The much-delayed terminal hotel at Denver International Airport could be a reality by January 2010, according to a request for proposals issued Thursday by the airport.
DIA is looking for a company willing to own, manage, finance and/or build a $185 million, 499-room luxury hotel connected to the southeast corner of the Jeppesen Terminal.
The proposed hotel must include at least 38,000 square feet of meeting space, a fine-dining restaurant, a lounge, a business center and a swimming pool. It must be an “upper upscale” property, as defined by J.D. Powers & Associates, which would describe the Hilton, Westin and Marriott brands.
In 1998, Westin committed to building a $125 million terminal hotel at DIA. But in 2003 the city shelved plans to sell bonds to finance the project, citing the financial turmoil at United Airlines and a downturn in the economy.
Westin, which is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said Thursday it is considering bidding on the project again.
“We would be very interested,” said local Starwood spokeswoman Susan Stiff. “The RFP has been forwarded to our corporate real estate development department.”
Hotel proposals are due May 24. If the previous design plans are used, construction could begin as soon as January and be completed in early 2010.
The airport opened in 1995 and has grown into the fifth-busiest airport in the United States, with a record 47.3 million passengers passing through last year.
“This is something the airport needs,” said Denver hotel consultant John Montgomery, “and the market out there has matured enough to where I think there is an opportunity for it to really be successful.”
The lease term for the hotel will be 55 years, with two 10-year extensions possible.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-954-1592 or jdunn@denverpost.com.
