Kansas City, MO-Lodging
 

My DD, 18 years old and myself will be in Kansas City ,MO for a few days and are looking for lodging. We are interested in either B&B or a decent clean hotel

Thanks

Melissa

Kansas City is a pretty large area...do you have a route you'd like to be close to or an attraction? Where are you coming from and what will you be doing while you are here?

Waht is your budget?

I prefer to stay on the Country Club Plaza.
I stay at Marriott Courtyard there - it is a beautifully renovated building .

Also, the Raphael is a great choice and they have nice specials.

We are really interested in history. These are what we are coming to see, Truman's museum, Rice-Tremonti House,the Arabia steamboat museum, the national frontier trail museum, pioneer spring cabin, arrow rock,MO, Fort Leavenworth, MO,Jesse James FArm & Museum,James Brown Museum,City of Independence,Quindaro Ruins underground RR.

So what area do you think we should stay in?

Also, how many days do you feel we need to spend to comfortably see it all?

Thanks

Melissa

also, what is your opinion of the Hotel Savoy?

Melissa

I would also recommend the Marriott Courtyard neat the Country Club Plaza. Or the Hyatt Regency at Crown Center.

We just stayed at the 4* Hyatt Regency Crown Center for around $100 a night on expedia.com
It was a great room on the 35th floor, totally renovated with the heavenly beds.
Couldn't beat it for the price.

Then staying on The Plaza or at Crown Center would probably work the best, and then you will at least feel like you are in a unique city rather than a bland one-size-fits-all suburb. Plus when you are done sightseeing, you can wander about and shop and you are convenient to lots of restaurants within walking distance.

The Marriott Courtyard is nice, as a PP mentioned. Other properties on The Plaza are a Sheraton Suites, and a Hampton Inn. The Raphael is charming. Don't have any knowledge of the Savoy...sorry!

Thanks for the great ideas

Melissa

Also, you didn't mention visiting the World War I Museum here in town, but it is definitely worth including on your list of things to do if you like history. It's beneath the Liberty Memorial which is near Crown Center and Union Station.

The Savoy is (used to be) a great place to dine in style. I would not consider staying there, however. We noticed that service at the Savoy Grill was not quite what it used to be, but the last time we were there was probably a couple of years ago.

I second/third/? the idea of staying around the Country Club Plaza area!

Couple of notes about your itinerary ...

As a native from Leavenworth, I'm TRILLED you have decided to visit the town. There is a lot of history there.

Visit http://www.visitleavenworthks.com

Fort Leavenworth is known for the Command & General Staff College where military leaders from all over the world come to school.

It is also home to one of the military's disciplinary barracks (prisons).

Make sure everyone in your party has ID when entering the post - it is a closed military post.

Make sure you see the ruts still visible in the ground from the wagons of the pioneers!

Next to the Fort is the Federal Penitentary where Al Capone served his tax evasion sentence as well as other notables. This is the BIG HOUSE. There used to be buffalo on the west side - I don't know if they are still there. The Penitentary is just a drive by - do not trespass! If you want to take photos - part on a side street across from the pen and take your photos - DO NOT try to take photos on federal property!

And, if you want to see the other prisons that have made Leavenworth known as "Prison City," there's a US Marshals detention center near the Veteran's Administration campus/cemetery, and Lansing has the State Prison and Women's Correctional facilities.

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I would probably do Truman's house/museum and the Rice Tremonti House the same day as they are in the same general area.

Arabia Steamboat Museum is at the River Market area - you might pair that with a stop at Union Station where the Kansas City Massacre occured and Pretty Boy Floyd was killed (http://www.fbi.gov/libref/historic/f...loyd/floyd.htm)
and possibly Science City (they have some neat exhibits at times - like Bodies Revealed).

Jesse James Museum and Farm is at the north end of Kansas City metro area. I don't have any good advice for visiting this (I have not done it). You could maybe do this in the early AM and then hit WORLDS of FUN (amusement park) or OCEANS of FUN for the great day of riding roller coasters or water slides!
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You'll be glad to know that Kansas City is a pretty easy city to navigate. If you stay at the CCPlaza - Leavenworth is about 45-50 minutes north and you could spend a day. Independence is about 35 minutes east of the CCPlaza. The CCPlaza is a great place to stay - you'll be near shopping and eating and it's a great place to just walk around.


Hope you enjoy your trip and let me be the first to welcome you to Kansas City!

The World WAR I museum is second to none. It is one of the best museums in the world for this. It is done very well and a Must -see!!

Also Reccomend the Marriot Court yard on the Plaza - it is very unique for a chain and a great location!

Thanks for the sightseeing suggestions

Melissa

Well a great place to stay that is relatively cheaper than most of the other downtown hotels is the Comfort Inn & Suites. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, they have a free breakfast, free parking and wireless internet. For two people you could easily save over $100 on your hotel bill by staying at this hotel rather than the mariot or the Savoy. It is within walking distance to the Arabian Steamboat museum and the city market. If is in a great location just off the highway in the middle of everything you are looking for. The Truman Library, the WW1 memorial is close by its a great place to stay and you get a luxury room for a economy price. Only downside of the hotel is that there is not a lot of restaurants within walking distance but there are atleast 50 within 1 mile.

With all due respect, for a mom and daughter traveling together, the above would NOT be my recommendation for lodging in Kansas City...there are just too many other choices that are preferable. If money is a huge concern, then Priceline would be a good option.

Now I am really confused. Money , of course, is always , an issue but we really want to get a feel for Kansas City. So we want to stay where we know that we are in Kansas City.

Melissa

I think Musicfan was referring to comfort Inn?
my opinion is that you stay on the Plaza for a unique feel of the city.
She agreed earlier about Marriot Court yard and Crown Plaza.
I go there for business quite a bit and I really enjoy the Plaza. It is very beautiful place with all the fountains and statues, shops etc...

Yes, I was referring to the Comfort Inn which was recommended by the (brand-new) poster just above. I apologize for the confusion.

Either Crown Center or the Plaza would be wonderful choices for you and your daughter, as anne mentioned and I think you would really enjoy either location. I know just what you mean about feeling like you ARE somewhere unique when you travel as I feel the same way.

I hope you have a wonderful time here and let us know how your trip went, what you did, etc.

You've gotten a lot of great advice. I agree with staying on the Plaza. It does give you the feeling of being in Kansas City, and not just in a generic hotel in a generic city.

If you have any interest at all in military history, please add the WWI museum (as mentioned above) to your itinerary. It is fantastic! We also have enjoyed the Truman Library and the Arabian Steamboat musuem. Enjoy -- it sounds like a really nice trip. (Don't forget to eat some KC BBQ!)

Ah yes, Kansas City BBQ...our fave is Oklahoma Joe's...it's not far from either The Plaza or Crown Center. It is located in a gas station (really!). Anthony Bourdain proclaimed it one of the 10 best restaurants in the world and the guy from "Man Vs. Food" just paid them a visit a few weeks ago.

I will eat some KC BBQ. We just moved to NC 3 years ago and were introduced to southern BBQ. and now I will be introduced to Midwestern BBQ .

Melissa

If you want a feel for KC - the Plaza is the place to be. KC is known for their fountains and the Plaza is a unique shopping/restaurant area designed after Seville, Spain (our sister city). Anyone that has been to KC will ask you - did you go to the Plaza?

Crown Center is okay - Crown Center is home to the headquarters of Hallmark. Located next to Union Station & Science City, as well as the Liberty Memorial (where the WWI museum is located) - it's an okay location - nothing really special, in my opinion. You'd be much happier on the Plaza where there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and a movie theater - just walking around is great, too (and free!).

As a lifetime local - I would not have visitors stay anyplace other than the Plaza if they wanted the KC feeling!

Here's the website for the Country Club Plaza...
http://www.countryclubplaza.com

I would highly recommend stopping at Kona Grill for their half-priced appetizers between 3pm and 7pm in the bar (get there EARLY!). Check out happy hour at http://www.countryclubplaza.com/Even...ill-Happy-Hour

Oh - wanted to tell you ...

When you go to Leavenworth, here are some suggestions for lunch/dinner...

Homer's Drive-In
1320 S 4th (the main road that runs north/south thru town)
(913) 651-3500
This place is a Leavenworth ICON! The BEST burgers around! They used to have carhops back in the day, but now it's eat-in only.

Mama Mia's
402 S 20th St (another north/south road - on the west side of town)
(913) 682-2131
This Italian restaurant is a nice place to go for dinner.

High Noon Saloon
206 Choctaw St
(913) 682-4876
http://www.thehighnoon.com/Home_Page.html
If you're needing a beer to quench your thirst - this is a popular place for lunch or dinner (menu available online). Located down by the riverfront.

You people are the best

Thanks so much for the great suggestions

Melissa

Did Homer's stop doing the drive through where they carry the food out to the car?

Baan Thai Restaurant in Leavenworth has the best Thai food in the region. For lunch, the soda fountain and lunch counter at the Corner Pharmacy in Leavenworth is like stepping back into the 50s or 60s. (and the prices are nearly that low)

Keith

we loved our meal at OK Joe's.
Power and Light was ok, its a ghost town if nothing is not going on at the Sprint center.
Hyatt Crown center was nice but KC really needs to clean up their downtown area.

Yes, you're right, ksucat! It's a lot better than it used to be, but we still have a ways to go. Hopefully once the new Performing Arts Center is finished, things will move more quickly.

So, did you go to K-State? DD just graduated from there in December. She (and we) love that school!

Priceline can be awesome for KC hotels. Our favorite location is CCP also. We visit KC often and have stayed at the other Marriot near the Plaza. Not as quaint as the Marriot Courtyard and a bit further walk to the actual plaza but we just got it for 2 nights at $55ea over the 4th weekend.
We also like that location because there is a nice park for early morning walks which we enjoy. It's home of one of the famous fountains.

Thanks guys

question- how long do you think we should spend in KC to say all we want to see?

Melissa

What are your interests? Museums, history, shopping, gardens, bar scene, sports, theater? There is a bit of everything.

We are really interested in history. These are what we are coming to see, Truman's museum, Rice-Tremonti House,the Arabia steamboat museum, the national frontier trail museum, pioneer spring cabin, arrow rock,MO, Fort Leavenworth, MO,Jesse James FArm & Museum,James Brown Museum,City of Independence,Quindaro Ruins underground RR.

As well as the WW I museum

It probably depends on how "busy" you want to be each day...do you want to really pack in a full day or take your time? Everyone has a different approach to this.

Also, please note that Arrow Rock is quite a ways east of Kansas City so hopefully you are planning on stopping there on the way into town.

Right off the top of my head, I would say 3-4 days would cover it, but others may have different opinions.

Also, another stop that might be fun is the Toy and Miniature Museum It's located in a beautiful old home not far from The Plaza are and is very unique.

I would pu the Negro Leagues and Jazz Museums ahead of most of those on your list.

While you are in Leavenworth, be sure to visit the C W Parker Carousel Museum and the Chapel of the Veterans.

http://www.kansastravel.org/caroselmuseum.htm
http://www.kansastravel.org/chapeloftheveterans.htm

Keith

Thanks for more interesting ideas

Melissa

I haven't read all the replies, so I apologize if I'm repeating advice here. I highly recommend you stay on the Plaza if you really want a feel for Kansas City. The Intercontinental is probably the nicest hotel in the area and you can get a great deal ($149/night - maybe even cheaper) on Priceline. It has great views (request a balcony overlooking the Plaza when you check in) and is very convenient to restaurants, shops, etc. . .

Have fun!
A

Looks like you have a great itinerary planned now. Lots of great ideas. We are not so much into history and our visits to KC usually include dining, strolling thru parks, museums and a little shopping. Over the 4th we discovered a small garden - the Muriel Kaufmann memorial garden. Near the Plaza and just lovely.

We will be busy in KC

2catlover, when are you coming to KC?

In the past, my recommendation would always have been to say stay a the Country Club Plaza. But, my BIL was recently in town for a performance, and their whole group stayed downtown at Hotel Phillip, and it was a very cool boutique hotel, right near the Power and Light District. Although I would have agreed in the past about it being a ghost town at night, both the weekend BIL and friends were in town, and last night when we drove out of DT after tennis, it was really hopping, and not just around the P&L district.

Right now there is also a trolley that is running from Union Station (by Crown Center and the World War I museum) to Independence (which you wanted to visit and where the Presidential Library is located). It's just $1 and it was also routing through DT last night, we could hear the bell ringing.

I'm trying to find route information for you, but until then, here is a news article on it:

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/new...-independence-

Anyway, that may give you a few more options of places to base yourself.

BTW, let me second someone's suggestion above regarding the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Museum (which are part of the same complex). This is a completely worthwhile visit, and highlights some incredible history.

The Jesse James Farm and museum is a 30-40 minute drive NE of KC. You just go straight up 35 to the exit for Hwy 92 at Kearney, go East on 92 for a mile or so and follow the signs. They do a nice historical tour, and will give you a map to drive back into Kearney and visit the grave if you wish. You cannot see much unless you pay the admission to get past the gift shop/entrance.