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Where to Stay in Kansas City

Where to Stay in Kansas City

Kansas City Missouri, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Kansas City

Diverse Stays

Unique Stays & Rentals

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Boutique hotels in Crossroads Arts District and Midtown, distinctive design, local art.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Apartments, entire houses, or private rooms throughout the city. Book vacation rentals on Vrbo.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Airbnb options sometimes provide similar experiences with local hosts. Consider house sitting options on TrustedHousesitters.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    Limited options within city limits, more available in nearby state parks like Lake Jacomo and Watkins Mill State Park.

Kansas City Neighborhood Guide

Kansas City's distinct neighborhoods each present an unique character, ambiance, and set of services, influencing your stay.

Downtown/Power & Light

Benefits
  • Central location, lively nightlife.
  • Streetcar accessibility to other downtown attractions.
  • Good for conventions or evening entertainment.
  • Energetic, sleek, and contemporary ambiance.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends.
  • More commercial than residential.
  • Safety: generally secure due to high foot traffic and security.
  • Parking can be challenging.

Crossroads Arts District

Benefits
  • Artistic vibe, special stores and eateries.
  • Good nightlife, excellent Streetcar access.
  • Creative, cool, and eclectic ambiance.
  • First Fridays art crawls draw crowds.
Considerations
  • Can be quiet on non-First Fridays.
  • Parking challenges.
  • Safety: generally secure, especially during the day and event nights.
  • Some areas quieter than others.

Country Club Plaza

Benefits
  • Refined atmosphere, scenic, very secure.
  • High-end dining and shopping.
  • Elegant, picturesque, and romantic ambiance.
  • Beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture and fountains.
Considerations
  • Can be expensive.
  • Further from the downtown Streetcar line.
  • Requires other transport to reach the core.
  • Mainly geared towards upscale experiences.

Neighborhood Insights

Westport

Historic district with a lively, bohemian vibe. Diverse nightlife, bars, restaurants, and independent shops. Can be very busy and noisy on weekend nights. Generally secure, but urban precautions recommended.

River Market

One of the city's oldest parts. Home to City Market, independent shops, and a diverse community. Historic, bustling, multicultural ambiance. Generally secure during the day.

Midtown/West 39th Street

Eclectic neighborhood blending residential areas with commercial strips. A real local vibe, varied food scene. More indirect public transport to downtown. Generally secure, but varies by specific block.

Crown Center

Family-friendly area by Hallmark. Shops, restaurants, attractions like SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND. Great for families, very secure. Can be tourist-focused, less 'local' feel.

Booking Your Stay

Smart booking practices help you find suitable accommodations at good prices for your Kansas City trip.

Advance Booking

  • Peak Season (May-September): Book several months ahead. Summer and major events (sports, conventions, festivals) bring higher demand and prices. Early booking secures preferred properties and better rates.
  • Shoulder and Low Seasons (April, October, November-March, excluding holidays): More flexibility and potential for deals. Booking a few weeks to a month ahead often suffices.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com offer a broad selection with competitive pricing.
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Many hotels present direct booking options on their official websites, sometimes with exclusive discounts or loyalty benefits.
  • Vacation Rental Platforms: Airbnb and Vrbo are main platforms for apartments and houses.

Important Booking Details

Negotiation & Walk-in Rates
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary in City Of fountains hotels.
  • Prices are generally fixed and based on demand.
  • Better deals typically happen with advance online booking.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property and booking platform.
  • Always check specific terms before confirming your reservation.
  • Many hotels offer free cancellation up to 24-72 hours prior.
  • Non-refundable rates often have a lower price.

Seasonal Price Information

Price Peaks

Accommodation prices generally peak in summer and during major city-wide events.

Lower Prices

Prices are usually lower in winter, excluding vacation times like Christmas and New Year's.

Travel Planning

Adjust travel dates if budget flexibility is a main concern.

Top Accommodation Picks

City Of fountains has excellent accommodation choices over all budget levels and for different types of travelers.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Kansas City Hostel offers a collective atmosphere in Midtown. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown KC provides basic, clean rooms at a reasonable price.

  • Kansas City Hostel (Midtown)
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown KC
Mid-range Comfort

Hampton Inn Kansas City-Downtown offers comfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast. Courtyard by Marriott City Of fountains Downtown/Convention Center is a modern choice with good amenities.

  • Hampton Inn Kansas City-Downtown
  • Courtyard by Marriott City Of fountains Downtown/Convention Center

Luxury & Unique

Luxury Options

The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection, a historic boutique hotel near the Plaza. Crossroads Accommodation in the Arts And culture area, stylish and featuring local art.

  • The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
  • Crossroads Hotel
  • Loews Kansas City Hotel
Cultural Stays

Hotel Phillips Kansas City for Art Deco history. The Savoy at 21c Museum Hotel blends contemporary art with upscale accommodations.

  • Hotel Phillips City Of fountains, Curio Collection by Hilton
  • The Savoy at 21c Museum Hotel

Family-Friendly Stays

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton City Of fountains Plaza

    Spacious suites, separate living areas, complimentary breakfast. Located near the Plaza.

  • Crown Center Hotels

    Sheraton City Of fountains Hotel or Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Direct access to Crown Center attractions (LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE).

  • Hotels near Country Club Plaza

    Comfortable stays and proximity to parks and family-friendly dining.

  • Extended Stay America

    Properties with kitchenettes, suitable for longer visits.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hotels in Crossroads or Downtown offer walkability, nightlife, arts, and Streetcar connectivity. Kansas City Hostel provides opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Residence Inn for spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and evening socials.

  • Airbnb for Extended Stays

    Many vacation rentals offer weekly or monthly discounts, creating a home-like environment for longer stays.

Planning Your Stay

Review Accommodations

Read recent reviews of accommodations on multiple platforms. This helps verify the property meets your expectations for cleanliness, service, and location.

Transportation

When selecting a hotel, think about its proximity to the Kc Streetcar line if you plan to rely on public transportation for downtown exploration.

Photo: The Raphael Hotel

The Raphael Hotel

A beautiful, historic boutique hotel near the Country Club Plaza, known for its elegant ambiance and refined service.

Historic Charm

The hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, embodies Spanish-inspired architecture. It reflects the upscale character of the Plaza area.

Destination Landmark

An iconic choice for premium accommodations, offering a memorable stay with its unique history and attentive service.

Where to Stay in Kansas City. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation