The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Kansas City

Just a 10-minute drive south of downtown Kansas City, the AC Hotel Kansas City Plaza is a great place to base yourself – you’re in the city’s historic Midtown-Westport District. Check in and admire your room – regardless of category, they’re good-looking, urban-trendy essays in chocolate brown and white. You might hang around downstairs in the AC Lounge, sipping cocktails. Or jump on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle and explore. Top tip: nearby you’ll find Country Club Plaza, home to 15 blocks of trendy boutiques, locally owned businesses, art galleries and upbeat places to eat.

There’ll be no agonizing over leaving your pet at home when you book a room at this place – all furry friends are welcome at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club. And Kansas is a decidedly pet-friendly city. Sleep soundly in one of the modern rooms – refined cocoons in shades of white, brown and grey – then have a freshly baked pastry and Starbucks coffee at the in-house cafe. Step outside and you’re in the center of the hip Westport neighborhood, where there’s stacks to experience. If you have your four-legged friend in tow, check out the great (and pet-welcoming) outdoor patio at Restopub Mo Brew.

There’s great eating in the Gallery, the restaurant at this cheap hotel in Kansas City. Elsewhere the property scores top marks, too – it’s a boutique hotel and you’ll find spacious suites that layer on the luxury, with separate living rooms and ergonomic workstations. Before indulging in the complimentary breakfast buffet take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool – or both. There’s also a 24/7 fitness center if you fancy hitting the rowing machine or steppers after over-indulging on the in-house cocktails.

The exquisitely renovated art deco lobby of the Hotel Indigo Kansas City was originally a 20th-century train station ticket office. Painted murals of trains, postcards and travel designs conduct you through the hotel’s 118 rooms as a reminder of the hotel’s history. Arrive at the hotel’s chic Dott Boss restaurant for a house crafted cocktail such as the Platform 75 with earl grey infused gin and lavender bitters while you nibble on the crowd favorite “basement fries” – topped with bacon, caramelized onion and fresh jalapeno.

Welcome to a unique hotel that’s shot through with the artsy spirit of its neighborhood – the Crossroads Arts District. Here, the Crossroads Hotel Indigo holds pride of place in the converted warehouse of a former paintbrush factory – staying here, you’re just a short walk from museums, galleries, studios and creative spaces. The hotel’s 80-plus rooms are all stylishly decorated, using modern artwork. Toast the Kansas City spirit at the hotel’s Jim Leedy Bar & Kitchen with a local beer and a seasonal bite to eat.

Less than 2mi (3.2km) from the largest amusement park in the Midwest, the Holiday Inn is perfect for families looking to cash in on fun and not spend a mortgage on their accommodation. If you’re a fan of the brand, you’ll love this one: smart, super-comfy bedrooms, full breakfast included; complimentary fitness center with free weights; and as an added bonus, kids aged 11 and under eat free at the on-site restauarant. After a day of thrills, take the family home to unwind in the indoor pool and jacuzzi.

The balconies with chairs are just some of the great reasons to check in at the Sonesta Select. Dining at the Commons at Sonesta Select is another high – with sandwiches, salads and foamy lattes whatever time of the day you want them. If you’re traveling with the family, you’ll appreciate the outdoor pool before you go to bed. After a restful night’s sleep, grab a snack from the hotel’s 24/7 market before you hit the road. The hotel enjoys easy access to I-435, so you’ll be back in the driving seat in no time.