Kansas City is a driving city, so where you stay shapes how easily you get around. Most visitors choose between downtown, where the free streetcar, nightlife and arenas are close at hand, and the Country Club Plaza, a more relaxed district of fountains, shops and restaurants near the Nelson-Atkins. Here are the areas that work best, and the hotel we would choose in each.
Downtown and the Power and Light District: for first-timers and nightlife
Downtown puts you on the free KC Streetcar, which links the River Market, the Crossroads, Crown Center and Union Station, and within walking distance of concerts and events. For a splurge, Hotel Kansas City occupies the restored Kansas City Club building on Baltimore Avenue, with 144 rooms, The Town Company restaurant, a music bar and The Midland theatre next door. For historic charm at a slightly lower price, the Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection, on Grand Boulevard, has restored marble interiors from the 1920s, The American Reserve restaurant and Lonnie’s Reno Club for live jazz.
The convention district: for families and events
At the southern edge of downtown, the Loews Kansas City Hotel is connected to the convention center and close to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. It has 800 rooms, an indoor saltwater pool that families appreciate in winter, The Stilwell restaurant and the Horsefeather Social rooftop bar, and it is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the city.
Near the T-Mobile Center: for value
On the east side of downtown, the Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown occupies the 1915 Inter-State Building, half a block from the arena. Breakfast is included, parking is available for guests, and the Power and Light District is a short walk, which makes it our budget pick for concerts, games and short city breaks.
The Country Club Plaza: for couples and art lovers
The Plaza is the city’s most attractive neighbourhood to walk, with Spanish-style architecture, fountains and holiday lights in winter. The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza sits on Ward Parkway beside Brush Creek, with 371 rooms, American Slang, a seasonal outdoor pool and the Nelson-Atkins about a mile away. You will need a car or rideshare for downtown and the stadiums, but evenings on the Plaza are a pleasure.
Matching base to trip
For a special occasion and great food, choose Hotel Kansas City. For jazz and history, the Ambassador. For families, a pool and events, the Loews. For the lowest price downtown, the Holiday Inn Express. For a relaxed, walkable stay near the art museum, the InterContinental on the Plaza.
Getting between areas
From any downtown hotel, the free streetcar reaches Crown Center, Union Station and the WWI Museum in minutes, and the barbecue tour meeting point near 18th and Vine is a short rideshare away. From the Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins is an easy walk, while downtown and the stadiums are best reached by car.
Practical tips
Parking is almost always charged at downtown and Plaza hotels, so factor it into your budget, or rely on the streetcar and rideshares. Breakfast is usually extra except at the Holiday Inn Express. Rates rise during big conventions, concerts and Chiefs home games, so check the calendar and book early if your dates overlap.
