Kansas City hotels

One of the best hotels in Kansas City, this inviting property is also a museum. 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City is a downtown boutique hotel with large rooms boasting high ceilings and enormous windows. But the unique building and its first-class art collection are the real reasons to stay here.

The ground floor hosts a full-blown museum of contemporary art, complete with a curator and daily tours, and the hotel is home to a flock of vibrant four-foot penguins that guests are encouraged to move around. Whenever I visit, I bring a few to my room for a silly photoshoot.

Also on the ground floor, The Savoy restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants west of the Mississippi River and was a favorite of President Truman. Sit in booth four if you want to share his seat, and keep your eyes peeled for more of the property’s extensive art collection too.

The Truitt offers fuss-free, classic elegance in a renovated brick Colonial-Revival style mansion close to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I love how seamlessly each room combines historic charm with modern luxuries and appreciate the abundance of rich black accents, from wood to tile, throughout the interiors.

The neon pink signage on this otherwise stately building reveals the hotel’s playful side and is an accurate representation of the property’s dual personality. In good weather, I enjoy strolling the manicured gardens here, or even just sitting outside with some of the complimentary morning snacks the hotel serves daily. Bonus: They also provide gourmet chocolates.

The best hotels in Kansas City often come with memorable bathrooms, and The Truitt is no exception. Since each room is unique, inquire about the rooms that come with spa bathrooms if you’re looking for extra little luxuries like rain showers.

Located in the heart of Country Club Plaza, the city’s upscale shopping district, The Fontaine expertly blends the old and the new. Here you’ll find modern design teamed with whimsical Renaissance-style art, custom mosaic floors, and other meticulous details to create an exceptional ambiance.

I’m always impressed by the mix of fresh and formal that comes together here, and my favorite space is The Solarium, a French-style cafe serving breakfast and pastries. I also consider The Fontaine to be the best hotel in Kansas City for killer pool vibes.

The rooftop pool looks out toward lush treetops and is serviced by Nine Zero One bar, which offers sizable cocktail and snack menus. You can reserve a cabana for a fun group experience, but you’ll have just as good a time on the free loungers if you’re a party of one or two.