Bluemont Hotel

Wildcats for Wildcats

In addition to the physical location of Bluemont Hotel (ie right in Aggieville and next to K-State), did you know that we are owned and run by KSU alum?

JJ Kuntz, General Manager 

What brought you to Manhattan, Kansas? Did you go to school at K-State? 

I grew up in the local area with siblings who had gone to K-State years prior to me. Manhattan was always this beautiful quaint town and when considering colleges, K-State was at the top of my list. I received personal visit from Dr. Frank Tracz with the K-State Band program and decided it was going to be the best fit for me.

Where are you from originally? 

My hometown is Abilene, KS but visiting Manhattan as a child was always a treat. I have now spent 25 years living in the Little Apple and I’m so proud to be a townie in this community.

What did you know or think about Manhattan before moving here for college? 

I always loved the drive in to Manhattan. It felt like I was escaping to lush valley full of trees. Visiting K-State and Aggieville was really cool. Manhattan has a vibe of fun and energy which I still appreciate today.

What do you think people get wrong about Aggieville? 

When I was a kid, visiting Aggieville was a treat. Cool shops and restaurants, plus hanging out around college kids was neat. As a student myself, I loved getting to know the townies who ran the different businesses in the ‘Ville. While my daughter was growing up, Aggieville was our favorite place to read a book, have an ice cream, or go trick-or-treating. Today I am excited to see people embrace the new and improved direction our city is taking for the Aggieville of the future.

What’s one thing you’d want people to know about Bluemont that they might not yet know? 

We focus on the experience. Our guests will enjoy a fun and unique hotel experience. Our staff gets to be involved in decision making for how our hotel runs daily.

What stands out to you as a quintessential Manhattan, KS experience? 

Fall is my favorite time of year in Manhattan. Visiting K-State campus for a football game or homecoming event; taking a brisk hike at the Konza Prairie; visiting for the Sunset Zoo for Spooktacular; or hunting for a pumpkin at Britt’s Farm.

What’s your favorite Bluemont feature or amenity? 

Our building is pretty spectacular. I love how it’s become a welcoming area for people visiting K-State and Aggieville.

Sean Stelk, Assistant General Manager 

What brought you to Manhattan, Kansas? Did you go to school at K-State? 

I did attend K-State in the 90s and left, I loved the town and decided to move back after being away for 11 years

Where are you from originally? 

Grand Island, NE

What did you know or think about Manhattan before moving here for college? 

Great college with a fun atmosphere

What do you think people get wrong about Aggieville? 

People only know about the bars and don’t realize how good the local restaurants are in Aggieville.

What’s one thing you’d want people to know about Bluemont that they might not yet know? 

That it’s a local hotel that supports other local businesses.  We carry local beers and have local musicians play in our lounge.

What stands out to you as a quintessential Manhattan, KS experience? 

Enjoying the local wildlife in areas such as the Konza Prairie, Tuttle Creek Lake or even out at Pillsbury Crossing. Then coming into Manhattan enjoying the small town atmosphere of local restaurants and shops.

What’s your favorite Bluemont feature or amenity? 

Free Hot Breakfast Buffet that changes daily.  There are different egg scrambles and meats on the buffet depending on the day of the week.

Jenn Alley, Director of Sales

What brought you to Manhattan, Kansas? Did you go to school at K-State?

I came to Manhattan to go to school. Graduated with degree in Marketing.

Where are you from originally?

Circleville, Kansas. (interesting tidbit – went to high school in a former missile silo) 

What did you know or think about Manhattan before moving here for college?

I grew up coming to K-State sporting events since I a kid. I did not come to K-State right out of high school, as I transferred from a junior college, but knew all along I would probably end up in Manhattan. I love this town!

What do you think people get wrong about Aggieville?

There are a lot of people that think that Aggieville is just a place for drinking, which is a negative subject for some. They ignore the fun retail shops, fantastic local restaurants, coffee shops, community events, etc.

What’s one thing you’d want people to know about Bluemont that they might not yet know?

We are owned and operated by ppl that are K-Staters, who love the local Manhattan community and are very passionate about seeing it thrive!

What stands out to you as a quintessential Manhattan, KS experience?

LOCAL! Eating local, staying local, drinking local. I avoid “chains” as much as possible, as Manhattan has so many local establishments to support.

What’s your favorite Bluemont feature or amenity?

Our location. I love that we are located in the middle of the city, across from Aggieville and campus, which are both 2 of the biggest draws to Manhattan. Most of what is happening in town, is walkable to/from our hotel.