The best hotels in Kansas City for the perfect Missouri stay

Heading to the T-Mobile arena for the biggest sports, music and entertainment events the city has to offer? You might want to stay at the Crossroads, as it's only a 15-minute walk. Plus it has a 24-hour reception, room service, a gym and a pool table. The decor oozes hunting lodge vibes, with dark earthy tones all over the place, giving quite a cozy feel to what is essentially a sprawling space. There's also a terrace with great views over the city.

What’s nearby? Union Station, the Convention Center and National World War I Museum are all within easy reach, and it's less than 20 miles from the airport.

Budget range? Mid-range.

Time Out tip: Got a furry friend? Bring them along! The Crossroads is pet-friendly (for a small fee).

The Raphael may very well be the classiest hotel in Kansas City; the hotel was named one of Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels for a reason. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to London, with pastoral colored rooms and brightly patterned upholstery. The hotel’s restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza, features live bands nightly, ranging from jazz to rock. Should you decide you need a new outfit for one of the gigs or a special dinner, you’re steps away from the iconic Country Club Plaza for copious amounts of retail therapy.

What’s nearby? The Raphael sits close to the famed Country Club Plaza where you'll find awesome shops, and get your fill of the best eateries and entertainment on offer in KC. 

Budget range: A stay here is usually quite a hefty one, but there are some more affordable rooms if you get in there quick - we'd say it's ideal for a two-night stay.  

Time Out tip: If you're staying here, make sure you bag a room with stunning views of the Country Club Plaza. When it comes to food, we hear the deviled eggs and blueberry scones go down a treat. 

Country Club Plaza offers a variety of lodging options, but none as trendy and fun as The Fontaine. The boutique hotel feels more Manhattan than Kansas City, with modern art, contemporary furniture, and an upscale bar and restaurant. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, Egyptian cotton linens, a fitness center, and in warmer months, a chic hotel pool. The Fontaine also offers free shuttles within a five-mile radius of the hotel, which means free rides to downtown and the Power and Lights District. 

What’s nearby? There are a lot of cool places to visit including, The Legoland Discovery Center - a real hit with the little ones - the National WW1 Museum and Memorial, full of artefacts and cool video archives, and for the scenery (and greenery) it's Swope Park.

Budget range: A great affordable option for those who like lapping up the luxury - ideal if you're there for a couple of nights.

Time Out tip: Special occasion? Let the good times roll with Happy Hour at Nine Zero One every weekday (from 4.30 to 6.30 pm). 

Hotel Phillips has been stunning guests since its debut in 1931; step foot inside its Art Deco-filled grand lobby and you’ll understand why as you approach the 11ft-high gilded statue of the goddess Dawn. The 216-room hotel has undergone extensive renovations over the decades, but they’ve skilfully managed to retain its historic charm and period details (think gleaming bronze and nickel metalwork, polished walnut paneling and elegant light fixtures), while also delivering all the modern amenities you’d expect. Grab coffee at Kilo Charlie, a fresh Italian dinner at Tavernonna, then wind down at P.S. Speakeasy, one of the best bars in town.

What’s nearby? Just a 10-minute walk from the Power and Light District with a tonne of restaurants, shops and bars to enjoy. 

 Budget range: A decent rate per night for one of these cosy luxe rooms. 

Time Out tip: If you're headed to the Power Light District for dinner, you should try local treasure Guy Feri's Dive & Taco Joint. The vibe here is chill and they serve up some pretty good tacos. 

The Ambassador Hotel is yet another example of a historical building weaving together 1920s neoclassical architecture with the modern amenities one expects from a 21st-century hotel. Rooms are large and modern but echo much of the original building’s decor with touches like walk-in marble shower rooms (and Gilchrist & Soames Hair toiletries). The restaurant, Reserve, is a solid dining choice, but you’re right on the line between the Power and Light District and the Financial District, meaning lots of other great options at your fingertips. A free shuttle to destinations within a five-mile radius means you can skip the Ubers.

What’s nearby? Experience Kansas' rich cultural heritage through the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art and its many collections, or gawk at the architecture of the historic Union Station. Here, you'll find antiques, restaurants and the odd exhibition too.

Budget range: All this space for a moderate price tag? We'll take it.  

Time Out tip: Looking for something fun and interactive for the kids? Head to the Riveting Robots exhibition, where you'll get the chance to build and code a robot. 

This Westin is your typical large chain hotel, with all the amenities you’d expect – plus great customer service. Crown Center is a shopping and entertainment district dominated by a three-level mall bearing its name. Within it, the Westin is a sure bet for families, with amenities including a large pool, free breakfast, and lots of nearby activities and attractions. Enjoy traveling with Fido? The Westin Crown Center doesn’t charge extra for small pets, and even offers free dog beds and treats. It’s also a popular spot for conferences, so look out for khaki-pant-clad men with lanyards.

What’s nearby? The Crown Center, of course, but there's also Washington Square Park right next door if you're looking for some outdoor recreation -  A nice spot, especially if you happen to be travelling with your four-legged friend. 

Budget range: A great affordable choice for last-minute bookings - ideal for three nights. 

Time Out tip: The Westin is a great option if you're visiting during the holiday season. You'll catch the Mayor's spectacular Christmas tree and pop-up ice rink at the Crown Centre. One thing that's here to stay all year round is the comfy beds.

Spacious hotel rooms seem to be a thing of the past, but that’s not the case at the Intercontinental. Steps away from Country Club Plaza, this hotel has an air of sophistication with its rich mahogany lobby and ultra-modern rooms. The lobby is always a happening place with live music, and the on-site restaurant Modern Slang is a great place for cocktails and French-inspired fare. The hotel underwent a total renovation in 2017, so you know you’re getting what you pay for.

What’s nearby? In addition to the Country Club Plaza, You'll find popular attractions like Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium and Arrowhead Stadium. 

Budget range: Enjoy clean, elegant, and affordable rooms right in the heart of Downtown. 

Time Out tip: If you're travelling for business and need quick and convenient meals in between meetings, you can request a microwave, though, it's worth noting that there's only a limited number of these on-site. 

Not your typical stay, 21c Museum Hotel is a cross between a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum that invites you – as they say – to 'sleep with art'. Along with 120 modern guest rooms featuring original artworks, you'll find a large exhibition space dedicated to a curated collection 21st century art, contemporary dining at The Savoy, an elegant bar and lounge and a 24-hour fitness centre.

What’s nearby? Situated in Downtown, 21c Museum Hotel puts you close to the Power and Light District, your go-to for the best nightlife venues and restaurants, and the charming River Market, home to the local farmers market, a number of cute cafes and walkways along the river.

Budget range: Not bad for a weekend getaway immersed in art. 

Time Out tip: Considering it's open 24-hours a Monday through Sunday, there's no excuse not to take full advantage of the on-site museum. Fans of Pop Art will love the Pop Stars! Popular Culture and Contemporary Art exhibition.

Between one and eight guestrooms are available via No Vacancy—where the style and vibe can accommodate everyone from the individual travelers on up to a full squad. Crashing here can be a delight overnight, but there are also day passes if you're looking for a place to catch your breath and/or get a quick refresh nap during your KC trip. 

What’s nearby? Situated in Downtown, so you'll get first dibs on all the best restaurants, cafes, breweries and more. 

Budget range: If you're looking for something upmarket, no Vacancy certainly fits the bill.  

Time Out tip: Take your morning coffee up a notch at Hitides Coffee house for its tropical Hawaiian vibes, delicious roasts and even better donuts. 

We get it – not everyone wants to stay in a big hotel in the middle of the city. If that sounds like you, Southmoreland, one of the city’s top bed and breakfasts, may be the answer, being close but not too close to the action. Rooms range from themed to a luxury suite in the carriage house, and amenities include nightly wine and cookies, free wi-fi, and either a whirlpool tub, a fireplace or a private deck.

What’s nearby? A seven-minute walk to Country Club Plaza, two blocks from the Donald J Hall Sculpture Park, and is close to Kauffman Legacy Park.

Budget range: A three-night stay comes to around $500, so it's pretty decent, especially if you're looking for a cosy and authentic-feeling lodging during your trip.  

Time Out tip: There's a good range of local cafes and restaurants within walking distance of Southmoreland, but one we'd highly recommend is Gram & Dun, for its pleasant ambience and the seasonality of the menu. Skip straight to dessert and try the Mascarpone Strawberry Shortcake. Delish.