Where to Stay in Kansas City 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Kansas City offers outstanding value compared to coastal US cities, with quality hotels at 30–50% less than comparable properties in New York or San Francisco. Most visitors stay Downtown for streetcar access or near the Country Club Plaza for upscale charm. For FIFA World Cup 2026, Arrowhead Stadium is 19km east of downtown—plan transport ahead as there's no rail connection to the stadium.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Downtown
Free streetcar access, walkable to Power & Light entertainment, Crossroads Arts District, and River Market. Best hotel selection and central to most attractions.
Downtown
Crossroads
Country Club Plaza
Westport
River Market
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Hotels near the airport (MCI) are 30–40 minutes from attractions—only for early flights
- • Independence Avenue east of downtown can be rough at night
- • Kansas side hotels are cheaper but require a car for everything
Understanding Kansas City Geography
Kansas City straddles the Missouri-Kansas state line, though most tourist attractions are on the Missouri side. Downtown sits at the center with the free KC Streetcar running north-south from River Market through downtown to Union Station. The Country Club Plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum are 6km south of downtown.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City
Downtown / Power & Light
Best for: Streetcar access, entertainment complex, convention center, central hub
"Revitalized urban core with entertainment and dining"
Pros
- Free streetcar access
- Walkable core
- Good hotel options
Cons
- Can be quiet on weeknights
- Limited residential character
Crossroads Arts District
Best for: Galleries, street art, craft breweries, independent dining, creative energy
"Creative and vibrant with gallery culture"
Pros
- Best dining scene
- Walkable
- First Friday events
Cons
- Limited hotel options
- Parking tight on First Fridays
Country Club Plaza
Best for: Upscale shopping, Spanish architecture, fountains, dining, classic KC
"Elegant outdoor shopping district with European flair"
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Near Nelson-Atkins
- Upscale dining
Cons
- Pricier hotels
- Needs car for BBQ spots
- Tourist-focused
Westport
Best for: Bars, live music, young crowd, KC's oldest entertainment district
"Lively bar district with historic roots"
Pros
- Best nightlife
- Affordable bars
- Walking distance to Nelson-Atkins
Cons
- Loud weekends
- Limited daytime appeal
- Parking competitive at night
River Market
Best for: City Market, farmers market, riverfront, cafés, diverse dining
"Charming market neighborhood with local energy"
Pros
- Free streetcar
- Saturday market
- Affordable dining
Cons
- Quiet evenings
- Limited hotels
- Floods occasionally
Accommodation Budget in Kansas City
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
The Fontaine
Country Club Plaza
Modern hotel overlooking the Country Club Plaza with rooftop pool and easy walk to Nelson-Atkins Museum. Plaza shopping at the doorstep.
Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown
Downtown
Boutique IHG property near Power & Light District with local art-inspired decor and free streetcar access right outside.
The Raphael Hotel
Country Club Plaza
Classic 1920s hotel on the Country Club Plaza with old-world charm and one of KC's best locations for walking to shops and restaurants.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Kansas City
Downtown
Hyatt Unbound Collection property in the restored 1922 Kansas City Club building with rooftop bar, jazz lounge, and Stockyards Brewing taproom.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Savoy Kansas City
Downtown
Historic hotel (formerly 21c Museum Hotel) in a beautifully restored building, now part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection. Central downtown location near Power & Light District.
Smart Booking Tips for Kansas City
- 1 Weekend rates can spike during Chiefs games (September–January)—check NFL schedule
- 2 FIFA World Cup 2026 (June–July) will massively inflate prices near downtown—book months in advance
- 3 Big 12 tournament (March) fills downtown hotels—book early
- 4 Many downtown hotels include free parking—a rarity in US cities
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Kansas City.
Updated: February 12, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Kansas City: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.