Disclosure: The Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me.
To enjoy an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita is more than your average hotel experience. It’s a step back into time, a historic glimpse into the city’s history while surrounded by luxury. Today, the hotel provides 200 guest rooms and a host of comfortable amenities for travelers.
As a native Wichitan, I appreciate learning about the people and places that make the city unique. Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel of the Midwest. In fact, you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.
Additionally, travelers along the Chisholm Trail also stopped at the building’s horse and buggy station for respite from their journey. Much of the building’s original design has been preserved including the front entrance, lobby elevator, crown moldings, ornate chandeliers, and an authentic mail drop station. The grandeur of the lobby is impressive and immediately takes you back to a moment in time.
During my recent stay at the hotel, I gazed upon the building and wondered how many people must have passed through its front door. Upon entering my room, I was greeted with contemporary furnishes and a plush king-size bed. I originally chose a two-room king suite for my accommodations, but quickly switched rooms simply because I wanted a room with the expansive view of the Arkansas River and the Keeper of the Plains iconic statue at sunset. For me, it was worth it.
My room came with a TV, microwave, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and free WiFi. A pet-friendly hotel, I was happy to be able to bring our pup along with us for a comfortable overnight stay. The oversized bathroom included marble floors and granite countertops with complimentary toiletries provided. Like me, exhausted travelers will appreciate the extra comfy bedding and mattress that promises a good night’s sleep. The blackout curtains were a bonus that helped me to fall asleep fast. The rooms must be well insulated because I hardly heard any hallway traffic from within my room. I loved the peace and quiet.
The rest of the hotel was equally impressive. The Drury Hotel Plaza Broadview features an indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, fitness center, guest pantry, and outdoor hot tub. Soon after checking in the hotel, I made my way to their free 5:30 Kickback®, a “happy hour” kind of event open to guests every evening. I presented my Kickback® card to the bartender and was given three complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or cocktails) to accompany self-serve appetizers. You’ll love this amenity! Should you desire upscale dining instead, AVI Seabar & Chophouse is connected to the hotel. The steakhouse will also deliver food to our room for a $2 surcharge from 10 am-9 pm.
Located in the heart of downtown Wichita and only a short walk from shopping and dining, its prime location is perfect for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the city. I hopped on the Q-Line free shuttle near the hotel to take me to District Taqueria for tacos. Using downtown transit is easy and there is a map available online to plan your Douglas Avenue route here. Later, I visited another historic building down, River City Brewing Company, where I enjoyed a craft beer on their second-floor patio overlooking Old Town. I can’t think of a better way to top off your stay at a historic hotel than by also walking the brick streets of this downtown district to admire the 19-century architecture.
The next morning, I made my way to the second-floor mezzanine where an elaborate breakfast buffet awaited my arrival featuring a full lineup of delicious menu options. Adjacent to the buffet was a cereal station, coffee counter, and make your own waffle setup. I chose biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage. The freshly brewed coffee was just what I needed to give me a boost for the day.
Later at the hotel, I continued my historical journey by viewing the framed prints adorning the lobby’s walls. Did you know the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview once had a basement and rooftop that was the place to be in the 1920s? In fact, the hotel had a secret speakeasy in the basement where drinking and gambling took place. The promenade offered guests a 360-degree view of the city while they dined and danced into the late hours of the evening. The hotel’s original name, The Broadview, is a nod to the view that people enjoyed from the top floor. The 8th floor that you see today when visiting the hotel was added during its renovation.
If given the chance to walk into one of the hotel’s larger event spaces, the ballroom, you can view a mosaic designed by American Indian artist, Blackbear Bosin. He is the same artist who designed the city’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture that stands proudly amongst the downtown skyline. The 1,550 square foot mosaic is the largest continual mural in Kansas. Ask the front desk attendant if the ballroom is accessible to view it.
All in all, I adored my experience as a guest at Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview for the comfortable stay and its historic value. It’s an ideal lodging destination for individual guests, groups, and business travelers. I believe that to truly appreciate a city’s history, you have to walk inside its buildings, talk to residents, and visit its significant spaces. Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview offers all of that and more for people who want to travel happy.
