Best hotel for viewing lights

Which is the best hotel for viewing the plaza lights?

The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is famous for its holiday lights, which typically go up in early November and remain through the end of December. To get the best views of the lights, staying at a hotel within walking distance or with a view of the Plaza is ideal. Several hotels provide rooms that overlook the beautifully lit streets, fountains, and architecture, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere directly from your room or rooftop area.

Here are some of the best hotel options for viewing the Plaza lights:

  • Hotel Kansas City – While not directly on the Plaza, it offers stylish rooms and easy access to the Plaza lights via a short drive or ride. Some higher-floor rooms provide views of the city lights, and the hotel has an elegant historic vibe.
  • Hilton President Kansas City – Located directly on the Plaza, some rooms face the streets and can offer excellent views of the holiday lights. The location makes it convenient to walk among the decorated streets and enjoy the shops and restaurants.
  • Loews Kansas City Hotel – Located nearby with some rooms offering partial views of the Plaza. The rooftop and high floors may provide a scenic perspective of the holiday display.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Country Club Plaza – Adjacent to the Plaza with rooms overlooking some streets. Very convenient for walking to the lights and Plaza restaurants, especially for families or groups.
  • Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – Slightly further from the Plaza but offers upscale accommodations and easy access to both the Plaza and Crown Center holiday attractions. Higher floors may give distant but beautiful views of the lights.

Additional tips for maximizing your holiday lights experience:

  • Request a room specifically facing the Plaza or a street with heavy decorations. Not all rooms have direct views, so mention this when booking.
  • Higher floors provide a better perspective for seeing multiple blocks of lights, fountains, and rooftops illuminated.
  • Even if your room doesn’t have a direct view, all these hotels are within a very short walk to the Plaza streets, so you can enjoy a stroll to see the lights up close at night.
  • Consider timing your stay for a weekend evening if possible, when the lights are most dazzling and the Plaza has special events or live music during the holiday season.

In summary, the Hilton President Kansas City is arguably the most convenient and direct for viewing Plaza lights from the hotel itself, while other nearby hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott or Loews provide easy access and potentially scenic views from higher floors. Booking early and requesting a Plaza-facing room will ensure the best holiday light experience.


More Kansas City Travel Questions