The Best Hotels to Book in Missouri

Excelsior Springs is the only natural supply of ferromanganese mineral water in the United States, and it’s become a popular destination for tourists seeking the benefits of the healing waters. This Excelsior Springs hotel has been welcoming guests for 130 years, and as might be expected in this part of Missouri, the highlight here involves a spa. The Grotto Experience is inspired by Roman baths and features a series of cold, warm and hot baths as well as steam and dry rooms. Make sure to check out the Exfoliation Bar, where you can apply a custom blend of sea salts, herbs and essential oils in a self-service setting.

Ever wanted to sleep in an art gallery? 21c Museum in Kansas City offers guests the chance to sleep surrounded by contemporary 21st-century art by some of today’s best emerging artists. The hotel is in the historic Savoy Hotel and Grill building – there’s 8,000sqft (743sqm) of exhibition space surrounding 120 rooms, including 12 suites. Each room is decorated with original artwork, but the best room in the house is the 21c Suite. It features more than 500sqft (45sqm) of private outdoor space with sweeping views over downtown Kansas City, a king-size bed, a separate living area and an impressive collection of artwork.

Described as “Kansas City’s original boutique hotel”, this Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel is redolent of European glamor and charm. The hotel, located in a historic building near the Country Club Plaza, has 126 rooms and suites with decor inspired by the 1920s – think elegantly quilted bedheads, mahogany writing desks and sumptuous carpets. It’s perfectly suited for business and leisure travelers, with amenities such as meeting and conference rooms, catering, a fitness center and signature restaurant Chaz on the Plaza. Fittingly for a city known for its beef, Chaz offers an impressive selection of steaks, including a must-try, dry-aged prime KC strip.

This Kansas City hotel combines chic industrial details – hardwood, exposed brick and concrete – with warm textiles and artwork from some of the city’s best creatives. Immerse yourself in the history of the building with a stay in the spacious Vault Suite, which is inspired by the historic vaults in the foyer, and decorated with plenty of quirky details, from antique gramophones to science beakers. Looking for a bite to eat? XR in the lobby offers coffee and wood-fired pizza, while restaurant Lazia offers classic Italian dishes. Head to the rooftop beer garden for a game of pétanque accompanied by craft brews, city skyline views and delicious bar snacks, such as zucchini and crab salad or a roast beef panini.

The Hotel Indigo brand is all about offering a different kind of hotel experience, and every one of their hotels is unique. In downtown Kansas City, you’ll find an art deco-inspired space that takes inspiration from travel – think graphic black and white tiles, brass light fixtures, stacks of vintage luggage and ornate globes dotted around. The Dott Boss bar and restaurant in the lobby is the perfect spot to stop for a coffee or cocktail while you plan your next trip. The hotel is also suited for business travel, with three meeting areas, including a boardroom on the second floor and a private dining room in the restaurant.

This hotel in Kansas City’s vibrant Power & Light District dates back to 1930 – when it was the tallest building in the city – and the interior design takes inspiration from its historic roots, with elegant art deco styling. Step back in time and enjoy craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy in the basement, and take note of the impressive Goddess of Dawn sculpture in the lobby. When it’s time to eat, head to Tavernonna Italian Kitchen for a farm-to-table menu, including dishes such as smoked wild boar ragu with pecorino romano and gremolata, and mushroom crusted pork chop with wild mushroom and farro verde.

If you’re heading to Kansas City for a shopping break, there’s no better place to stay than the Fontaine. This sophisticated hotel is located in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, the city’s best high-end shopping destination. The luxurious tone is set in the lobby, which features custom mosaic tiles set in a marble floor, ornate timber paneling, Renaissance-style artwork and Venetian glass chandeliers. The 132 rooms and suites have been designed with a similar playful touch – think opulent velvet, dramatic woven headboards and contemporary tapestries. The hotel might also have the best room service in town, thanks to a partnership with the nearby JAX Fish House & Oyster Bar.

Experience welcoming Midwestern hospitality at this award-winning hotel, set in a colonial revival mansion that dates back to 1913. Choose from 12 king and queen guest rooms, which are named after notable Kansas City residents and decorated to reflect the era in which they lived. Alternatively, indulge with one of the two Carriage House Suites, which are located just steps away from the Main House. The romantic George Kessler Suite features vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace and a hot tub, making it ideal for honeymooners and couples in search of a romantic weekend away.

Kansas City is known for its influential jazz scene – and this charming hotel is a great place to catch live music. Book a table on the patio overlooking the Country Club Plaza and enjoy live jazz accompanied by signature cocktails and a charcuterie plate, then head inside to the American Slang Modern Brasserie for American favorites with a French twist – such as filet mignon with wild gulf shrimp. The hotel itself also boasts one of the best presidential suites in the city, with an Italian marble bathroom, separate living and sleeping areas, plus two private balconies. In warmer months, you can also enjoy the seasonal pool.

This resort-style hotel, on the banks of the Mississippi River in the heart of downtown St Louis, stands out thanks to its signature “light box,” a 650ft (198m) ribbon of more than 500,000 LED lights that come to life in a variety of dynamic patterns each evening. Take advantage of the location by booking an Arch View room with unbeatable views of the famous Gateway Arch monument that spans the river, plus take in the view from the Sky Terrace, which features private poolside cabanas. There’s also the only Topgolf Swing Suite in downtown St Louis, which features two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games, alongside catering from the award-winning Cinder House restaurant and bar.