Kansas City hotels

One of the best hotels in Kansas City, this inviting property is also a museum. 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City is a city centre boutique hotel with large rooms boasting high ceilings and enormous windows. But the unique building and its first-class art collection are the real reasons to stay here.

The ground floor hosts a full-blown museum of contemporary art, complete with a curator and daily tours, and the hotel is home to a flock of vibrant four-foot penguins that guests are encouraged to move around. Whenever I visit, I bring a few to my room for a silly photoshoot.

Also on the ground floor, The Savoy restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants west of the Mississippi River and was a favourite of President Truman. Sit in booth four if you want to share his seat, and keep your eyes peeled for more of the property’s extensive art collection too.

The Truitt offers fuss-free, classic elegance in a renovated brick Colonial-Revival style mansion close to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I love how seamlessly each room combines historic charm with modern luxuries and appreciate the abundance of rich black accents, from wood to tile, throughout the interiors.

The neon pink signage on this otherwise stately building reveals the hotel’s playful side and is an accurate representation of the property’s dual personality. In good weather, I enjoy strolling the manicured gardens here, or even just sitting outside with some of the complimentary morning snacks the hotel serves daily. Bonus: They also provide gourmet chocolates.

The best hotels in Kansas City often come with memorable bathrooms, and The Truitt is no exception. Since each room is unique, enquire about the rooms that come with spa bathrooms if you’re looking for extra little luxuries like rain showers.

Located in the heart of Country Club Plaza, the city’s upscale shopping district, The Fontaine expertly blends the old and the new. Here you’ll find modern design teamed with whimsical Renaissance-style art, custom mosaic floors, and other meticulous details to create an exceptional ambiance.

I’m always impressed by the mix of fresh and formal that comes together here, and my favourite space is The Solarium, a French-style cafe serving breakfast and pastries. I also consider The Fontaine to be the best hotel in Kansas City for killer pool vibes.

The rooftop pool looks out toward lush treetops and is serviced by Nine Zero One bar, which offers sizable cocktail and snack menus. You can reserve a cabana for a fun group experience, but you’ll have just as good a time on the free loungers if you’re a party of one or two.

If you want to experience the Crossroads neighbourhood of Kansas City – known for its vibrant arts and dining scenes – book a stay at Crossroads Hotel. Located in its namesake district, Crossroads is housed in a former Pabst bottling facility, outfitted with a mix of vintage and modern furnishings that tell the stories of both its industrious past and boutique hotel present.

The upscale rooms are similarly designed with nods to both periods, and equipped with spa-quality bathrooms and high-end linens that can make it difficult to leave.

I love the hotel’s commitment to the local arts scene, not just through its permanent art collection, but also with its support of the local First Friday festivities. If you’re in town at the beginning of the month, head to the hotel’s gallery for its contribution to the neighbourhood-wide celebration, and see why this is one of the best hotels in Kansas City for art lovers.

As the Raphael name suggests, this is one of the best hotels in Kansas City if you’re looking for European charm in this Midwest destination. While the century-old building may not look like much from the outside, this historic property excels at providing old world hospitality with modern amenities.

But my absolute favourite element of this hotel, and a major reason it’s considered one of the best hotels in Kansas City, is Chaz Restaurant & Lounge. Perfect for romantic dinners or a celebratory night out, this upscale American venue hosts live jazz and strings on a regular basis and always serves up meals to remember.

Upstairs, many of the spacious and comfortable rooms deliver scenic views of Country Club Plaza and, because this is an Autograph Collection hotel, you can also accrue and use Marriott Bonvoy points and perks while staying here.

With 800 guestrooms and scads of meeting space, Loews Kansas City is one of the best hotels in Kansas City for larger groups and business travellers. A stay at a Loews property is always a luxury experience, but one of my favourite perks of this particular hotel is its great location, just a short walk from the city’s Power & Lights District, where you’ll find most sporting events, concerts, and theaters.

The spa here has a saltwater lap pool that’s great for exercise (and your skin), but this isn’t the place for a pool party. Instead, hang out on the 7th floor terrace, Horsefeather Social. Nab a seat by one of the firepits to enjoy cocktails and an upscale selection of bar bites with great city views. If you can visit on Thursday for the weekly taco menu, all the better.

If you’re looking for a fancy hotel in Kansas City to host an unforgettable special event, check out Hotel Kansas City. The Gothic Revival-style exterior sets the stage for glamor from the start, but there’s plenty more to ogle inside. The Tudor Ballroom offers my favourite wow-moment on property, with its two-storey stained-glass windows and highly detailed wood panelling and ceiling moulding.

Weddings and celebrations aside, this is still one of the best hotels in Kansas City for any fun-loving traveller. You’ll find the expected restaurant, coffee shop and lobby bar here, but pop into Nighthawk for live entertainment from Wednesday through Saturday. There you can expect anything from live music to drag acts to emerge from behind the red curtains at this lively basement bar.

Those who prefer to prioritise their wellness should head to the Sunday morning yoga sessions on the roof, weather permitting.

The Elms Hotel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Kansas City for those looking for quiet luxury. It’s located a bit outside the city in Excelsior Springs, so you’ll need a car, but it’s worth it to explore the wider region.

Only about 40 minutes from the city centre, The Elms is real haven with plush, wellness-minded rooms and suites and a top-notch spa with beautiful spaces, including thermal baths and a grotto. This is my top pick for a serene escape that’s still close to the action of the city, but it’s also convenient for the wineries, breweries and boutique shopping of charming Excelsior Springs.

If you’re interested in offbeat niches like true crime and haunted history, you’ll find a healthy a dose of both here, as the hotel is said to have hosted several ghosts over the years – just ask the hotel staff for the details.

The Ambassador Hotel Kansas City is an Autograph property from Marriott, offering all the upscale comforts and architectural charms you’d expect from the brand. Plus, there’s the added bonus of Bonvoy perks for programme members.

I find the Ambassador to be one of the best hotels in Kansas City for an upscale stay when you can find a great deal on one of its chic rooms, making it better value than some of the more luxurious properties at similar price points.

Among its unique amenities, I love taking advantage of the free shuttle service the hotel offers for any location within five miles of the hotel. If you’d rather not venture out, cosy up in one of the velvet booths at the hotel’s romantic restaurant, The American Reserve, instead.

For low-fuss comfort and soothing familiarity, Kansas City Marriott Downtown is one of the best hotels in Kansas City. With all the customary and recognisable conveniences of Marriott properties, like the brand’s beloved signature bedding and mindful bath amenities, this is an easy choice for an upscale stay that doesn’t reach super premium price points.

Great city views are available from many of the rooms, especially those on higher floors, so feel free to ask for one at check-in. My favourite space in the hotel is the cocktail bar, Voo Lounge. Don’t be fooled by its billing as a piano bar – you’ll find all manner of live entertainment here, from guitar and singing to zippy jazz trios.

With nearly 1,000 rooms and plenty of event space, this is also one of the top-rated hotels in Kansas City for conventions and conferences.