Leavenworth Local Hotel: Former High School Is a Kansas Hit

School may be out for summer, but the Leavenworth Local Hotel in Leavenworth, Kansas is perfect for a school nostalgia fix and an overnight stay. Opened in 2021, this recent Trademark Collection by Wyndham is an excellent example of repurposing an iconic building into a blend of old and new.

Leavenworth Local Hotel

From the outside, the hotel looks much like its former Catholic high school days. The original 1923 building is splendid example of the Neoclassical red brick schools popular in the 1920s. More classroom space, a gym and new auditorium were added later. Each are part of Leavenworth Local Hotel, an upbeat, creative addition to the hotel scene.

Leavenworth Local Hotel suite

The original classrooms are now guest rooms. Our suite room was in the school’s addition, and like the original section, is a clever redo. The doorway, high ceilings and windows are the original architectural footprints. Instead of one enormous room, there are four areas with a sleek modern vibe– a living area with a sofa bed, desk and table with two chairs that connects to the kitchen space, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bedroom. The bedroom is its own room with two doors–one to the bathroom and one to the living area.

Leaavenworth Local bedroom

The suite layout offers plenty of spread-out room. Our son slept on the sofa bed and had the large flatscreen TV to himself. The two doors to the bathroom, one from the bedroom and one at the end of the kitchen area, living space combo, are another well thought out design feature.

Leacenworth Local guestroom bathroom

The kitchen is also well planned. Dishes, silverware, glassware and pots and pans are part of the kitchen amenities. There’s also a coffee maker and microwave on the expansive counter. Instead of the small hotel fridge good for a couple of drinks and restaurant leftovers, our room’s refrigerator was a full-size version that invites guests to make Leavenworth a travel hub. As part of the Kansas City Metropolitan area, Leavenworth offers smaller town laid back that is close by much to see. Check out Visit Kansas City, Kansas for the bounty.

Leaenworth Local room kitchen

One addition I would make is an area rug in the main living space. The space is large, and the color palate of the furniture is mostly browns and black. A rug with a modern pattern would add a splash of color and break up the space. Plus, it would temper the sound of people walking across the floor. I did like the modern, abstract artwork in each room quite a bit. 

Leavenworth Local Hotel gym

The common areas of Leavenworth Local Hotel bring in several original building features. The gym that still has a basketball court is now a place for guests to visit. Each grouping of chairs features games from Trouble to Connect 4. Here are a bank of ironing boards and irons for guests who opt to stay in a hostel-style Baseline Bunkhouse, a single room with a communal bathroom.

Other room options range from our suite type to rooms without a kitchenette. Some rooms have queen beds, others have a king. The hotel also has a fitness center and pickleball court.

Head to the breakfast bar in the morning for the grab and go style continental breakfast. Keurig coffee, tea, yoghurt, granola bars, hardboiled eggs and fruit were the offering during our stay.

Leavenworth Local guest reception

The breakfast bar also serves as a reception desk. Here you’ll find some school memorabilia and an assortment of local products that the hotel is showcasing.  We arrived late, almost midnight. Fortunately, the man who checked us in was kind enough to wait for our arrival. 

Other hotel amenities are a salon and spa, fitness center and laundry services.  Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

Important to know. This hotel is not particularly accessible for people with mobility issues. Ask for a floor on the ground level to make sure you have an accessible room if stairs are an issue.

We booked our room at Hotels.com. Rates range from $129 to $144. The two-bedroom suite is $339. You can also compare rates at Booking.com or other online hotel booking sites.

Photos and post by Jamie Rhein

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