Stately Elegance at Hotel Phillips, Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, has been undergoing a revitalization of its downtown area, creating an urban space with an exciting mix of business, shopping and entertainment. The Art Deco-styled Hotel Phillips provides stately European elegance in the midst of the downtown core, and is within easy walking distance – or a short cab ride – from much of what you’d want to see and do in the city.

The common areas of the hotel are elegant and spacious, a fitting welcome to this historic hotel that dates back to 1930. Artistic touches surround you. The hotel has won awards for its art programs, which include an annual Artist in Residence program. Look in the streetside window to see the current artist’s studio and look for their work throughout the hotel.

A complimentary wine and cheese reception is offered on the mezzanine level of the lobby area on weekdays.

Unlike most European style hotels, rooms at the Hotel Phillips are large. My Executive Double room was huge. It felt like it had originally been two rooms, with each side mirroring the other. This would be the room choice I’d recommend for a family. The hotel is pet friendly and if you’re traveling with four-legged family members, a special bed will be provided for them.

The bathrooms are spacious, with a sort of odd corner area tucked behind the door. If you can’t find a towel this is where they are hung, but it’s also a good area for storing luggage, sporting gear, or anything else you don’t want cluttering your room.

Notable room amenities include complimentary bottled water in your room, a choice of feather or synthetic pillows, evening turn down service, WELL Spa bath products, make up mirror, and – best of all in my book – FREE high speed internet access in guest rooms and common areas.

The hotel restaurant is 12 Baltimore and it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. They’re known for offering Kansas City’s longest happy hour, offering food and drink specials from 3-7 pm, Monday through Friday.

I had lunch at 12 Baltimore, opting for a soup and salad selection. The house made Tomato Tarragon soup was warm and filling, and a melange of comforting flavors that included some from childhood. It paired well with the 12B Chop Salad for a tasty – and healthy – lunch. The restaurants has a partnership with local Boulevard Brewery,and the brewery’s craft beers are used in some 12 Baltimore recipes. Foodies will love it.

The Hotel Phillips provides easy access to many of Kansas City’s prime attractions. Don’t miss the nightlife found in the Power & Light District, a performance at the Kauffmann Center for the Performing Arts, a jazz performance at a nearby club, or some Kansas City-style barbecue (slow cooked with a sweet tomatoey sauce) at one of the area restaurants. It’s also adjacent to the central downtown core for those traveling on business. During my stay, the hotel provided transportation within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. Keep that in mind if you want to venture further than walking distance, although the service is subject to availability.

The 217-room Hotel Phillips is located at 106 W. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Winter rates start around $140 per night with many value added packages also available. You can also compare rates on a booking site like Booking.com.

Photo credit:  Soup photo courtesy of the author, all others from Hotel Phillips.