For those who have travelled to KC or live around here, you probably already know our FS Marriott properties are typically in the middle of the spectrum so it is nice to see a new Marriott FS property being added, in this case a Renaissance.

Property will be located in the Briarcliff Development (located north of the river, near 169 Highway.

10 story, 250 room property with banquet rooms, restaurants and meeting space. Construction begins in spring, expected opening by end of 2009 so still a distance off. But still nice to have something to look forward to as an alternative to the existing "blah" FS Marriott's currently offered.

Only thing I didn't like is that the developer received city tax incentives to help build the property...but the area this is being built is not one of the areas that should be using the tax incentives designed for areas that actually need the development.

Slightly still on-topic, the Residence Inn KCI Airport is now open (has been for several weeks now). Rates started in the $140+ range but have now dropped down to around $109 on certain days. The airport Fairfield is under renovation currently, completing one floor at a time in either of the two buildings so an FYI if anyone has been looking to stay there. The Courtyard across the road which previously offered $79 on weekends has now had to extend that rate to weekdays in some instances (also showing up on pointsavers category 2), as well as the 4points dropping to $65 and the Holiday Inn to around $70 and it seems many of the airport properties are having some difficulty filling their inventory these days. Stayed at the Hilton last week and there were only 8 cars in the lot (1 was mine) and I never ran into another guest the entire day in the halls so the issue seems to be across brands. Most appear to be at low occupancy upon visual (parking & lights) which matches the lower rates they are offering currently.