targeting 19 countries, citing national security concerns

Travel Daily News

time12 hours ago

  • Travel Daily News

Trump signs new travel ban targeting 19 countries, citing national security concerns

US President Trump signs new travel ban restricting entry from 19 countries, citing security risks and inadequate vetting; policy takes effect June 9. President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation Wednesday evening introducing a new travel ban that restricts or prohibits entry to the United States for nationals from 19 countries, citing elevated security risks and insufficient cooperation with U.S. vetting standards. In a video message published Wednesday, President Trump reiterated that the list of restricted countries is not fixed and could be revised based on evolving threats or improved cooperation. 'New countries can be added as threats emerge around the world,' he said. 'We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm, and nothing will stop us from keeping America safe.' The directive, which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, imposes a full entry ban on travelers from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. An additional seven countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—will face partial entry restrictions under the new policy framework. These limitations may include constraints on certain visa categories or heightened screening measures. According to the White House, exceptions will apply to lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, select visa categories, and individuals whose presence is deemed in the national interest of the United States. The proclamation follows a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, which reportedly accelerated the president's decision to enact the restrictions. Although the policy had been under consideration for weeks, Sunday's incident is said to have reinforced the administration's stance on tightening entry requirements. 'President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that want to come to our country and cause us harm,' said Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). She emphasized that the restrictions are tailored to countries that 'lack proper vetting, exhibit high visa overstay rates, or fail to share identity and threat information.' The move represents a return to a controversial policy approach from Trump's first term, when he enacted a travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries. That earlier measure faced multiple legal challenges before being repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021. This latest action comes just months into Trump's second term and follows his January executive order directing the State Department and other agencies to assess global screening protocols and identify nations lacking adequate data-sharing or security cooperation.

Green Taxi Solutions and StandardAero partner to certify first eTaxi system
Green Taxi Solutions and StandardAero partner to certify first eTaxi system

Travel Daily News

time12 hours ago

  • Travel Daily News

Green Taxi Solutions and StandardAero partner to certify first eTaxi system

StandardAero partners with Green Taxi Solutions to certify electric aircraft taxiing system, advancing sustainable ground operations with FAA support and industry-wide impact. SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, announces a strategic partnership with Green Taxi Solutions (GTS), under which StandardAero will lead certification of GTS's Zero Engine Taxi fully electric aircraft taxiing solution. Backed by a newly awarded $5.6 million U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program grant, the collaboration will fast-track development of the Zero Engine Taxi eTaxi system, supporting the aviation industry's transition towards more sustainable ground operations. Green Taxi Solutions' breakthrough system enables aircraft to taxi without using their main engines, thereby reducing fuel burn, carbon emissions, brake wear, noise and turnaround times. Powered by the aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU), the system offers estimated annual savings of 80,000 gallons of fuel and $250,000 per aircraft, aligning with industry goals for efficiency and environmental impact. David Valaer, Founder and President of Green Taxi Solutions, emphasized the importance of aligning with proven partners as the company scales its impact: 'This partnership with StandardAero positions us for success by aligning our innovative technology with a proven certification partner. With the support of the FAA and our world-class collaborators, we are bringing to market a game-changing capability that meets the industry's growing demand for cost-effective, sustainable ground operations.' StandardAero is one of the world's leading providers of aviation services, with deep expertise in engine maintenance, engineering and certification. The company's dedicated certification group brings decades of experience in securing FAA, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and international approvals across both commercial and military platforms, this depth of capability making them a critical force in advancing clean technology solutions like eTaxi. Brian Skrobarcek, StandardAero's Enterprise Vice President, Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability, explained how the collaboration brings together innovation and certification expertise: 'At StandardAero, we're deeply committed to advancing sustainability across aviation as part of our GreenERmro initiatives. Partnering with Green Taxi Solutions on this certification effort allows us to support a practical, high-impact innovation that directly reduces emissions, fuel consumption and ground-level noise. It's a meaningful step toward safer, cleaner and more efficient operations for our customers worldwide.' Under the partnership, StandardAero will lead FAA certification of the Zero Engine Taxi eTaxi system, which is expected to take two to three years. Certification efforts will begin with the Embraer E175 and expand to other commercial and military aircraft. International approvals from EASA and Brazil's Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) are also planned. Brett Ulrici, Sales and Business Development – Certification Services for StandardAero, added perspective on the system's operational value: 'We see the Green Taxi system as the most viable near-term solution for reducing fuel burn and emissions during aircraft ground operations. It's a smart, retrofit-ready innovation that delivers immediate value to operators without requiring changes to existing infrastructure or flight operations. We're excited to help bring this capability to market through a streamlined certification path.' Both companies will have a strong presence at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Green Taxi Solutions' President, David Valaer, will attend the show to meet with media, operators and potential partners. StandardAero will be hosting visitors at its booth (Hall 3, Stand F64) and highlighting its engineering leadership in sustainability-driven technologies.

Classic Vacations expands online booking with flights, car rentals
Classic Vacations expands online booking with flights, car rentals

Travel Daily News

time12 hours ago

  • Travel Daily News

Classic Vacations expands online booking with flights, car rentals

Classic Vacations unveils major digital upgrade, enabling travel advisors to book flights, car rentals, and full luxury itineraries online efficiently. SAN JOSE, CA – Travel advisors can now build full itineraries online with Classic Vacations, thanks to the company's most significant digital upgrade yet. For the first time, Classic's exclusive advisor-only platform includes flights and car rentals, in addition to luxury hotels, transfers, tours, and travel protection. This major milestone reflects Classic's commitment to delivering powerful, tech-forward tools while preserving the high-touch support that has defined the brand for nearly five decades. The new roundtrip flights feature allows advisors to book more classes, including first, business, premium economy, and economy, many at negotiated/private fares. The new car rental feature enables advisors to book in more destinations – now worldwide. Courtesy holds are available for both flights and car rentals, enhancing flexibility and client service. 'This is what our advisors have been asking for,' said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. 'We are thrilled to make this announcement and proud to offer our advisor community the best of tradition and technology. Advisors want the option to conveniently design and build full itineraries online, supported by the outstanding service and experience Classic is known for in the industry. By adding flights and car rentals to our online platform, which already offers best-in-class hotels, experiences, exclusive perks, proprietary tools, and more, we are excited to take another leap forward in the value we provide to our advisors, who are at the center of all we do.' Classic designed the platform at advisors' request to optimize their convenience and to help them grow their businesses. Here's how advisors can use the more advanced Classic online booking tool 24/7/365 now: Shop, quote, and book roundtrip flights and car rentals in addition to hundreds of thousands of luxury hotels, tours, transfers, and travel protection options Manage multi-room, multi-destination trips with ease Make changes or additions to existing quotes and bookings, even close to departure, enabling advisors to offer richer experiences while growing their business Secure inventory confidently using real-time rates and availability Book up to 8 rooms in a single FIT group transaction, no contract needed Leverage the integrated payment links for easy transactions Take advantage of courtesy holds on Classic preferred hotels, flights, car rentals, and transfers Automatically earn Classic Royalty Rewards points on every qualified booking The Classic platform supports advisor autonomy as well as the company's award-winning human support. 'We created these new flights and car booking features to further enhance our advisors' ability to seamlessly build complete vacation experiences,' said Anthony Tucker, VP of Business Intelligence & Solutions at Classic Vacations. 'The Classic Reservations team has always been a cornerstone of advisor support, and these new digital tools are engineered to complement the personalized service they provide. Advisors consistently tell us they value tools that match their workflow – flexible, efficient, and intuitive – and that's exactly what we've delivered. We're committed to continuously refining our platform to stay ahead of industry needs, drive advisor success, and strengthen Classic's position as the premier partner for travel advisors, suppliers, and industry leaders.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store