Country Club Plaza -vs- Downtown

Question

I will be in town for a conference held at the Marriott Country Club Plaza. In review of the hotels reviews I don't think I want to stay there. I like the Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown, Is downtown a good and safe area to stay or should I look for another hotel in the country club plaza area. Although I will be there for work I will also be a tourist. Please advise on the best area to stay.

Answer

For a visit to Kansas City where your conference is at the Marriott Country Club Plaza but you prefer to stay elsewhere, the choice between downtown and the Plaza area depends on your priorities — convenience, safety, dining, nightlife, and sightseeing. Here’s a detailed overview to help you decide.

### Downtown Kansas City

Downtown has seen significant revitalization over the past decade and is generally safe in the main districts, though like any city, there are areas to avoid at night. Staying downtown puts you in walking distance or a short ride from many tourist attractions, including the Power & Light District, Sprint Center, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station, and the River Market.

Pros: Convenient for sightseeing; numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options; easier to walk to museums and attractions; generally safe in well-traveled areas.
Cons: Not as charming as the Plaza; streets can feel quieter at night outside main districts; parking fees can add up if you rent a car.
Recommended Hotels: Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown, 21c Museum Hotel, Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center — all located near attractions and offering good amenities.

### Country Club Plaza

The Plaza is Kansas City’s upscale shopping and dining district, modeled after Seville, Spain. It is picturesque, safe, and walkable, with fountains, boutiques, and restaurants. Staying here gives a more relaxed, scenic experience, though attractions are spread out and you may need a short drive or Uber to reach downtown sites or the airport.

Pros: Scenic, charming, historic district with excellent dining and shopping; very safe; pleasant for evening strolls; convenient if your conference is at a Plaza hotel.
Cons: Not as central to downtown attractions; nightlife is quieter; some attractions may require a car or ride-share.
Recommended Hotels: Marriott Kansas City Country Club Plaza (though you prefer to avoid it), Hotel Kansas City, Westin Kansas City at Crown Center (a short ride to Plaza).

### Recommendation

Since your conference is at the Plaza, staying in or near the Plaza is ideal for convenience. However, if you prefer the Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown for comfort, amenities, or better reviews, downtown is still a good choice. It is generally safe, especially if you stick to the central areas and main streets, and offers easy access to many tourist sites. You can easily take a short Uber or Lyft ride (about 10–15 minutes) to the Plaza for your conference sessions, dining, and shopping.

### Practical Tips

Check Uber/Lyft availability and approximate fare between downtown and the Plaza before booking.
Stick to main streets in downtown at night for safety.
If you want a blend of charm and convenience, consider hotels in the midtown area near Country Club Plaza that are also well-reviewed, or a downtown hotel with easy Plaza access.

Overall, both areas are good choices: Plaza for charm and proximity to your conference; downtown for hotel amenities, sightseeing, and walkable entertainment. A short ride between the two is easy, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.