Best place to stay without a car

Question

We will be visiting Kansas City (from Australia) and do not drive, so wondering best recommendations for hotels that will allow us to visit the main attractions of Kansas City

Answer

Kansas City is a vibrant city with lots to see and do, and while having a car can be convenient, it’s definitely possible to enjoy the main attractions without one. The key is to stay in areas that are walkable and well-connected by public transportation, rideshares, or hotel shuttles.

Here are some top areas and hotel options for visitors who won’t be driving:

Downtown Kansas City: Staying downtown puts you within walking distance or a short rideshare trip to many attractions, including the Power & Light District, Sprint Center, the Crossroads Arts District, and Union Station. Popular hotel options include:

21c Museum Hotel Kansas City – a boutique hotel with an art museum on site and walking access to many attractions.
Loews Kansas City Hotel – centrally located with easy access to downtown nightlife and restaurants.
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – connected to Crown Center and Union Station, with convenient shopping and dining.

Country Club Plaza: A scenic, shopping-friendly district with Spanish-inspired architecture. You can enjoy restaurants, shops, and fountains within walking distance. Hotels here include:

Loews Kansas City Hotel (if you prefer proximity to both downtown and Plaza)
Hotel Kansas City (a historic boutique option, slightly closer to downtown)

Crossroads Arts District: Perfect for those interested in galleries, murals, and trendy restaurants. It’s walkable to downtown and well-served by rideshares. Options here are more boutique or Airbnb-style accommodations.

Tips for getting around without a car:

Kansas City has rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) widely available, which makes it easy to reach areas like the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Jazz District, or BBQ restaurants that are a bit farther out.
The KC Streetcar runs a free route through downtown and the River Market, which is helpful if staying near downtown.
Plan your hotel location around the attractions you most want to visit to minimize travel time and cost.

In summary, for visitors without a car, staying downtown or near the Country Club Plaza gives you the best combination of walkability, accessibility, and proximity to Kansas City’s main attractions, while rideshares can fill in for spots that are a bit farther away.