Where To Stay in Kansas City [2 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Kansas City is a good choice for a vacation if you don’t want to pay the prices of the major cities in the US. As the largest city in Missouri, it’s a surprisingly busy place with affordable prices on accommodation, food, and activities. Known as “the city of fountains,” you’ll love the combination of jazz, natural beauty, and amazing food you find in this often-forgotten city!

Kansas City isn’t on most people’s radar as a travel destination, probably because not many people know how many good restaurants there are here. That means you might have trouble finding the best neighborhoods to stay in Kansas City. But that’s not a problem anymore with this Kansas City neighborhood guide. So, choose your area and have a great trip! (https://www.utahcnacenters.com)

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Kansas City

At A Glance: Where To Stay In KANSAS CITY

Where to Stay in Kansas City

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Kansas City.

WHERE TO STAY IN KANSAS CITY
htjltbl-table__image Best Air BnBBest Air BnBDowntown Apartment
  • Essentials
  • 0.2 miles to Kauffman Ctr
  • 1 min drive to downtown Kansas City
Book on Air BnB →
htjltbl-table__image Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelSleep Inn
  • Airport shuttle (free)
  • Worlds of Fun theme park is at 20 minutes’ drive
  • 4.8 km from Kansas City International Airport
Book on Booking.com →
htjltbl-table__image Best Mid-Range HotelBest Mid-Range HotelBest Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • 1.5 km from the Country Club Plaza
  • St. Luke’s Hospital is within a 10-minute walk of Best Western Seville
Book on Booking.com →
htjltbl-table__image Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelIntercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza
  • Bar, Good fitness centre
  • 1.5 km from the Country Club Plaza
  • Plaza is within 1.6 km of Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the University of Missouri at Kansas City and Mission Hills Country Club.
Book on Booking.com →

Best Airbnb in Kansas City – Downtown Apartment

Downtown Apartment

Downtown Apartment is the best Airbnb in Kansas City

If you’re looking for convenience and privacy, this is the apartment for you. It’s in a safe area and offers free parking, an onsite washer and dryer, and is only moments from popular landmarks like the Cross Road. The kitchen is fully stocked and ready for use and the apartment has two bedrooms and is big enough for up to 5 guests. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kansas City with kids.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Kansas City – Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn is the best budget hotel in Kansas City

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kansas City on a budget, this is a good choice. Located just moments from the airport, it offers a free shuttle service as well as complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, laundry facilities, and inviting, comfortable guestrooms with a fridge, microwave, and all the amenities.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kansas City – Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel

Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel

Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel is the best mid-range hotel in Kansas City

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kansas City for families, this is ideal. Close to the heart of the city, it has a free shuttle that will allow for easy transport to other areas. The rooms are spacious and fully equipped, and you can enjoy a free breakfast every morning, exercise facilities, a business center, and a room with a hot tub on request.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Kansas City – Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza

Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza

Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza is the best luxury hotel in Kansas City

This hotel in Kansas City is perfectly positioned close to the Fountain of Neptune and the famous JC Nichols Memorial Fountain. It has parking available on-site, as well as a business center and meeting rooms. The rooms come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group and contain all the usual amenities.

 

Let’s narrow it down! Near the University of  Missouri are some of the best hotels!

Kansas City Neighborhood Guide

Kansas City

Kansas City (Photo Credit – Kansas City)

Filled with life and culture, the neighborhoods in Kansas City are quirky, cool, and always interesting. It’s fun for kids or older travelers. Because not too many tourists visit, you can find the best area in Kansas City to stay in without breaking the bank. When you’re booking your trip, here’s where to look.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kansas City for your first time, then stay in the Downtown area. This is close to everything and offers the best combination of attractions, public transport links, and lots of places to stay.

The second neighborhood is Country Club Plaza, which offers cheap and fun outdoor activities as well as lots of shopping and theater options.

Kansas City’s 2 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Here are the best Kansas City accommodation options when you’re booking your trip to this city.

Neighborhood#1 – Downtown

(Where to stay in Kansas City first time)

Downtown

Downtown is our pick for where to stay in Kansas City first time

The Downtown area is hands down the best neighborhood in Kansas City to stay in if you want to be close to everything. The financial heart of the city, it’s also filled with Art Deco buildings, bars, shops, theaters, and restaurants. For an easy and convenient stay, you can’t beat it.

No matter what you enjoy doing when you’re on holiday, you’ll find it in this area. From sports centers and museums to beautiful fountains and historic jazz spots, it’s all concentrated in Downtown.

Here’s what to do in this area:

  • Check out the P&L area, filled with shops, bars, and restaurants.
  • See what’s on at the Sprint Center, where all of the city’s best concerts are held.
  • Check out the art at the Kemper Museum.
  • Head out to the Arrowhead Stadium and watch American football, or the Kauffman Stadium for some baseball.
  • Take the kids to Union Station to see the fantastic Planetarium or the Rail Museum.
  • Take in the views from the top of the Liberty Memorial.
  • Grab some creative meals at restaurants like Blue Koi Noodles and Dumplings, Nara Japanese Sushi Grill, and La Bodega.

Where to Stay in Downtown

Best Airbnb in Downtown – 1 Bedroom Loft

1 Bedroom Loft

1 Bedroom Loft is the best Airbnb in Downtown

Comfortable, open, and spacious, this apartment is perfect for up to 4 guests. It’s just steps from transport hubs and from some of the city’s best restaurants and boasts industrial-style furnishings and all the usual amenities. Access to the rooftop deck and fitness center are available on request.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown – Hampton Inn Kansas City

Hampton Inn Kansas City

Hampton Inn Kansas City is the best budget hotel in Downtown

This hotel is one of the best places in Kansas City to stay if you want to be close to everything. A historic building with modern decor, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The room furnishings are clean and new, and a range of rooms are available. A free breakfast is served every morning, or you can have it takeaway. There’s a bar in the hotel for a late-night drink.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown – Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown

Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown

Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown is the best mid-range hotel in Downtown

An appealingly quirky hotel, this is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Kansas City for one night or a longer visit. It’s within walking distance of local attractions and features laundry services, a parking area, and a business center. The rooms are comfortable, spacious, and come in a range of sizes to suit every travel group.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown – 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City

21c Museum Hotel Kansas City

21c Museum Hotel Kansas City is the best luxury hotel in Downtown

This boutique hotel is close to everything, making it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kansas City for nightlife. It’s located in a museum, so you’ll be surrounded by art. There’s an amazing restaurant with a chef dedicated to creating tasty treats, so you’ll always eat well. The rooms are bright, modern, and comfortable for all kinds of travelers.

 

Neighborhood#2 – Country Club Plaza

(Where to stay in Kansas City on a budget)

Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza is our pick for where to stay in Kansas City on a budget

At first glance, Country Club Plaza might not seem like a good choice when deciding where to stay in Kansas City on a budget. After all, it offers 15 blocks of shopping and restaurants, so it’s basically a neighborhood that tempts you to spend all your money. However, this area offers a wider variety of activities than the city center, which will make it easier for you to save some money when you stay there.

Country Club Plaza is one of Kansas City’s best neighborhoods for parks, with lots of trails where you can hike and explore local monuments. There are also art and food fairs all year round in this neighborhood, which is a great free way to spend an afternoon!

Here’s what to do in this neighborhood:

  • Check out the beautiful Loose Park Rose Garden and hike the trails.
  • Make sure you see the J.C. Nichols Fountain.
  • Spend an afternoon in Mill Creek Park.
  • Grab your credit card and go to designer shopping.
  • Take a carriage or gondola ride through the area.
  • Check out the art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • See a show at the amazing Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
  • Have a meal, snack, or drink at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Kaldi’s Coffee, or  Gram & Dun.

Where to Stay in Country Club Plaza

Best AirBnB in Country Club Plaza – Clean, Cozy Place of your Own

Clean, Cozy Place of your Own

Clean, Cozy Place of your Own is the best AirBnB in Country Club Plaza

Ideal for a longer stay, this beautiful apartment is located in one of the best areas to stay in Kansas City. It’s sleek and modernly decorated with its own kitchen and bathroom. The apartment is set up for long term stays, is close to local shops and restaurants, and contains everything you’ll need for a comfortable visit.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Country Club Plaza – Springhill Suites

Springhill Suites

Springhill Suites is the best budget hotel in Country Club Plaza

This hotel is one of the best places in Kansas City to stay if you’re on a tight budget but still want to be close to everything. Right in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, it has upscale amenities like SmartTVs, complimentary breakfasts, and a 24-hour fitness center. There’s also an in-house bar and lots of restaurants close by.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Country Club Plaza – AC Hotels by Marriott

AC Hotels by Marriott

AC Hotels by Marriott is the best mid-range hotel in Country Club Plaza

Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, this hotel is located in one of the best areas to stay in Kansas City. The rooms are stylish, with European decor, and there’s also a lounge in the lobby where you can get a drink. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast every morning and all the usual amenities.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Country Club Plaza – The Fontaine

The Fontaine

The Fontaine is the best luxury hotel in Country Club Plaza

A short walk from the Plaza and a short drive from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, this hotel is ideal for all kinds of travelers. The rooms are spacious and come in a variety of sizes, and the hotel has a business center, laundry services, and a parking area in case you decide to hire a car.

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Kansas City

For a weekend break filled with great food, quirky neighborhoods, and interesting and unexpected attractions, you can’t go past Kansas City. While you’re there, make sure your trip is extra memorable by choosing one of the coolest places to stay in Kansas City. You’ll take home memories that none of your friends will be able to match!

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About the Author Nicola Smart

Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!