Where to Stay in Kansas City: 4 Top Local Approved Areas

Hop on board and let’s discover some of the best areas where to stay in Kansas City, Missouri!

I recently spoke with 2 Kansas City locals who gave me all the ins and outs of this destination and combined that with my research to make this insightful guide on the top areas in Kansas City and the best hotels.

In short, Downtown is the best area to stay in Kansas City, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions but I’d recommend checking the other 4 areas, as each has its own charm.

Since Kansas City is such a big tourist destination, I’d recommend booking your hotels in advance, especially if you’re coming during a sports event or festival when the city gets packed.

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are the best places where to stay in Kansas City, Missouri, with hotels from luxury to budget. They all have great reviews and central locations!

Here is a map of Kansas City neighborhoods, with the best 4 areas I will be talking about in this blog post so you can easily visualize their locations:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Kansas City for the first time

According to the 2 Kansas City locals that I’ve spoken to, Downtown is the beating heart of the city!

This is where you’ll find fun entertainment, museums like the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Arabia Steamboat Museums, artists who sell out their work (especially in the Crossroads area) and lots of shopping options. 

Basically, you’ll find anything that you want here and another perk is that the streetcar that runs through the city (and which you can use for free!) starts from here (map). So you can easily explore other areas as the line runs up to Union Station (map).

PRO TIP: Both locals recommended using this tram since it’s free to see a bit of the city (it usually arrives in the stations every 7 min) and also to get around Downtown since it’s easier to use than the bus! You can jump on and off whenever you want! You can check out this website if you want to see a route map. 

Downtown is home to the Kansas City Market (map), which is open everyday and has lots of vendors that sell delicious food from all over the world! And this is also where the Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday (8AM to 1PM). So if you’re a foodie who loves trying not only local but also international food, definitely head there! 

But there are also some restaurants around the market so, if you’re not a street food kind of person you can always head there. 

Luckily for history lovers, the architecture in this neighborhood was preserved and you can see some gorgeous buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their Library (map) is housed in the first bank of the city and if you visit it, you can still see the vault down in the basement!

Downtown is a pretty big neighborhood and it’s made of smaller areas, like Crossroads, and Rivermarket, where you can find lots of restaurants and cafes. According to Emma, a Kansas local and a food blogger, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream (map) is a place you shouldn’t miss out on!

If you’re looking for some nightlife, head to the Power & Light district. Here you’ll find lots of bars, and it’s usually where concerts take place. 

In terms of safety Sherrie Ortiz, who’s a tour guide and a Kansas City local said that the popular areas, where lots of tourists and locals hang out are safe! But of course, always take care and avoid dodgy spots!

Other accommodation options in Downtown Kansas City

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21c Museum Hotel Kansas City – Here’s one more option that has an art gallery inside, incredible rooms and an on-site restaurant. 

Things to do in Downtown Kansas City

• Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum
• Go to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
• Check out lively restaurants and bars in the Power and Light District
• See Union Station Kansas City (map)
• Explore the underwater world at Sea Life Kansas City
• Enjoy some drinks at Green Lady Lounge (map)
• See the National WWI Museum and Memorial
• Go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

2. Plaza & Westport – the coolest area to stay in Kansas City

I’ve coupled these 2 areas together since they’re pretty close to each other and both offer a similar vibe. 

Westport is set around a 5 min car drive and 25 min bus drive from Downtown and Plaza is around a 10 min drive and a 30 min bus drive. 

Our local sources recommended that you could also take the streetcar line from Downtown and get off at Union Station (map). From there, you can walk for like 30 min and you’ll get to Westport.

Just like Downtown, Westport has some historical architecture (lots of pretty buildings) and you’ll also find countless bars and restaurants which is why you’ll probably notice a younger crowd here.

Plaza & Westport are great places to stay in Kansas City for those who don’t have a car, as you’re still pretty close to Downtown. And you can still Uber if you’re planning to stay out late in the city.

Plus they’re only a 20 min drive away from the Arrowhead Stadium (map), where the Kansas City Chiefs football team has their games. So if you’re visiting for a Chiefs game, this could be a great base for you!

There are also lots of amazing museums like the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Once the sun sets Midtown and Westport are the places to be! There are countless outdoor bars and clubs where locals and tourists come to enjoy the night. Emma, our local source, recommended Kelly’s Westport Inn (map) for drinks. 

If you’re coming for Christmas, head to the Westport Christmas Market in the area where you’ll find lots of local craftsmen selling their work and other amazing things! e best hotels in this eclectic area from luxury to budget:

Other accommodation options in Plaza & Westport

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The Fontaine – Here’s one more amazing hotel that’s a celebrity favorite! The accommodation is pretty famous and it offers stylish rooms with large windows.

Things to do in Plaza & Westport 

• Marvel at artworks at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
• Visit the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
• See the JC Nichols Memorial Fountain (map)
• Go for a walk at Kauffman Memorial Garden (map)
• Enjoy a breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (map)
• Go shopping at Country Club Plaza (map) and check out the beautiful fountains
• Grab some drinks at Kelly’s Westport Inn

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3. Overland Park – best place to stay in Kansas for families

Planning a trip with kids? Then look no further than Overland Park, KS, a nice area that’s located a 15 min drive away from Downtown. 

Sherrie Ortiz, our Kansas local, told us that Overland Park is a great place for those who want to visit Kansas City but are not into the whole “city vibe” and business that you’ll find in the central part of the town. 

She mentioned that you’ll find lots of green spaces and some museums where you can go with the kids, making it the perfect area for those visiting alongside their families.

This would be a great place to stay for those of you who want to rent a car, as it can take around 1h or more to get to Downtown by public transport. Emma, our local source, told us that you can easily find parking in Downtown, especially during the weekends, so that shouldn’t be a problem! 

Some nice museums that you can visit here are Johnson County Museum and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art which has a nice outdoor sculpture garden where the kids can play while the parents admire the art.

Compared to Downtown, Overland Park has a more modern architecture and vibe and you’ll find lots of chain-like restaurants like Cheesecake Factory.

However the area is quite big so I’d recommend maybe looking for hotels that are closer to central Kansas City, rather than further down, so you don’t spend that much time on the road.

Other accommodation options in Overland Park, Kansas City

Things to do in Overland Park, Kansas City

• Go to the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art with the kids 
• Go to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (map)
• Try local vines at Aubrey Vineyards (map)
• Visit the Johnson County Arts And Heritage Center (map)
• Learn about car history at the Kansas City Automotive Museum

4. Village West – the best place to stay on a budget

Located a 20 min drive away from Downtown Kansas City and a 30 min drive from Kansas City Airport, this area is perfect for those traveling on a budget!

Although a bit further away from the central areas than the other neighborhoods, Village West has plenty of fun things going on!

Including a super fun Renaissance Festival that usually takes place from the end of August, until mid October, where everyone dresses up and participates in different activities. If you’re in town during that time, definitely check it out!

PRO TIP: Sherrie, our local source, said that if you’re visiting Kansas City during a big event like this festival or a soccer game, or even when the town is super crowded with tourists, she recommends starting your day early in the morning. Have an early breakfast or lunch and then hit the attractions or explore the city when everyone (people who work and tourists) are at lunch at the usual hour (12 to 1 PM). That way you can beat the crowds and not wait in the lines for too long.

You’ll still find plenty of places to stay, even if you’re not in the main touristy areas and you’ll be happy to know that accommodations are a bit more affordable here!

There are some other things that you can visit here, like the Legends Outlets Shopping Mall (map) and the Kansas Speedway (map) which is a huge car racing track where you’ll also find the Hollywood Casino (map). 

And you should also check out the Legends Field here, which hosts the Kansas City T-Bones and the Kansas City Monarchs baseball club. 

So if you’re in town for a sporting game, this area would be a perfect base as you’ll be super close to the stadium. 

NOTE: During the football season (Fall to Spring) the city gets pretty packed so I’d recommend booking your hotels in Kansas City in advance during that time.

Other accommodation in Village West, Kansas City

Things to do in Village West, Kansas City

• Visit the National Airline History Museum
• Go for a stroll at the beautiful Wyandotte County Lake
• Taste local wines at the Amigoni Urban Winery
• Go for a walk at Shawnee Mission Park

👑 Luxury price:	US$200
💵 Mid-range hotel:	US$150
🛏️ Budget:	US$90
📍 Best Area:	Downtown Kansas City
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Loews Kansas City
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Hotel Indigo
👛 Best budget hotel:	La Quinta Inn

FAQs about accommodations in Kansas City, MO

Final thoughts on where to stay in Kansas City

What a place! I hope that this guide on where to stay in Kansas City, MO, helped you decide which area is for you!

I’ve included lots of amazing tips from our 2 local sources in each area description so make sure to check them if you want to know the ins and outs of this town! 

As for hotels, if you’re still not sure which one to pick, here are my top 2 top-rated hotels, both located in Downtown Kansas City:

• Loews Kansas City – a great place with a spa and an indoor pool 
• Hotel Indigo – this boutique hotel offers 2 restaurants and stylish rooms

Remember to book your hotels in Kansas City, in advance, especially if you’re coming during a festival or during the football season (Spring & Fall) when the city gets a lot of tourists.

Have fun exploring the city and as always, I’m still around for questions! Just drop me a comment below and I’ll answer as soon as I can.

Happy exploring,

Victoria

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