Bethie

I need advise. Someone else has booked us at the Comfort Inn on N.78th St. in Kansas City Kansas for 2 nights in June. Is this an OK place or do I want to find something else? Don't know anything about the area, so want to make sure it's at least safe, clean and fairly comfortable. Also, will have one full day and evening to explore. Any recommendations? We are a young 60 and like, outdoors, arts,history, people, fun pubs, and good food. Appreciate any input. Thanks

Jocelyn_P

Since you like art, the fabulous Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art would probably interest you. Spend the rest of your day and evening at the Plaza--all of your other interests will be satisfied there. June is a great time to visit KC.

http://www.countryclubplaza.com/

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

duckling

If budget allows, you could stay near the Country Club Plaza. There is a Hampton Inn near the Plaza that I bet is comparable in price to the Comfort Inn.

travelisfun

I would recommend changing your reservation. The area that you are staying in is not close to anything that you would want to do or see in Kansas City. I personally don't really think it's in a great neighboorhood.

I would second the recommendation to stay on or near the Country Club plaza...in addition to the Hampton Inn, check out the Best Western and Sheraton. If budget doesn't allow for those, downtown would be better than your current location and there is a Marriott and a few other hotels that would be good. Or, stay at Crown Center--Westin or Hyatt. Any of the locations I've mentioned would be better than your current one.

As for ideas of what to do...I agree with the recommendation for the Nelson Atkins Museum, also at least eat lunch and walk around the Country Club Plaza. Union Station is a refurbished train station with a lot of history and beauty and usually has an interesting exhibit. If you'd like more ideas, let us know!

P.S. Don't mean to be negative about your current hotel choice...there are just so many other options that I think would be better for you!

Stephie

I third the vote to change your reservations. The Kansas side of Kansas City proper is not known as a tourist destination (unless you're out near Cabellas, The race track, etc., and to be honest, I'm not completely sure where N. 78th St. is, but I just think like the other posters, that the Plaza area would be to your liking.)

Check out Jocelyn's website rec. as well as www.gointokansascity.com. There are hotels for the entire KC metro area listed. Look into the above recommended hotels as well as those listed for Merriam, KS if money is an issue. They are right off of I-35 and about a 10 min. drive to the Plaza.

TedTurner

North 78th street next to I-70 is not THE worst part of the whole metro area, but it's not too far down the list either. You do not want to stay in this area if you're visiting as a tourist.
The above advice about the Plaza area is best.

Keith

TedTurner's description of the area where that hotel is located is pretty accurate. I can't think of any restaurants I would recomend within miles of there and the activities near that location, probably aren't ones to primarily interest you: auto, horse & dog racing, an indoor water park and Cabela's.

Keith

Cali

I also think you would like the Plaza Area much better. There's lots to do there and quite a few different hotels.

Bethie

Thank you,thank you thank you to everyone. So greatful for the input. I just had a feeling......Have gone into both web sites recommended and am getting ready to change our reservations to the Countryclub Plaza area. Looking forward to a much more pleasant stay in Kansas City now. I don't think I have ever been steered wrong by any fodorites.

travelisfun

It looks like you're already changing your reservations, but I wanted to tell you that I drove by the Comfort Inn today and you should DEFINITELY change. It's about 20 yards from I-70, across the street from a construction zone, and miles and miles from anything that is fun or interesting. I'm glad to see that you're switching--just wanted to reinforce that!

annieladd

Bethie, glad we have you back in the heart of KC. On the Plaza, there is a Hampton Inn, Sheraton, I think a Marriott, and for more expensive, a Fairmont. There is also the Rafael, great location, you should check on the price. Be sure and see the Nelson Art Museum, also the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art which has a great restaurant, Cafe Sebastienne (open for lunch T-Sun, and dinner F-S, I think). JJ's and Frondizi's are good local restaurants nearby, also McCormick and Schmicks and Capital Grille for good chain food. Aixois, about 2 miles south of the Plaza is great French restaurant.