Sponsored by Starwood Properties

Traveling like a local takes a lot of effort, but staying at a centrally-located hotel grants visitors free access to knowledgeable local experts—the all-knowing concierge and hotel staff, often longtime residents of the city. Read on for tips on where to go and what to do from top Kansas City hotel staff and save yourself hours of endless online research. For those of you who like to start the planning early, visit the Show Me Savings page featuring information on the best local dining, arts and entertainment venues, plus discounts of up to 15 percent on local stays at Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza, and Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center. 

But Starwood hotel properties offer more than just a convenient digital amenity. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff are passionate about KC and trained to know what’s going on and when. So, after you enjoy tennis on a lighted court at The Westin or beautiful neighborhood views from the lounge at the Sheraton, ask on-property associates about their favorite dining spots.

Marketing manager Jesse Ayres has lived in the area for three decades. One of her favorite restaurants is Anton’s. “They have more than 160 beers on tap as well as a fully operational butcher on-site,” she says. “I love it for the relaxed atmosphere and local, sustainable menu, plus the beer garden is superb for hot summer days.”

Catherine Sinclair, a Westin Guest Experience Manager, is a big fan of Tom’s Town Distilling Co. “The fries are to die for—the best anywhere—and the extensive range of delicious cocktails made with liquor distilled onsite is amazing,” she says. “The décor is a renovated Art Deco building, and the sumptuous lounge seating makes for a cozy yet classy speakeasy feel with great food and drinks.”

Guests who enjoy exploring new neighborhoods may appreciate advice from Kansas City native Michael Watt, restaurant manager at The Brasserie, The Westin’s upscale bar and bites concept.

Blue Bird Bistro in the Westside Neighborhood

“Tucked away on top of a hill is the Westside, an area that I love to visit on my days off,” he says. “It has my favorite restaurant in the city, Blue Bird Bistro, clothing boutiques, pottery schools and award-winning modern architecture. Plus, nothing compares to its panoramic views of the entire city.”

Visitors are also encouraged to ask associates for entertainment recommendations. KC native Kevin Bowman is a front desk associate and big jazz fan. "If you want to hear some local Kansas City jazz, you must visit The Phoenix, a jumpin’ joint steeped in Kansas City tradition,” he says.

No matter which property guests select, they can count on local expertise from Starwood associates to guide their visit every step of the way.

Visit the Starwood Preferred Guests Landing Page for more information.