ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After missing my connection due to a delayed flight out of Sarasota, I arrived in Kansas City about six hours later than planned. Loews Kansas City provided a welcome respite during a long travel day. Entering the lobby, I immediately noticed the modern, upscale design, crisp lines and very high ceilings. Staff greeted me warmly despite my late arrival and assigned me a corner room on the 24th floor.
GUEST QUARTERS: Loews Kansas City blends contemporary style with vintage aviation influences. Black-and-white photographs of historic airplanes and a neutral palette of ecru, gray, black and white give rooms a cohesive look. The carpet is inspired by classic flight patterns once used by Trans World Airlines, a distinctive design element throughout the property. Bathroom details borrow small references from airplane lavatories—rounded mirrors and compact, efficient design—while offering far more space, white countertops, sliding double-glass doors to a double shower and plentiful crisp towels. It was an easy place to unwind and refresh after a long day of travel.
The corner room overlooked the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. With 800 rooms and about 60,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is a prominent part of the Kansas City skyline, and from the 24th floor the city stretched out below. I also appreciated a thoughtful arrival amenity: a charcuterie tray of nuts, meats and cheeses waiting on the dresser—an unexpected and practical snack for a late-night check-in.
PHOTO: © CARRIE COX
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Bar Stilwell, located just inside Loews Kansas City, is a lively, stylish spot popular on any given night. Named for railroad builder Arthur Stilwell, the bar features live music twice weekly, light fare and inventive cocktails daily. Its design feels almost like a second lobby—welcoming, chic and approachable—and locals frequently recommend it as a favorite hangout.
The Stilwell restaurant serves breakfast, weekend lunch and dinner in a separate dining space from the bar, while Horsefeather Social on the seventh-floor rooftop offers craft beer, cocktails and strong views of the city. The hotel’s extensive event space makes it a top choice for conventions, weddings and photo shoots. On a property tour with Mark Champa, director of sales and marketing, I learned that photographers often use the hotel for architecture and bridal shoots; the clean lines and well-chosen pops of color provide excellent backdrops for memorable images.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Loews Kansas City balances a warm, welcoming atmosphere with elevated design and attentive service.
- Corner rooms provide floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls, enhancing views and natural light.
- Bar Stilwell and Horsefeather Social are popular with locals as well as hotel guests.
LOEWS KANSAS CITY
1515 Wyandotte St. Kansas City, MO 64108
tel 816-897-7070
loewshotels.com