Hotel Phillips is the downtown hotel for guests who want the 1930s without giving up modern comforts. It was built in 1931 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America, and its Art Deco architecture is the draw: a 20-storey tower with 216 rooms on West 12th Street, set in the middle of the downtown core. Guests can eat at Tavernonna, an Italian restaurant, and at P.S., and there is an on-site bar and lounge as well as a 24-hour gym and free in-room Wi-Fi. Reviews are strong, with an 8.6 out of 10 average from more than a thousand guests. The location is the real convenience. The Kansas City Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium and The Midland theatre are each about a three-minute walk, the Power and Light Building is five minutes, the T-Mobile Center is about seven, and the Metro Center streetcar stop is two minutes away. It is a natural pick for convention visitors and concert-goers who want some history rather than a standard tower block.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at 106 West 12th Street. On foot you can reach the Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium and The Midland in about three minutes, the Power and Light Building in five and the T-Mobile Center in around seven, with the Metro Center streetcar stop two minutes away. The free streetcar connects you with Union Station, Crown Center and the River Market, so a car is rarely necessary.
Rooms and facilities
The 216 rooms are spread across 20 floors, and free Wi-Fi is included. Tavernonna and P.S. Give you dining without leaving the building, the bar and lounge handle a nightcap, and the 24-hour gym covers fitness. There is no pool, so choose elsewhere if swimming matters. Covered valet parking is available at a daily charge, around 45 dollars, and pets are not allowed apart from service animals.
Who it suits
Couples who like historic hotels, convention and event visitors, theatre-goers and anyone who wants a downtown base within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Good to know: ask for a higher floor for a quieter night when there is an event nearby, and compare the rate with other downtown hotels on your dates, since prices swing with conventions and games.
When comparing hotels, think about how you will spend your evenings. Hotel Phillips works best if you plan to go out, because The Midland, bars and restaurants sit within a few minutes’ walk, and the streetcar connects you to the rest of the central city. If you need a pool or a resort feel, choose a hotel in Crown Center or on the Plaza instead. Light sleepers should request a room away from the street, particularly on weekends when events at the convention center and theatre fill the area.
Why stay here
- ✓Tavernonna Italian restaurant
- ✓P.S. restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓24-hour fitness center
- ✓Covered valet parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Historic Art Deco building
- ✓Streetcar stop nearby
Good questions
Where is Hotel Phillips?+
It is at 106 West 12th Street in downtown Kansas City, about three minutes on foot from the Kansas City Convention Center and The Midland.
Does Hotel Phillips have parking?+
Yes, covered valet parking is available for a daily fee, around 45 dollars when we checked. The free streetcar is an alternative to bringing a car.
What is special about the building?+
It dates from 1931, has Art Deco architecture and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
