Where to Stay in Kansas City
The Plaza, baby!
As I mention in my recent story on K.C., I’ve been going to Kansas City at least once a year since 1994. I’ve stayed downtown, in Westport, and at Country Club Plaza. My favorite is the Plaza. True—some of the anchor stores in this historic shopping/entertainment area have pulled up stakes in recent years, but it’s still the most gracious, pedestrian-friendly area around. And it’s within walking distance to both the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art I also enjoy walking along Ward Creek—which will offer nice views of the Plaza when it’s lit for the holidays.
NYC-ish Hotels on the Plaza
Most people know that the Plaza was modeled after the architecture in Seville, Spain; what’s a little less known—but quite evident once you realize it—is that the buildings surrounding the Plaza were patterned after those great brick, pre-war New York City apartments.
They lend charm, history, and a sense of place to the area. And better yet—two of them have been converted into hotels, allowing you to feel that history during your stay.
Top Choice (If You Have Deep Pockets): The Raphael
325 Ward Pkwy., K.C., MO; (816) 756-3800
Raphael Hotel Website
I haven’t stayed here for years (the prices seem to spike whenever I want to go to K.C.), but when I have stayed here, I’ve loved the boutique feel and the gorgeous views of the Plaza (you might have to pay extra for the view). They have a little jazz club, too—a lovely spot to duck into for a little extra fun at the end of the night.
A Good Moderate Choice: Courtyard by Marriott
4600 Mill Creek Pkwy., K.C., MO; (816) 285-9755
Courtyard KC Plaza Website
I know. A Courtyard doesn’t sound that exciting, does it? But here’s an exception. While there’s no mistaking this is a Marriott, the bones of this hotel are unmistakably historic. The hallways still have the little doors that were used for deliveries of ice, milk, and other goods for each apartment. And if you score a corner room with views of the Mill Creek Park, it really does feel a little like a Central Park West kind of experience. We splurged for a suite (complete with a wet bar), and found it quite reasonable. (Note: It’s in the Plaza neighborhood, though it doesn’t offer views of the Plaza the way the Raphael does.)
Other Plaza Choices
If historic is not your thing, here are two other hotels I’ve stayed in and enjoyed:
The Contemporary Choice: The Fontaine
901 W 48th Pl., K.C., MO
TheFontaineHotel.com
I last stayed in this plush, ultra-modern hotel when it went by another name (Hotel Sorella), but it’s a current favorite of two very good friends of mine whose standards I trust. On the western end of the Plaza, it’s near scads of shops and restaurants. If you go in summer, the rooftop pool looks sweet (though small).
More Rooms with Views: The Intercontinental
401 Ward Pkwy, K.C., MO
(816) 756-1500
Intercontinental Hotel Website
I’ve stayed at the K.C. Intercontinental a few times, usually in summer to enjoy the balconies and the pleasant outdoor pool. It’s not the toniest Intercontinental I’ve visited, and, in fact, some recent reviews agree it needs an update.
What it does have going for it is the great views of Country Club Plaza (again, you might have to pay extra), which will be especially lovely when the holiday lights are blazing.
Serviceable but Not Special: Residence Inn by Marriott, Country Club Plaza
4601 Broadway Blvd., K.C., MO
(816) 753-0033
Residence Inn Website
I’ve also stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Country Club Plaza. It was fine, though I found the outdoor entrance to our room less appealing, as it felt a bit exposed and quite removed from the supervision of the front desk (the rooms in the main building are probably better). Our particular room was also quite dark. That said, for those who enjoy hotels with kitchens, it’s a solid choice, conveniently located near all the shops, dining, and entertainment.
Why You Can Trust Me
My newsletter is a “gush-free” zone. I’ll tell you the ups and downs of a place—and the reason I can speak so candidly is I don’t take freebies.
Next time you see an influencer gushing about a hotel on social media, you’d be fair to wonder who exactly they’re writing for: the hotel that hosted them, or you, the reader. (I write for you.)