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Where to Stay in Kansas

Where to Stay in Kansas

Kansas USA Travel Guide

Diverse Lodging Options

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Very limited, found mainly in university towns like Lawrence. They offer dormitory-style lodging at low cost.

  • Budget Motels

    Widely available along interstates and in most towns, offering basic amenities and free parking.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Common in all cities and larger towns, with swimming pools, fitness centers, and comprehensive breakfast options. Find options on IHG Hotels.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Mainly in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka, offering complete services and extensive facilities. Explore luxury options on Booking.com or Agoda.

Unique Local & Outdoor Stays

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Found in charming smaller towns and historic districts, offering personalized and historic lodging.

  • "Glamping" Options

    Some state parks or private campgrounds provide yurts or furnished cabins for comfortable camping.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Emerging in revitalized urban cores, featuring special styles and local art.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Popular on platforms like Vrbo, ideal for families or longer stays with kitchen facilities. You can also find options via TrustedHousesitters.

Accommodation Recommendations

Refer to this table for an overview of different accommodation types and what they bring to your visit.

Budget Motel Super 8

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Often includes breakfast
  • Parking included
Cons
  • Basic amenities
  • Can be dated
  • Less local character

Mid-Range Hotel Hampton Inn

Pros
  • Consistent quality
  • Good amenities (pool, gym)
  • Breakfast included
Cons
  • Can be generic
  • Less unique local character

Boutique/Luxury Ambassador Hotel

Pros
  • Upscale amenities
  • Unique design
  • Often historic
Cons
  • Higher cost
  • May be less family-oriented

Traveler Specific Recommendations

Family-Friendly Options:

Mid-range chain hotels with pools and free breakfast. Holiday rentals for space and kitchen facilities. State Park cabins/campgrounds for outdoor fun.

Solo Traveler Recommendations:

Boutique hotels or B&Bs for a personal experience. Mid-range hotels for comfort and safety. Limited youth hostels in university towns for budget stays. Consider Hostelworld for options.

Booking Your Stay

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • High Season (Spring/Fall): Book 2-4 months ahead for popular areas.
  • Shoulder Season: Booking 1-2 months ahead is usually sufficient.
  • Low Season (Winter, Peak Summer): Book closer to travel dates.
  • Major Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com are widely used.

Policies & Fluctuations

  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Vary widely; always check before booking.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during peak seasons and weekends.
  • Direct Booking: Booking directly with the property can yield better rates or loyalty benefits.
  • Kansas State Parks: Use the Kansas State Parks Reservation System for campsites and cabins.

Specialty Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations
  • Extended-stay hotels (e.g., Residence Inn, Homewood Suites) offer kitchenettes.
  • Vacation rentals provide a home-like environment for extended visits.
Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance
  • Historic Elgin Hotel (Marion): A beautifully restored 19th-century hotel.
  • Hotel Josephine (Holton): A historic accommodation in a charming small town.
  • The Eldridge Hotel (Lawrence): A historic landmark hotel with a storied past.

Negotiation Customs

Walk-in Rates

Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for branded hotels in Kansas.

Independent Properties

Small independent motels or B&Bs might offer discounts for walk-ins during off-peak times.

Standard Practice

This habit is not standard for most accommodation providers.

Exploring Kansas Neighborhoods

Each region within Kansas has distinct characteristics for your stay.

Kansas City Area KCK/KCMO

Downtown KCK / Strawberry Hill

A historic, working-class neighborhood. It offers budget-friendly options close to attractions in downtown Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO).

  • Budget-friendly stays
  • Close to KCMO attractions
Village West KCK

Home to Kansas Speedway, Legends Outlets, and Children's Mercy Park. This area has up-to-date accommodations, shopping, and entertainment.

  • Up-to-date accommodations
  • Shopping and entertainment
  • Good for family groups and sports fans

Wichita & Topeka

Wichita - Old Town

A historic warehouse district revitalized with dining establishments, bars, entertainment, and boutique hotels. Ideal for evening entertainment and dining.

  • Lively nightlife
  • Dining experiences
Wichita - Downtown / Riverside

Downtown has hotels, museums, and convention facilities. Riverside is a quieter residential area with parks and cultural sites.

  • Museum access (Downtown)
  • Parks and green spaces (Riverside)
  • Quieter, family-friendly (Riverside)

Lawrence Charm

  • Downtown Lawrence

    Close to the University of Kansas. This area suits walking, dining, and experiencing local culture.

  • University Area

    Hotels here suit university visitors, offering easy access to campus events.

  • Safety

    Lawrence is a very safe city, especially downtown.

Rural Flint Hills

  • Character

    Rural, scenic, small-town charm. B&Bs, historic hotels, and stays on a farm are found here.

  • Pros

    Direct access to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, quiet, immersive rural atmosphere.

  • Cons

    Limited services, a car is needed for most activities.

Safety Reminders

Kansas City Safety

Tourist areas in Kansas City are generally safe. Practice standard urban precautions, remaining aware of surroundings.

Wichita Safety

Wichita is generally safe. Old Town can be lively on weekends, yet maintains a friendly vibe.

Topeka Overview

Downtown Topeka

Close to the State Capitol and Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, with historic hotels and emerging dining.

West Topeka

This area offers modern hotels, chain restaurants, and shopping centers, convenient for highway access.

Overall Safety

Topeka is generally safe and less bustling than larger cities.