The Crowne Plaza at Union Station in downtown Indianapolis is about to undergo an $8 million renovation that will include major improvements to the hotel’s 273 guest rooms.

The project is set to begin early next year and should be completed by October, said General Hotels Corp., the Indianapolis-based manager of the hotel.

Guest rooms will receive new furniture, and floor tile and granite countertops in their bathrooms. Improvements also will be made to public spaces, meeting rooms and food and beverage areas, General Hotels said.

Also, the fitness center might be relocated and guest suites could be added.

Located in downtown’s historic Union Station, the hotel is well known for its 26 authentic Pullman train car sleeper rooms.

The hotel opened in 1986 under the Holiday Inn brand before becoming a Crowne Plaza.

The hotel, owned by B&D Associates LP, is the 14th largest hotel in the Indianapolis area when ranked by number of guest rooms.