Unbeatable KC Downtown Getaway: Residence Inn Review!
Unbeatable KC Downtown Getaway: Residence Inn Review! (Hold on Tight, It's a Wild Ride)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little of the continental breakfast on the Residence Inn Downtown Kansas City. I just got back, and I’m still processing it all. Consider this less of a polished, corporate review and more of a drunken, rambling debrief after a weekend of experiencing the highs, lows, and surprisingly… neutral-toned décor of this place.
SEO & Metadata (Because Google Demands It):
- Keywords: Kansas City Hotel, Downtown KC, Residence Inn, Accessible Hotel, Pool with View, Free Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly (maybe?), Breakfast Buffet, Fitness Center, Downtown Getaway, Kansas City Weekend, Travel Review, Hotel Review, Accessibility KC, Spa Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Residence Inn Downtown Kansas City. Covering accessibility, amenities, food, and my totally relatable weekend experience. Read on for the real deal!
Accessibility: (The Good, the Okay, and the “Hmm… Is That Right?”)
Okay, vital stuff first. I always check accessibility. This place? Pretty good. Wheelchair accessible: Yep, ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. Kudos. (I actually spent like 15 minutes just watching people navigate the lobby with their rolling suitcases, judging their packing skills. Judgey much? Absolutely). Facilities for Disabled Guests: Clearly, they’ve put some thought into it. Spacious rooms, grab bars in the bathrooms… a HUGE relief. Because sometimes, being able to safely navigate a bathroom after too much BBQ is the peak of luxury.
But here’s where it gets a little… muddled. They say wheelchair accessible. And, on the whole, they ARE. But I gotta say, the journey to the Pool with View felt like an Olympic sport. A bit of a maze. A few tight turns. Not exactly seamless. And the automatic doors sometimes took longer than I'd like. Just saying.
Things to Do & Relaxing (Or Attempting To…):
- Swimming pool: The promised "pool with a view" was… okay. The view was there, sure. A smattering of downtown KC buildings, a bit of sky, the usual. But the pool itself? Small. And the way it was positioned felt… a little awkward. You'd have to share the space with a lot of other people.
- Fitness Center: Okay, the gym was good. Pretty standard stuff; treadmills, weights. I even attempted a workout. Emphasis on attempted. My motivation crashed and burned when I saw a guy with, like, a six pack casually bench pressing. That's when the gym turned into a judge-your-workout-and-your-life center.
- Spa/Sauna: See, that's where I really wanted to relax. I'm a sucker for a good sauna. But then, the spa was not available during my travel. Bummer. The website mentioned spa, sauna, steamroom and massages. Oh well.
- Things to do: I didn't have time! A short stay and so much to do in Kansas City.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, the World is a Disaster Right Now):
Okay, look, in these pandemic times, a clean hotel is crucial. And they were trying. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol: they seemed to be taking this seriously. They use Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. The main dining area were Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Breakfast in room: This was a nice amenity!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for My Adventures - and Complaints):
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the buffet. My favorite form of gluttony. It was… well, it was a Residence Inn buffet. Think waffles, scrambled eggs of a dubious hue, and the promise of coffee that might actually wake you up. The coffee held up the promise. However, I wasn't a big fan of the Buffet in restaurant as there were a lot of people there and it was sometimes hard to get the food.
- Coffee shop: If you like to hang around, the coffee shop is great!
- Room service [24-hour]: Didn't use it. I was too busy trying to cram everything into my weekend.
- Restaurants: The only real restaurant was the buffet.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty-Gritty):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! A MUST. The internet was fast.
- Air conditioning in public area: Good!
- Business facilities: Didn't use them, I'm on vacation.
- Cash withdrawal: Yeah, whatever.
- Convenience store: Yup, there was one.
- Daily housekeeping: They came daily!
- Elevator: Check.
- Ironing service, Laundry service: Check.
- Luggage storage: Check.
- Reception: Fine.
- Daily housekeeping: Check.
For the Kids (My Inner Child Cries…):
- Family/child friendly: Seems so. Didn't see a ton of screaming kids, but I wasn't looking for them.
Available in all Rooms (The Essentials & the Extras):
- Air conditioning: A must.
- Free Wi-Fi: Check. I've already raved.
- Coffee/tea maker: Vital. Coffee is life.
- Hair dryer: Good.
- Refrigerator: Great for the leftover BBQ I shamefully snacked on in the middle of the night.
- Smoke detector: Excellent.
- Toiletries: Fine.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a blessing.
- Wake-up service: Not used.
The Bedroom (My Fortress of Solitude - and Mild Disappointment):
My room. Ah, my room. It was… beige. Understand, I have feelings about beige. It's the color of blandness, of conformity, of a thousand soul-crushing office cubicles. Everything was beige. The curtains? Beige. The carpet? You guessed it, beige. The bedspread? Beige. (Okay, maybe it was a slightly different shade of beige, but still…)
But, look, it was clean. Had a comfy bed. The blackout curtains actually worked. Free bottled water was a nice touch. In-room safe box? Check. Refrigerator? Yes! Good. The desk was well equipped. I found slippers, and that was chef's kiss.
My main issue was that it wasn't memorable. It was… functional. And in the hotel business, that's a win in these days.
Getting Around (Navigating the Concrete Jungle):
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! That's a huge plus downtown. Saved me a fortune.
- Taxi service: Available.
My Overall Verdict (The Truth, Unvarnished):
So, would I recommend the Residence Inn Downtown Kansas City? Yeah, probably. It's got the basics down pat; accessible, clean, and with some nice amenities. It's no Ritz-Carlton, but it's a solid choice for your Kansas City adventures. But don't expect fireworks. You're getting dependable comfort, not Instagrammable moments.
My Personal Highlight: The guy at the front desk. Seriously, that dude was amazing. Always helpful, always cheerful. He's keeping the entire ship afloat, I swear. Give that man a raise. And maybe a more exciting shade of paint for the rooms.
Hyatt Place UC Davis: Your Perfect Davis, CA Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel itinerary; this is the REAL DEAL. This is what actually happened when I, a glorious mess of a human being, descended upon Kansas City and made the Residence Inn Downtown/Convention Center my temporary HQ. Prepare for tangents, grumpy mornings, and the undeniable joy of a decent breakfast buffet.
Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center: My Kansas City Survival Guide (with a healthy dose of chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (in the best way possible)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Residence Inn. "Oh, hello, lobby. You're… adequately decorated. The smell of cleaning solution is a little aggressive, but hey, clean is good, right?" I murmur to the bored-looking receptionist. Check-in smooth, thank god. After a long flight I can't tolerate the stress of finding a reasonable room and getting through the check in.
- 1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Okay, the room… is fine. Standard hotel room fare. Bed looks comfy. Shower… hopefully, it works. The view? Uh, let's just say it's a building. A tall building. My emotional reaction? Mild disappointment, followed by a deep, soul-searching sigh. "This is my life now," I mutter dramatically, unpacking my suitcase, which is somehow full of things I swear I didn't pack.
- 2:30 PM: Naptime (because jet lag is a brutal mistress). I set four alarms just to be sure I don't sleep the day away.
- 5:00 PM: Exploring (Attempt 1). Finally, I drag myself out of the hotel. First impressions of downtown Kansas City? Wow, it's a lot of… concrete. And wind. The wind. Honestly, it felt like my hair was auditioning for a starring role in a horror movie.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at The Melting Pot (because cheese fondue is a need, not a want). Okay, this was FANTASTIC. I even ordered a second plate of chocolate fondue. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I could spend my life there getting my cheese fix.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to Appreciate the City Lights. I wandered around an empty street, trying to soak up the atmosphere. The lack of people made me feel… lonely? No, just tired. I was, at best, indifferent.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Hotel, defeated. The hotel lobby is now a little more inviting. My brain refuses to cooperate with the task of remembering that I should probably work.
Day 2: BBQ, Jazz, and the Indignity of Public Transportation
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet – The Holy Grail! "Okay, Residence Inn, now you're talking." A decent buffet can make or break a trip, and this one delivered. Scrambled eggs, bacon, and a waffle maker = pure joy. I ate enough to fuel a small army.
- 8:00 AM: Emails. I spent an hour, maybe two, replying to emails.
- 10:00 AM: BBQ pilgrimage. I'm taking a ride and I swear if it's anything less than the best BBQ, I will march right back to my hotel room and weep. I'm going to a place that's been on my radar for a long time and, let's just say, my expectations were sky high.
- 11:00 AM: BBQ Bliss (or total disappointment?). Okay, it was amazing! I ordered way too much food; you know, ribs, burnt ends, the works. Pure, unadulterated deliciousness. My emotional reaction? Utter and complete and unadulterated bliss. I finished it all off.
- 1:00 PM: Exploring the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I had to walk through the museum. It was good, I guess. Museums aren't really my thing but I like pretending to be cultured. On the plus side, air conditioning.
- 2:00 PM: Explore the grounds of the museum. The Shuttlecocks were amusing. It was also hot.
- 4:00 PM: Jazz Club Mission Begins. I planned to find a good jazz club. Finding a good jazz club is hard because it's all about getting into the vibe when it's playing. The only problem is I don't know the vibe till I get there.
- 6:00 PM: Jazz Club #1 - The Green Lady Lounge. Good music and ambiance, except the mood lighting made me feel like I was underwater.
- 8:00 PM: Jazz Club #2 - The Phoenix. This one was great. The food was not bad, and the music was even better.
- 9:00 PM: Public Transportation Debacle. I figured I'd be all adventurous and take the bus back to the hotel. Big mistake. So. Many. Stops. So. Many. People (all of whom seemed to be staring at me). I'm pretty sure I aged a decade in that 45-minute ride. Moral of the story? Uber/Lyft, people, Uber/Lyft. Or taxi. Whatever. Just avoid the bus if you value your sanity.
- 10:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Another day, another emotional rollercoaster.
Day 3: Coffee, Shopping and the Bitter Sweetness of Leaving
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet – The Farewell Feast. One last raid on the waffle maker. I savored every bite. The thought of going back to a life devoid of endless scrambled eggs filled me with a profound sadness.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee Run. Found a cute little coffee shop around the block. Pretty much the best coffee I've ever had. I ordered a second.
- 9:00 AM: Last Minute Shopping. I had to buy some local stuff to bring back home. I spent too much money.
- 11:00 AM: Check out and departure. I left Kansas City with a full stomach, a slightly lighter wallet, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life (like a good hotel breakfast). I'm also pretty sure I'll spend the next few weeks craving BBQ.
- Emotional Reaction: All in all, it wasn't bad. I'd come again!
Final Thoughts:
Kansas City, you were… interesting. You challenged me, you fed me, and you gave me a reason to appreciate the wonders of a good hotel buffet. My stay at the Residence Inn was, well, it was a hotel stay. Serviceable. Comfortable enough. But the real memories? They were made outside those four walls, in the smoky haze of a BBQ joint, the echoing chords of a jazz club, and the chaotic (and educational) experience of public transportation. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the unexpected, the slightly messy, and the sheer absurdity of life on the road. And definitely order the burnt ends. Seriously.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find some more cheese fondue.
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Unbeatable KC Downtown Getaway: Residence Inn Review - Let's Get Real! (FAQ Edition)
Okay, spill it. Is this Residence Inn in KC REALLY all that? Like, is it Instagrammable?
Alright, here's the truth bomb: Insta-worthy? Parts! The lobby has that modern, slightly sterile vibe that *tries* to be chic. I attempted a selfie near the (fake?) fireplace, but my hair was a disaster, and let's be honest, I look awkward holding a tiny cup of instant coffee. But the **real** magic? It's the *location*. Walking distance to everything downtown? Yes, honey! That's golden. No more Uber's, especially after too many margaritas down at the Power & Light District. Which… speaking of…
The free breakfast. The golden question! Is it worth getting out of bed for, or can I just skip it and find a better donut? (Donut is ALWAYS the better choice right?)
Ugh, breakfast... Okay, confession: I *always* hope for a gourmet spread. This? It's… *serviceable*. Think waffles made by an automated machine (that kinda judges you by its beepin') , bland scrambled eggs, and those little individual cereal boxes that bring back memories of elementary school. The coffee is… caffeinated. That's the best I can say. BUT! They had *fresh* fruit (sometimes!), and I did manage to sneak a banana despite the sheer breakfast chaos. And honestly? I'm usually starving after a night of exploring, so it did the job. Plus, free is free! Now, that donut... yeah, you could probably skip the whole breakfast thing for a legit, hot, fresh donut. Next time…. donut first.
Rant Alert: I saw one kid load up THREE plates of waffles, and I’m pretty sure he was going for a personal record. Made me rethink my life, and maybe the sheer injustice of not having the cinnamon roll at the front.
Let's talk rooms. Spacious? Clean? Did you find any questionable stains? (I'm judging you if you did!)
Okay, deep breaths. The rooms are… pretty darn good! Spacious? Yes! The suite had a separate living area, which was clutch for spreading out my shopping haul (and keeping my partner from judging my impulse buys). Clean? Mostly. I *did* find a stray hair in the bathroom (shudders), but hey, nobody's perfect. The bed was comfy (thank goodness, after all that walking!), the internet was reliable (essential for streaming reality TV), and – oh, the *best* part – the little kitchen area! Microwave, fridge… perfect for late-night snacks and hiding your leftovers from your partner. I love the small kitchen, and I think it is the biggest selling point.
Tiny Annoyance: The TV remote. It took me like, ten minutes to figure out how to change the channel. I feel like I should be a tech expert, but I also didn't want to call the front desk for help on that. So, I suffered. (and yes I did watch the 'help' videos I should have, but it was too late!)
Location, location, location! How easy is it really to get to the good stuff?
This is where the Residence Inn *wins*. It's like, a five-minute walk to the Power & Light District. Seriously, that's a game-changer. Imagine stumbling back to your room after a night of questionable decisions (I didn't say *I* made any… but you get the idea!). You're also close to the Sprint Center (if you're into concerts or basketball -- I am!), the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (fancy!), and some seriously amazing restaurants. We walked *everywhere*. I mean, my feet were killing me by the end of the trip, but the convenience was worth it.
Secret Tip: There's a cute little coffee shop around the corner. Go there in the morning. They're not affiliated with the hotel so it's an adventure in itself.
The pool/gym/other amenities. Worth it? Or should I just stick to binge-watching hotel TV?
Okay, let's be real. I *intended* to use the gym. I even packed my workout gear. But… I didn't. The gym looked… adequate. It had treadmills, ellipticals, and some free weights. But my bed was comfortable, and there were *so many* things to do in the city! As for the pool? I peeked in. It looked clean, but it was indoors and kind of soulless. (Again, I had my plans, I guess I will see if I use it next time). If you're a dedicated gym rat or a pool enthusiast, maybe it's a selling point. For me? Nah. The TV won. Binge-watching the evening news. It was good.
Quirky Observation: The elevator music was incredibly generic. I swear, I heard the same elevator music in a dentist's office last year. Is there a secret elevator music database?
The staff! Were they helpful? Annoying? Did they bring you extra towels without a fuss?
The staff was… fine. Perfectly pleasant, not overly intrusive, but efficient. I didn't have any major issues, so I didn't need to test their customer service skills beyond asking for extra towels (which they provided!). I also had a minor issue with the door that was fixed promptly. They were overall helpful, but more importantly, they didn't get in the way of my relaxing. And really, that's exactly what I wanted. I had the impression that they've seen it all, and that probably is true.
Emotional Reaction: I'm not going to lie, I'm not a big fan of checking out. The woman at the front desk, well, she was polite, but I just wanted to go back to those towels!
Overall, would you stay here again? Be honest!
Yes! (with maybe a little hesitation). The location alone makes it a winner. The rooms are comfy, the staff is fine, and you're steps away from everything downtown. It's not the most luxurious hotel in the world, but it's practical, convenient, and reasonably priced. And honestly? Sometimes, after a long day of exploring, the best thing you can do is sink into a comfy bed and watch some trashy TV. So, yes, I would stay there again. Just maybe with a few more donuts for breakfast!
Final Thought: If you are thinking about it, be sure to go check them out. But be prepared. Some things are good, and most of all, have fun!
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