Kansas City hotels have something to offer every traveler, whether you’re vacationing or in town on business. Most of the city’s locally owned and boutique hotels are sprinkled throughout downtown, Westport, and the Country Club Plaza—prime locations that put guests within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and area attractions.

The hotels in these areas are as eclectic as the neighborhoods themselves—whether you opt to stay in the environmentally conscious Q Hotel or prefer the modern surroundings of the Aladdin, complete with a stylish restaurant and on-site martini bar—you’ll probably find something to suit your needs, taste, and budget.

Downtown hosts the city’s historic properties, some of which are also top choices for Kansas City’s most luxurious accommodations. For true Old World glamour, The Savoy Hotel is unmatched; it is an architectural marvel that still boasts many of its original fixtures and decorative accents.

With its numerous festivals and events and some of the city’s best shopping, the Plaza is a popular lodging destination. Several chain hotels offer both economical and upscale options, yet the Plaza also hosts hidden gems like the Southmoreland Bed and Breakfast and The Raphael, a European-style boutique hotel that’s ideal for a romantic getaway.

Further outside the city, newer hotels form pockets of accommodation options around popular business and leisure points of interest, including convention centers and Kansas City International Airport. Although you may tack on extra driving time to get to the heart of the city, many of the suburban-area hotels offer cheaper rates and on-site conveniences that make up for the additional mileage.

Choosing Your Hotel

Because Kansas City is spread out over such a large area, it’s best to choose your hotel after you have a rough idea of where you’re headed, what you’re going to see, and what sort of transportation you’ll use while you’re here. If you want to spend most of your time in the downtown/Westport/Plaza corridor, selecting a hotel within those districts and relying on public transportation or taxis will give you access to most of the city’s favorite sights.

If you’d prefer an affordable option and don’t mind driving, select a hotel by Kansas City International Airport, in Johnson County, or in Wyandotte County. You’ll still be close to highways and interstates, putting you within a 20-minute drive of the center of Kansas City and its accompanying destinations.

Should you decide to travel with your pet, Intrigue Park Place and Aloft Leawood welcome four-legged friends for a small non-refundable deposit.

Business travelers doing business in Johnson County might want to stay in hotels around Overland Park’s Corporate Woods business park. If proximity to your business meetings and functions isn’t a concern, opt to stay near the airport or in downtown Kansas City, where you’ll have easy access to dining and nightlife.

Kansas City’s Best Hotels

• Best Hotel Renovation:The Hilton President Kansas City
• Best Historic Escape: The Savoy Hotel
• Best View: The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
• Best Green Retreat: The Q Hotel and Spa
• Most Romantic Hotel: The Raphael
• Best Bed-and-Breakfast: Southmoreland Bed and Breakfast
• Best Casino Hotel: Argosy Casino
• Best Chain Hotel: Hyatt Place
• Best Modern Decor: Aloft Leawood
• Best Themed Getaway: Chateau Avalon