MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
After years of planning, construction delays, and supply chain headaches, the new Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center in Hutchinson is finally within sight of opening its doors.
Raju Sheth, a managing member of Amber Hotels and the developer behind the project, provided an update to the Hutchinson City Council at their meeting on Tuesday, sharing that the hotel is about 90 days away from welcoming its first guests — with a hopeful opening date in September or October.
“Finally, my elevator is here,” Sheth said, noting that while key components like the elevator have arrived, some critical items, like the hotel’s doors, remain stuck at ports. “We paid for those doors six months ago, and they’re still sitting in Los Angeles.”
Sheth said the project has faced no shortage of obstacles, from global supply chain disruptions and weather setbacks to new tariffs that unexpectedly increased costs. A severe rainstorm just weeks ago caused an estimated $15,000 in damage when high winds shattered tempered glass windows, requiring expensive replacements.
Despite the challenges, the upper floors of the 112-room hotel are nearly finished, with plumbing, cabinetry, shower doors, and other fixtures in place. Work now focuses on completing the lobby and the adjacent convention center.
Hilton requires that at least 75% of guest rooms be fully ready before any soft opening is allowed, and final inspections — including extensive technology and Wi-Fi requirements — must be passed. Sheth said that meeting those standards has added time, since they must rely on Hilton’s approved vendors.
“If it were up to me, we’d be open already,” Sheth said with a laugh. “But Hilton has their own processes, and they come at their sweet time.”
In the meantime, the hotel’s general manager has been hired, and other key positions, including an executive housekeeper and marketing staff, will be finalized soon. New hires are expected to begin onboarding in August.
Originally planned as a 100-room hotel, the project has expanded to 112 rooms, thanks in part to strong local financial support. Sheth thanked First National Bank for being a “good partner” throughout the process.
“I’m not asking anyone for money,” Sheth added. “I just want people to know the hardships we’ve gone through to get here. But it’s going to be a beautiful property and we can’t wait to open our doors to Hutchinson.”