Rocket79

Howdy - we're headed to KC to catch a Yankees game. I've been to the plaza area many times, but not to a game, so wondering if anyone could advise. The plan is to hang out at the Plaza on Sat., go to the game on Sunday afternoon, then drive home. So I am at a loss as to where to sleep for the night. Also - Anyone know the best way to get there from the plaza if that is where we stay? Thanks, Fodorites.

musicfan

Well, if you are going to hang out on the Plaza on Saturday, I would just stay there. There are so many options for lodging there, plus the restaurants and shops, I think it would be preferable. If you stayed out by the stadium, it's just chain hotels and motels next to an interstate. I assume since you've stayed there already, you are familiar with what's available, but if not, post back and I will give some suggestions.

As for how to get there, I called DH as he works on the Plaza and has gone to games from work. He said there's "hardly any way to get there from here" which is why I had to ask! He has Mapquested it, but thinks it got him lost! And heading east from the Plaza takes you through some pretty marginal neighborhoods. If you take the street that runs along the south side of Brush Creek, heading east, then he thinks you hit 71 which you can take south to hit 435 or north to get to I-70. Looking at a map will help this make sense.

If I was doing that drive, I would probably get on SW Trafficway (west side of Plaza) north to join with I-35 North, then take that to I-70 east which will take you along the south side of downtown, then heads east to 435...the stadium is just one or two exits past 435 on I-70. Sorry if this has left you more confused than before you asked and I hope it helps! Have fun!

Rocket79

Thanks, Musicfan! I had a feeling there wasn't going to be a particularly easy way to get there. Ah well. Actually, I usually stay with friends, so if you have any ideas on hotels in the plaza, that would be great. I figured I'd just try Priceline and roll the dice...

Thanks again.

musicfan

You're welcome!

Some hotels for you to consider (and from what I understand, Priceline is an excellent option for Kansas City):

Courtyard by Marriott: they (nicely) converted a cool old apartment building several years ago for this property; great location right across from one of our famous fountains

Hampton Inn & Suites/Sheraton Suites: more on the west end of the Plaza, but still nice from what I understand

Hotel Intercontinental: south side of the Plaza, great views of the area; high-end property

Raphael: just across the street from the Intercontinental to the east...lovely small boutique hotel; just read today in the paper that it was included on a list of 100 best places to stay in the US or something like that

Marriott (on Main Street): I'm not wild about the location of this property as it sits high on a hill, kind of far from the Plaza proper, but if you got a good deal on it, I'm sure it's nice

Embassy Suites on the Plaza: a few blocks north of the Plaza (and about two blocks north of the Courtyard. Okay location. It has been there for decades; I haven't been in it lately, but will be staying there myself in a couple of weeks as our daughter's wedding will take place nearby

Hope this is helpful to you and that you have a wonderful time!

musicfan

Also, just thought of this...you might also consider the Crown Center area...it's still very "Kansas City." You would be closer to I-70, the shops in Crown Center tend to be more local, rather than national chains, Union Station is there, as well as the Liberty Memorial (and the World War I Museum, which is outstanding). Look for the Westin Crown Center and/or the Hyatt Regency.

Rocket79

Thank you again... Crown Center was a great idea.

Slw

Try Priceline for Crown Center. You can almost always get a great rate for the Hyatt.

Attnymom

I would stay on the Plaza for the restaurants and shopping. You can get a great deal at the Intercontinental (one of the nicest hotels in the area) on priceline. I agree it is difficult to tell you how to get to the stadiums from the Plaza. We sometimes drive that way, but I don't even think our route shows up on Mapquest. I don't know the names of the streets - just that we turn after the house with the toilets in the front yard and we call one of the roads "dead body road" . . . probably not the way to take an out of towner! I'd stick with the I-70 route.

Another hotel option is the President near the Power and Light District. It is very happening on the weekends and I've heard the College Basketball Experience is really cool.

Have fun!
A

musicfan

LOL, Attnymom!

The President Hotel is a Hilton property I believe.

The College Basketball Experience is located in a corner of the Sprint Center Arena (on the east end of the Power & Light District)

And if it's been awhile since you've been to Kansas City, Rocket, then take some time to see the Power & Light District as it is pretty impressive. Kind of a debt burden right now, but it beats what was there beforehand and when it's a busy night, it's a pretty "happening" place.

Rocket79

Hey - Thanks for all the info. I'm a Midwesterner, but my husband is a transplanted New Yorker. Hence - the Yankees game. Otherwise, we don't do a lot with sports... Tell me if this is correct thinking: When I look at the map, it seems as though Main St. is a thoroughfare that we could take from the Plaza to Crown Center as well as Power & Light? I think we will likely stay in the Plaza area, given that it's just one night. The other (probably really dumb) question is: to get to the stadiums, is it better or quicker to head north to catch 1-70 or south? I think we will not take the "toilet yard, dead body route" this time around... ;-)

musicfan

Yes, you can take Main all the way from the Plaza to Crown Center and the Power and Light District.

And, if it were me, I would head north to get on I-70...you might even be able to get there by continuing on Main, but that little detail escapes me right now.

By the way, I just saw on biddingfortravel that people have been getting the Hyatt/Crown Center for $63.

Rocket79

Thanks again! I did a lot of research yesterday, and north to I-70 is def. the way to go. We may even just stay downtown and drive to the plaza - who knows. I will have to get it pulled together this weekend, but Priceline sure seems the way to go - $63 isn't too shabby!

musicfan

There are some beautiful views of downtown from the Hyatt and Westin and the parking is pretty convenient. Plus, if the weather is rainy or terribly hot, you can walk inside all the way from the Crown Center Shops/Westin Hotel over to Union Station, and then there is a covered walkway across the railroad tracks to several nice restaurants...Lidia's, JackStack BBQ and a German restaurant I haven't been to yet. And those are addition to the restaurants in the Shops.

Rocket79

Just to let you know - Priceline took my bid of $60 for 4-star downtown KC - I ended up with the Hyatt Crown Center. Wish I'd have been right in the heart of Power and LIght, but the price can't be beat... ! Thanks again all!

musicfan

Woo hoo! That's great! I think you'll really enjoy it there.

I can think of only one hotel that's really close to P&L--the Hilton President and I don't know much about it.

Crown Center is a nice area and there is a good selection of restaurants...I forgot to mention Pierpont's in Union Station...one of my favorites.

Have a great time! Glad to have helped.