general45

I will be in KC for one night in September and would like to get ideas about which Marriott property to book. Location isn't that important. Which Marriott do readers prefer and why. If you can add good restaurants in the area, I would appreciate comments on them also. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by general45 (edited 08-09-2003).]

pinniped

Marriott downtown is my favorite hotel in the city because I have always received wonderful service there.

As a tourist to KC, I might want to be on the Plaza, in which case I'd go with the Marriott-Plaza.

What kind of food are you looking for? Barbeque or steaks? I have about a jillion recommendations...just narrow it down a bit for me.

general45

I'll go for steak since I have a freezer full of Memphis Rendevous Restaurant BBQ ribs. I just bought a couple of Royals tickets online, so a pregame dinner at a good steakhouse would be great.

SEA_Tigger

The Mariott at the KC Airport (MCI) is awesome. Incredible staff. Been there for two conventions and one, smaller affair, and the staff would do a Six Star property proud. Also a very good restaurant.

Most recommended.

[This message has been edited by SEA_Tigger (edited 08-09-2003).]

Piegow

I just stayed at the Residence Inn downtown. It's a fine place and their free shuttle will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius until 9 pm. They even took me to and from the Isle of Capris casino in the evening.

flybaby

http://www.kcrestaurantguide.com/ will give you a handy list of the better restaurants here in KC and contains sample menus and reviews. Either the Plaza III Steakhouse (on the Plaza, less than a mile from the Plaza Marriott) or the Hereford House out in Independence (probably closer to the K) will be fantastic. When I entertain out-of-towners I love to take them to Grand Street Cafe and it's always a big hit.

My parents had a small family reunion last summer at the Plaza Marriott and everyone was very pleased with the accomodations. There is also a brand new Residence Inn on the Plaza as well if you're interested. If you have some time to kill I'd definitely recommend being on the Plaza.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Kansas City!

avlff

We spent several days at the Res Inn Plaza last month and it was very nice. The location was great...easy walk to everywhere at the Plaza (tho' it is at the top of a hill so you'll have an uphill walk back to the hotel). Our studio room was typical of a new Res Inn (it opened in late 2002) but it had a decent view and was very quiet. There are some rooms overlooking an interior section of the hotel and some with windows facing the breakfast area rather than outdoors. And part of the hotel is converted from apartments with outside entrances -- it looked interesting.

We were kinda surprised the hotel didn't have their liquor license yet...there was iced tea for the evening reception.

yyzflyer

Second this. Nicely located and affordable. We weren't even flying the last time there. With excellent freeway access you are close to everything, despite the apparent distance. As SEA_Tigger points out, even in a city known for its restaurants the dining room at the Marriott holds its own.


[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 08-10-2003).]

pinniped

Nothing against the MCI Marriott, but if you want to enjoy 1 evening in KC, you might not want to be way out north of KC by the airport. (Of course, if you are mainly here for baseball, it might not matter as much.)

Restaurants:

- I would go for the American restaurant if you like a smaller cut (such as a filet) in a gourmet setting. This is true fine dining, not a "Kansas City steakhouse".

- For a variety of good steak choices, upscale setting, and world-class prime rib, go for the Plaza III.

- For an old-school steakhouse setting, go to one of two Kansas City institutions: the Golden Ox or the Hereford House. (Disclaimer: I personally feel that both of these restaurants were better 15 years ago, but both are still good.)

- For some of the best big steaks in the world, go to Jess and Jims and order the 25-oz. strip. I also had a bone-in ribeye there a few years ago that was unbelievable, but they are famous for the strips. (This place is on the south side of town - might be too far away depending on how much time you have.)

- Other good places in and around downtown: Majestic Steakhouse (live jazz on some nights), Savoy Grill (good steaks and seafood downtown), and Benton's (top of the Westin in Crown Center).

Make sure you wear BLUE. Just curious: which game are you attending?

Eugene

As long as you don't mind at least 30 minutes driving each way. Personally, I'd prefer being within the walking distance from nightlife (Plaza, Westport, etc).

SEA_Tigger

Seconded. I had the seared antelope loin I had seen on an episode of "The Great Chefs" and it was exceptional.

general45

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I have opted for the KC Country Club Plaza Marriott, allthough I had originally made reservations at the Downtown location.I think the location and the attractions are what changed my mind. As for restaurants, I think I'm going to have to try Jess and Jims from all the tremendous reviews I have read about. This is a quick in and out trip. I'm doing a Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder trip with my wife and I made this diversionary stop to go to a ballgame in KC my reward for taking her to Independence,KS and Mansfield,MO., even though KC is a little out of the way. Heck, I have to travel 6 hours now to see the RedSox, so whats a little sidetrip. Pinniped, I'm going to see the Tigers(yeech)on the 24th. Hopefully the game will mean something for you fans in KC. I'll be wearing my RedSox hat in Section 120, but I'll be rooting for the hometeam. If anyone has any further comments, they are more than welcome to post them, as this forum educates more than any travel brochure can.

fastflyer

I second these suggestions and the disclaimer. The Ox changed ownership recently, before its fiftieth anniversary a couple of years ago (to which I brought a planeload of Bostonians). But the decor and the 'old fashioneds' are still intact.

Another 'old-time' suggestion, not so steak-oriented: Stroud's. Just south of Waldo, I believe the cross-streets are 85th and Holmes.

pinniped

Stroud's is definitely a KC institution. Family-style fried chicken, mashed taters, green beans, and CINNAMON ROLLS to die for. People drive from all over to wait 90 minutes to 2 hours for a table (the place doesn't take reservations).

jmartin

Country Club Plaza Marriot has small (but nice) pool.

But even if you don't swim, stop by the outside deck by the pool (beneath the large state flags) to check out the view if lights are on at the Plaza.