‘Cabin fever is real’: No Vacancy books a hometown escape to your own personal hotel

In contrast to its neon name, No Vacancy offers plenty of room for staycationing Kansas Citians at its newly-opened Crossroads hotel — a cozy getaway for pandemic-grounded guests looking to recharge without the risk of travel, said Spencer Sight. 

Spencer Sight, No Vacancy; photo by Shawn Brackbill

“Cabin fever is real and this place has the ability to transport you elsewhere,” said Sight, owner of the boutique hotel at 18th and Wyandotte streets, tucked away on the second floor of the newly restored Monogram building. 

“[The Crossroads is] centralized and dotted with some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, breweries, galleries, and shops,” he said, noting No Vacancy formally checked into the local hospitality scene — within blocks of the Kauffman Center and KC Streetcar line — in July. 

Click here to learn more about No Vacancy or to book a solo or group stay. 

“I was raised in town and have been restoring houses throughout the area for a while now,” Sight continued, teasing work behind the scenes to bring No Vacancy to life. “Each project served as an opportunity to create well-built and thoughtfully designed spaces. I’ve always treated hospitality as an extension of design, which is how No Vacancy came about.”

Long in the works, No Vacancy faced its share of COVID-19 pivoting, but its small size — boasting just eight rooms — and customizable stays have quickly turned it into a staycation meca, he added. 

“Opening in this environment has proven the importance of adaptability,” Sight said, detailing the hotel’s unique offerings that include a full buyout of the facility — inspired by curious guests asking how they could use No Vacancy as a gathering place for small group getaways. 

“The hotel buyout allows guests to enter a clean and curated environment and trace all who come in,” he explained.  

“The city has been incredibly receptive and supportive of the concept. KC really loves it’s small businesses, and I’m grateful to be a part of the fabric.”

A specific element of No Vacancy that Sight hopes Kansas Citians embrace: its use as an events venue, he said, noting the pandemic’s effects on what could be a sizable chunk of the hotel’s revenue. 

No Vacancy; photo by Impressive Spaces

“It’s essentially like stepping into your own personal hotel. Fortunately, the place offers ample room for (social) distancing, a courtyard for outside hangs, keyless check-in, no shared ductwork, and operable windows.”

The space has also proved itself a creative hub for local artists and makers looking for new inspiration, Sight said, noting the same community of people helped him realize his vision for No Vacancy. 

“I took to auctions, estate sales, and Craigslist, spending the last couple years collecting preloved antiques and funky decor,” he said, noting each guest room boasts its own distinct personality — while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the entirety of the space. “Dozens of local artists and artisans shared their talents in all things from hand-painted signage, graphic design, murals, photography, videography, and woodwork. It was a truly collaborative project that represents the city through and through.”

Guests can book one or all eight rooms, and have access to the lounge and second floor courtyard.

“It’s quaint enough to be furnished like a well-appointed loft, while offering the comfort and consistency of a boutique hotel,” he said. “I never considered this as something I would be doing professionally, but in retrospect it makes total sense. It’s a combination of all of my passions.”

Click here to schedule a tour or book a room.