My Two Favorite Downtown Kansas City Hotels
Everybody has a favorite hotel in Kansas City and different criteria for determining their favorite. For some, upscale amenities are critical. Others require a certain “vibe” or decor. My criteria, by which I select all hotels is as follows:
Location/location/location - the area must be safe for a lone female to walk during the day and to and from an early dinner. It must also be near desired attractions, at least within quick and easy driving distance.
Secured Parking - The hotel must have secured underground parking, preferably adjacent and gated, or under the hotel with valet service. From the hotel reviews I’ve read recently in many larger cities, this is a very practical consideration. No one wants to get to their vehicle the next morning to find it vandalized, damaged, or stolen. Definite vacation downer if that happens. 😩
Price - the hotel must be relatively affordable, particularly in the off-season. While bigger cities tend to have higher rates, there are still some ways to get a less expensive room in a safe hotel with secure parking. More on tips and tricks for doing that in future blog posts.
Cleanliness - Hotel rooms and common areas must be clean and maintained. Nobody wants any “surprises” of that variety. 🥴
Customer Service - While not everyone needs to be bubbly and welcoming, all staff should be cordial. I like to befriend the housekeeping staff and the breakfast staff. They work very hard and can be overlooked. A little kindness goes a long way and makes the world a happier place for all. 😁 (A shout-out to Ramon at Hotel Indigo Crossroads for bringing up a microwave to my room and being a super human being and all the staff there from my recent stay. Everyone was so friendly and helpful).
Attractive/Updated or Unique Decor - While not a deal-breaker, both of these make the stay feel more fresh and fun.
With this criteria in mind, my two favorite KC hotels are Hotel Indigo Kansas City the Crossroads and the Westin Kansas City Crown Center. Both hotels feel safe and secure to me. Valet parking is available and vehicles are stored in secure garages under the hotel. Both have attractive, newer decor and have always been super clean when I’ve stayed there. Most staff are friendly and helpful. And if you book in the off-season or as early as possible you can likely get affordable rooms.
The best part of both hotels is the LOCATION. The Crossroads district is an up-and-coming arts district between downtown and Union Station. The Hotel Indigo has stylish and fun decor and furnishings. While breakfast is not free, there is both a restaurant and a pantry in which to buy food. There are several well-reviewed restaurants within a block - including The Rockhill Grille and Afterword Tavern and Shelves (bookstore and bar with food). I’m definitely checking that one out on my next trip. 😉
The Westin Crown Center is attached to the Crown Center entertainment and shopping area and has a skywalk to Union Station across the busy street. You really could just park your car and walk indoors to enough attractions to keep you and your family entertained for a whole weekend. The hotel offers valet underground parking and stylish decor. There are food options galore in the nearby Crown Center mall and also in Union Station. If you’re lucky you might get a nice view of the ice rink across the street and see folks skating at night. I loved that when I stayed there. Request the 8th floor with an ice rink view. 🤞🤞🤞
Hotel Indigo Kansas City – The Crossroads
www.hotelindigo.com/kansascitycrmo
2020 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Here are a few recent photos from Hotel Indigo Crossroads.
The Westin Crown Center
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mciwi-the-westin-kansas-city-at-crown-center/overview/
Here are a few photos from the Westin Crown Center, which I stayed at a year ago. I don’t have as many photos of this one as my stay was pre-blog, but check out their website for more.
