Hotel Phillips

A favorite for Kansas City business and social affairs since 1931, the Hotel Phillips rises 20 stories from the heart of America's heartland, just two blocks from the Kansas City Convention Center Complex, Kansas City Power & Light entertainment district, and Sprint Center arena. The hotel's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places bears witness to its illustrious history as the site of Harry S. Truman's haberdashery and a guest list spanning nearly 80 years of celebrities, U.S. presidents, and heads of state.

The original 11-foot-tall golden statue of the goddess Dawn, winged mother of the stars, surveys the restored lobby's dramatic staircases, black glass ceiling, and art deco–era appointments. Only the Crystal Ballroom's soaring height, sparkling chandeliers, and regal window treatments rival the lobby's magnificence—closely followed by a second ballroom and two executive boardrooms. Despite the focus on tradition, groups can count on the latest technology, including voice and data connections on every event-room wall.

The hotel's $20-million renovation catered to the tastes of modern travelers by outfitting the guest rooms with the latest in four-diamond amenities and a sumptuous contemporary European style. The addition of a fitness center made history at the hotel as well, along with a trendy cafe and bar—12 Baltimore—renowned for its seasonal menu, perfect martinis, and live Kansas City jazz, swing, and even zydeco groups on the weekends.