KC Marriott CC Plaza or Courtyard or Crossroads area

We will be traveling for 2 nights for girls’ weekend - 40 somethings who have been to KC before. We are hoping to drive as little as possible and will be there for a “first weekend.” We normally stay on the Plaza and have decent room rates for the KC Marriott or Courtyard, both on the plaza. Which of these would you recommend? Or should we look somewhere closer to the Crossroads area (no idea what the hotel situation is there)? We do want extra safe and walking distance to food and music if possible. Thanks!

Good question — both the hotels on the Country Club Plaza and hotels near the Crossroads Arts District area of Kansas City have pros and cons, depending on what kind of “girls’ weekend” vibe you want (relaxed/walkable vs artsy/night-out). I think either can work — but the “best” choice depends on what you value most (quiet strolls + dinner vs nightlife + walkability + convenience). Below is a breakdown to help you decide, and a few recommendation ideas.

If you prefer a more relaxed, charming, slightly upscale stay with access to nice dining and a walkable but calmer evening vibe, staying on the Plaza makes a lot of sense. On the other hand, if you want to be immersed in KC’s local arts, nightlife, restaurants, and have easy access to downtown without driving, Crossroads (or downtown near it) is also a strong contender.

Here’s a comparison and recommendation based on what you described:

• Stay on the Plaza (e.g. or a similar Plaza-area hotel)
  - The Plaza offers a more upscale, refined, and relaxed atmosphere with its Spanish-style architecture, fountains, shops, and charming walkways.
  - You’ll have access to many restaurants within walking distance — for a nice dinner, drinks or a cozy night out — without needing to drive if you don’t plan to explore much beyond there at night.
  - It’s probably more “comfortable and chill,” which might be nice if you want to catch up, relax, and enjoy good food without heavy nightlife.
• Stay near / in Crossroads Arts District / downtown (e.g. or )
  - Crossroads is known for its creative, artsy vibe: lots of galleries, modern restaurants, craft-cocktail bars, and a youthful vibrant energy.
  - It’s very walkable — you’ll find plenty of dining, nightlife, and easy access to downtown spots without needing to drive.
  - Staying downtown / Crossroads also gives you flexibility: if you decide you do want some nightlife, bar-hopping, or want to hit downtown venues, you’re in the thick of it. However — this can feel livelier / potentially noisier than the Plaza, depending on when you go.

Given your context — a girls’ weekend, you’ve been to KC before (so not first-time tourist), and you want to drive as little as possible — here’s what I’d recommend if I were you, depending on what kind of vibe you want:

• For laid-back weekends with good food and nice atmosphere (casual dinners, walking, maybe shopping) → choose the Plaza. Staying at Courtyard by Marriott on the Plaza is a great bet. The environment is pleasant, safe, and relaxed, which is perfect if your plan is “hang out, enjoy good meals, maybe some light nightlife.”
• For more energetic weekends — artsy, social, nightlife or spontaneous fun → go for Crossroads / downtown hotel.If I were you and up for exploring KC’s local arts, bars, music, and want convenience without driving, I’d stay at Crossroads Hotel or a downtown/Crossroads-area Courtyard, and enjoy the walkability + vibrant downtown energy.