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lodging

Cozy in KC’s Charlotte Retreat: The Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Next Kansas City Weekend Getaway

June 23, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Cozy in KC. All opinions and photos are mine. I chose the travel itinerary points of interest.

I recently traveled to Kansas City and needed overnight accommodations. Luckily, Cozy in KC offers quality vacation rentals with upscale amenities and an on-trend style. One look at the Charlotte Retreat (4131 Charlotte St.), and I knew it was perfect for a weekend getaway.

Charlotte Retreat

CHARLOTTE RETREAT AIRBNB

HOME LOCATION

Nestled in the East Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, I was pleased with the bungalow’s proximity to some of the City of Fountains’ best attractions. I know you’ll appreciate the reasonable cost of the pet-friendly vacation rental.

Cozy in KC is an Airbnb Superhost, and the Charlotte Retreat is one of their top-rated properties in the metro.

AMENITIES

Indoors

We were pleased with the comfortable furnishing and ample seating. We thought the home had enough space for a couple to leisurely watch TV from the living room when not taking advantage of the entire kitchen to prepare a meal.

living roomA blanket and velvety pillows gave the living room space a homey feel, which was delightful. Hotels are great, but sometimes you prefer a comfortable stay with amenities like home, and the Charlotte Retreat delivered.

coffee Taking advantage of the flatscreen TV with access to streaming channels, we relaxed on the leather couch, watching the morning news with fresh coffee before departing for a day in the city. The bar included fresh ground coffee for the Keurig machine or French press.

At night, we chatted about the day’s adventures illuminated by lamplight. Reading the Guest Book entries recounting guests’ stays was fun before adding our own.

Livingroom with lampThe kitchen had all the utensils needed to prepare a basic meal, and the spice rack included essential seasonings. Although it lacked a dishwasher, it didn’t matter as we didn’t have many dishes to do because we ate our meals at area restaurants.

kitchenOvenThe bedroom included a pillowy-soft, queen-sized bed. Flanked by two reading lights and an end table, it was a great place to kick back and enjoy a book or admire nature from the sliding glass door view.

bedroomA full bathroom with a tub and shower included Tommy Bahama bath products. A nearby laundry room came equipped with basic laundry supplies for extended-stay travelers. The bedroom closet and dresser drawer provided enough storage for our belongings.

Outdoors

A benefit of staying at an Airbnb is its privacy compared to a noisy hotel. Charlotte Retreat’s wrap-around deck is made for the ideal place to enjoy a bottle of wine and cheese while entertained by squirrels and bunnies. It came equipped with a picnic table with bench seating and two seating areas.

wineseatingAlthough we saw neighboring homes’ residents come and go, they did not disturb the peaceful tranquility of enjoying the patio. We sat for hours watching the entertaining squirrels traverse up and down the trees while a cottontail bunny curiously checked out the neighbor’s garden.

bunnyAlthough the house was sandwiched between two more significant properties, it feels secluded because of its deep front yard and leading walkway. The neighborhood is well-kept and safe. We never heard the sound of traffic or neighborhood activity.

front lawnWe enjoyed watching the sun’s rays move on the front lawn as the sun set overhead. A feeling of serenity and restfulness comes over us. Grateful for the calmness, we retired to bed.

PREFERRED PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

On-Street Parking

Parking was easy at Charlotte Retreat, as it is in an urban residential neighborhood, and the home lacked a driveway. We never had an issue parking each of our vehicles near the home using on-street parking.

sunsetI can’t recommend staying at Cozy in KC’s The Charlotte Retreat enough. It’s the ideal lodging for an individual’s or couple’s weekend stay. View the home’s page to learn more about the property and view rental rates. The house manual lists the requirements of guests during their stay and prior to leaving the home.

RideKC

If you prefer public transportation to see the sites, Ride KC buses are Zero Fare through 2o23. We rode the KC Streetcar at no cost traveling up and down a two-mile stretch of downtown. Use this map to plan the same downtown route, which starts and loops back to Union Station.

bus ride

PLACES TO EAT IN THE AREA

Breakfast

Anchor Island Coffee

A bonus of reserving The Charolette Retreat is that you’re within walking distance of locally-owned eateries and shops. At Anchor Island Coffee (4101 Troost Ave.), the coffee is strong, but the vibe is laid back.

Anchor Island CoffeeOpened in 2020, the cafe delivered island vibes with brightly painted walls and decorations. The owners consider the space a “tropical coffee shop” where everyone is welcome.

bagelsWe ordered bagels and steaming cups of espresso for breakfast – reasonably priced for the quality. If you’re seeking breakfast options, the menu’s Chori Pap, French Toast, Acai Bowl, or Egg Breakfast wraps are wow-worthy.

PRO TIP: Do you need fresh groceries to return to the Airbnb? Check their reach-in community college where locally-sourced produce is for sale.

Oddly Correct

As they say at Oddly Correct (4141 Troost Ave.), “Most mornings aren’t exceptional; your coffee can be.” The coffee shop roasts its beans to serve “mind-opening” cups of coffee and cold brew on tap.

Oddly CorrectThe whimsical mural outside the building and outdoor patio seating drew us to the cafe. Inside, the place was bustling with morning patrons ordering specialty coffee drinks and traditional drip espresso.

cafePRO TIP: Consider ordering a homemade menu of biscuits or a breakfast sandwich prepared with local ingredients. Gluten-free Hotcake Breakfast Sandwich is an option for those who require it.

Snooze: An AM Eatery

Do you check the restaurant reviews online before selecting one? We drove to Snooze, An A.M. Eatery (4144 Broadway Blvd) in Old Westport, a highly-breakfast  breakfast restaurant. Although there was a 20-minute wait for a patio table, we didn’t mind the wait.

breakfastThe standard breakfast classics are served elevated with inventive ingredients. We shared the Kimchi Spice Bloody Mary while our Garden Harvest Omelet and Habanero Pork Belly Benny were prepared. The food was delectable, and there wasn’t a bite left when we asked for the check.

PRO TIP: You’ll want to review the lengthy menu before arriving to allow for a leisurely breakfast.

Broadway Café

If you’re in Old Westport doing some shopping and want to grab a cup of coffee, I suggest visiting Broadway Café (4106 Broadway). Even though they were about to close, the staff greeted me warmly and was happy to serve a hot coffee to go.

Broadway CafeKnown for its espresso concoctions and baked goods, the coffee shop stays busy serving customers who sit indoors and often opt to watch passersby from the outdoor patio.

PRO TIP: Broadway Café roasts its beans. Bags of coffee fresh from the roastery are available for purchase.

Lunch or Dinner

Char Bar

Also located in Old Westport, Char Bar (4050 Pennsylvania Ave.) serves KC-style barbecue meats and side dishes in a fun-loving atmosphere. Adult guests play outdoor yard games between bites, and families with kids watch them as they play under a canopy of string lights.

Char BarWe ordered a two-meat combo platter with ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and two southern-style sides, The Holy Trinity. Just as you would expect, the smoked meats were tasty, true to the city’s reputation for barbecue.

PRO TIP: As the server about new beers on top and the Happy Hour specials.

Grinders Pizza

One step inside Grinders, and you’ll think you’ve walked into a concert venue with a pizza oven. Signatures are scribbled all over the walls. TVs play Food Network while rock music plays in the background.

Grinders WestThe place is wild. It’s where you dine when you’re in the mood for delicious non-traditional pizza, burgers, and wings prepared with inventive, extreme ingredients.

pizza

Drinks

Percheron Rooftop Bar

I love a hidden gem. Percheron Rooftop Bar (2101 Central St.) serves craft cocktails with skyline city views from Crossroads Hotel.  The public is welcome to enjoy the bar every evening after 4 pm.

deck We enjoyed sipping craft beer while watching the clouds roll in from our perch over the metro. Music played indie rock, and the vibe was relaxed. Couples and small groups kept to themselves, soaking up the scene.

Kansas City skylinePRO TIP: Check the hotel’s Facebook page for live music event announcements.

Desserts

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream

Why wait in line for ice cream? Because Betty Rae Ice Cream (412 Delaware St.)  is “more than ice cream.”

We took the downtown shuttle from Union Station and discovered the ice cream shop by chance. The line moved quickly, and before I knew it, I was staring down a menu with flavors like Lavender Honey and Chocolate Brownie.

Betty Rae'sThe shop smelled of freshly-made waffle cones. As I went to pay for my double scoop of Cereal Milk and Cinnamon ice cream, a friendly couple offered to buy it for me. Grateful, I resisted but thanked them for their kindness. Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is as sweet as the customers there.

ice creamPRO TIP: While the flavor offerings often change, preview the menu while in line to be ready when it’s your turn to order.

PLACES TO EXPLORE IN THE AREA

Museums

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

Located five minutes from The Charlotte Retreat, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak Street) is well-renowned for its collection from 5,000 years ago to the present day.

painting

We took a no-cost, self-guided tour of its exhibits, spending about two hours admiring the artwork. Like us, you’ll find yourself amazed at the broad collection of artifacts and paintings representing historical time periods from across the globe.

Hindu art
If you’d rather have an interactive public tour led by a guide, reserve one in advance. No cost.

While we already had lunch plans, a magical Rozzelle Court Restaurant tour was a must-see for its ambiance. Additionally, Thou Mayest Coffee is a popular place to grab a beverage or pastry during the day, offering views of the grounds.

Courtyard
Rozzelle Court Restaurant is designed in the style of a 15th-century Italian courtyard. It offers self-service lunch options.

PRO TIP: Make your way outside to take photos of Oldenburg and Brugge’s 15′ shuttlecocks, a famous art installation at Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (4420 Warwick Blvd) is another place to admire artists’ work. Free admission, free programs, and free parking make it a must-visit attraction in the area.

bronze sculpture
“Crying Giant” 2002 by Tom Otterness is a green-patinated bronze sculpture resting on the museum’s lawn.

A number of the permanent collection pieces include sculptures, paintings, and photography ranging in styles from minimalism to avante-garde. Although smaller than the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the artwork is equally awe-inspiring.

During our self-guided tour, a museum volunteer provided background information on several paintings. My preferred gallery was in a non-traditional space, the museum’s cafe.

paintings
Café Sebastian is open five days a week, but call in advance as it sometimes closes for a private event.

PRO TIP: Choose to dine, or at the very least, tour Café Sebastienne to view floor-to-ceiling paintings by Frederick James Brown. The restaurant serves lunch and weekend brunch.

Fun & Games

Up-Down Kansas City

You can count on me to find an arcade in most cities, and Up-Down Kansas City (101 Southwest Blvd.) is one that I highly suggest you check out.

bar
Movies and popular shows from the 1980s are shown on

The two-story arcade has over 50 games from the 80s and 90s, including all your favorites like Pac-Man, Iron, and Galaga, plus rows of pinball machines and carnival-like games.

arcade
Up-Down Arcade Bar’s classic skeeball alleys allow four people to play simultaneously.

If you visit on a Sunday, consider taking advantage of their special 6 Pack & A Pound for $25 (a $10 savings compared to the rest of the week). The special gives you six domestic tallboy beers and a fanny pack of 80 tokens. Between us, 80 tokens lasted two-and-a-half hours of game playing.

Up-Down arcardeNote: This is a barcade, so only patrons ages 21+ are allowed.

PRO TIP: Hungry? Order pizza by the slice for $5 or a whole pizza for $30. Ask about daily bar specials.

Shopping

Westport

Westport, also called The Original Kansas City, is an urban neighborhood with an eclectic mix of shops. It is located between 39th Terrance and 43rd Street.

shopperWhether you’re hoping to buy artisan skin care supplies at Soap Bar, indie home goods from Mid Coast Modern, or colorful dinnerware at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities, you are sure to fill your shopping bags.

statuary
Located at 4059 Broadway, artist Tom Beard’s bronze statue “The Pioneers” depicts Majors, McCoy, and Bridger, three men who helped found businesses in the area.

I am a vinyl music collector, so my favorite store in Westport is Mills Record Company. The locally-owned store is well-organized by genre and artist, showcasing new and rare albums.

mural
Expect to see multiple murals, boutique stores, nightclubs, and bars in Westport.

PRO TIP: Arrive before lunchtime to score on-street parking. While walking the area, keep your eyes peeled for remarkable public art and murals.

Public Gardens

The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill Rd). is the place. To visit on a spring day is magical. A covered tree-lined pathway leads visitors to an open-air garden.

flower boxThe sounds of falling water and birds are the only sounds you hear. However, you may notice one or two visitors sitting in shaded areas amongst flowering shrubs and vines; the setting’s tranquility envelopes you.

gardens
Spring is the ideal time to visit the gardens for its vibrant botanical display, but the plants are updated at least four times per year.

Kauffman Memorial GardenWe felt like we had the gardens to ourselves, stopping only to say hello and thank a master garden for their hard work. Free to explore, the public is welcome as long as they appreciate the rules posted at the entrance.

PRO TIP: Pay homage to the Kauffman at the final resting place, a serene space adjacent to the paved path.

Memorials & Monuments

Boy Scouts of America Monument

Cruising through the neighborhood of our Airbnb, we noticed the Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain (Gilliam Road and E. 39th St.) and pulled over immediately for a closer look. Traveling with an Eagle Scout, it was undeniably a picture-worthy location.

Boy Scouts of America momument
German sculptor Adolph Weinman designed the monument, initially at the Pennsylvania Train Stations entrance in New York but later located in Kansas City.

The 222-foot-tall stone sculpture made of marble is the Boy Scout Eagle badge. Donated by the Starr family, the memorial represents the hard work Eagle Scouts devote to earning 21 merit badges and fulfilling a required community service project.

PRO TIP: Park in temporary parking on the street and walk one of two spiral concrete staircases to the top of the monument. Note: The water fountain was inoperable during our visit.

City of Fountains

You can’t go far in Kansas City without seeing a decorative fountain. Referred to as the City of Fountains,  48 eye-catching water displays are throughout the city. The first fountains were designed in the late 1800s.

fountains
Henry Wollman Block Fountain (30 W. Pershing Rd.) sits between Union Station and Liberty Memorial. It is named after the co-founder of H&R Block, which began its operations in the city in 1955.

In early April, residents celebrate Greater Kansas City Fountain Day. Events, artists, and vendors host events at various fountains in the city.

Firefighters Fountain and Memorial

The Firefighters Fountain and Memorial (Pennsylvania Ave. and W. 31st St.) is nestled amongst office buildings and retail storefronts. While there are many beautiful fountain displays in the city, this one earns my respect for its design and stunning memorial.

memorialPause as you view 48 streams of water falling into the basin around the statuary representing firefighters at work. A nearby memorial displays the etched names of the fallen firefighters.

Firefighters Fountain and Memorial
A second bronze statue is located at the fountain’s memorial.

PRO TIP: Purchase bus tour tickets to see the city’s fountains and learn more about them from a guide from May-September on the third Saturday of the month.

POINTS OF INTEREST

UNION STATION

One of the most iconic Kansas City points of interest, Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd.), should be at the top of your list of places to experience while in the metro. Constructed in 1910, the building was the hub of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railways.

The third largest train station in the country, it now operates as an entertainment venue.

Union Station At Union Station, you’ll appreciate its Science City, 3-D movie theater, restaurant, shops, Gottlieb Planetarium, and gift shops. The building’s architecture alone is worthy of your time.

ceiling
The station’s main hall was elaborately designed and restored during renovations.

PRO TIP: Cross the street to tour the National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Our overnight stay at Cozy in KC’S Charlotte Retreat was one of our best Airbnb experiences yet, and I don’t say that lightly since we’ve stayed overnight at several homes.

Its proximity to the city’s top attractions, walkable neighborhood, and quaint restaurants made it far more worthwhile than lodging at an overpriced downtown hotel. It’s close to the Plaza, Westport, 39th St. District, and Brookside making it the perfect weekend retreat.

You’ll adore the accommodations at Charlotte Retreat. Reserve it for your Kansas City getaway.

Filed Under: Missouri, Travel Tagged With: accommodations, Ainbnb, Anchor Island, Broadway Cafe, brunch, bungalow, Char Bar, Charlotte Retreat, Cozy In KC, dog-friendly, extended stay, Grinder's, Kansas City, Kansas City Plaza, Kauffman, KC, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, lodging, Missouri, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Oddly Correct Coffee, Old Westport, overnight stay, rental house, residential property, RideKC, short-term rental, Snooze, Superhost, Union Station Kansas City

Kansas Hotels in Historic Buildings

March 22, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

I’ve enjoyed staying at several Kansas hotels that I wholeheartedly recommend over the years. Haunted rooms. Incredible architecture. Each hotel offers a unique experience made more memorable for its history.

HISTORIC HOTELS

THE ELDRIDGE, LAWRENCE

Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, The Eldridge was one of the town’s tallest, most beautiful buildings. Unfortunately, its fate was doomed. In 1856, the hotel was burned to the ground by pro-slavery forces. Later rebuilt by Colonel Eldridge, it was destroyed again in an 1863 attack. Quantrill and his men rode into Lawrence and burned much of the town. Like a phoenix, the hotel rose from the ashes when it was rebuilt again.

The hotel is considered haunted. Hotel employees have seen Colonel Eldridge’s ghost sitting in an original hotel chair in storage. A photograph taken in the lobby shows a ghostly spirit standing in the lobby’s elevator.

Room 506 is considered to be the most haunted guest room in the hotel, and it is considered the colonel’s favorite spot. Of course, I requested room 506 for my overnight stay. Lights flickered. Phone power drained. Would you stay there?

AMBASSADOR HOTEL, WICHITA

Located in the heart of downtown near entertainment venues, Ambassador Hotel at Wichita is within walking distance of historic neighborhoods Old Town and the Delano District. The building also has a rich legacy of its own.

Once home to the Union National Bank and Dockum Drug Store in 1926, it opened as Ambassador Hotel Wichita eight decades later. Fourteen stories tall, it was considered the tallest building in Kansas when it was completed.

In addition to its architectural significance, the building also has historical value. It was the site of a student-led sit-in in 1958 at the Dockum Drug Store led by African Americans to end segregation. Ask about the on-site speakeasy, Dockum.

DRURY PLAZA HOTEL BROADVIEW, WICHITA

To enjoy an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita is more than your average hotel experience. It’s a step back in time, a historical glimpse into the city’s history while surrounded by luxury. Today, the hotel provides 200 guest rooms and a host of comfortable amenities for travelers.

Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel in the Midwest. In fact, you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.

THE COURTLAND HOTEL & SPA

Nestled in Fort Scott’s historic downtown district sits The Courtland Hotel & Spa (121 E. 1st St.), a period-style building dating back to 1906. The hotel’s historic ambiance is clear from the moment you walk inside the oversized glass door to the creaky wood floors.

A building that temporarily housed railroad workers during the early 1900s, the hotel features fully furnished rooms and spacious bathrooms on its second floor. Not only did my room (King Room 1) include double closets and soft bedding, but I was able to work using its high-speed Wi-Fi and stream movies. A grab-and-go breakfast near the coffee station made the stay extra comfortable.

Courtland Hotel & Spa in Fort Scott

LEMON LOFTS, HOLTON

My lodging accommodations at Lemon Lofts of Holton (424 Pennsylvania Ave.) were delightful. I used a four-digit code for self-entry into the building that housed More Than Lemons and walked up a flight of stairs. The hallway was covered in unique artwork, and glass sculptures hung overhead.

bedroomMy Queen Suite’s tall windows provide a view of an expansive outdoor patio illuminated by blinking string lights. The room included a plush bed, kitchenette, spacious bathroom, and flat-screen TV. I had access to free Wi-Fi and a Google Mini.hallway paintingThe accommodations were comfortable and quiet. I didn’t hear noise from neighboring rooms, which surprised me, given that the 130-year-old building had wood floors and tall ceilings. I slept like a baby. I’m confident you’ll love your stay. Check out the availability and pricing here.

OTHER HOTELS TO PLACE ON YOUR LIST

Several other historic hotels remain on my travel writer’s radar. The “most haunted hotel in Kansas,” aka Josephine Hotel in Holton, Kansas, intrigues me. The chef-prepared meals and on-site boutique may be worth hearing any bumps in the night.

Hotel at Old Town was once a Keen Kutter warehouse that produced tools. The boutique hotel caters to visitors in Wichita’s downtown area for one-night, overnight, and extended stays. History lovers will appreciate the hotel’s ambiance and history dating back to 1906.

Hotel at Old Town in WichitaSince 1879, Beaumont Hotel was a stagecoach and railroad stop for travelers. Today, the restored building offers overnight accommodations and a restaurant and café often visited by aviators. A 2,600-foot north and south native grass airstrip welcome pilots who can land and taxi to a parking spot near the hotel.

What other hotels should I add to my list of Kansas lodging options? Tell me about your overnight stay in the comments below. I’m eager to delve into the history and learn the story of another historic hotel.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: accommodations, architecture, building, Fort Scott, haunted, historic, Holton, hotel, hotels, Kansas, Lawrence, lobby, lodging, Midwest, motel, overnight, Wichita

Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, a Historic Glimpse Into Wichita’s History

June 28, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me. 

To enjoy an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita is more than your average hotel experience. It’s a step back into time, a historic glimpse into the city’s history while surrounded by luxury. Today, the hotel provides 200 guest rooms and a host of comfortable amenities for travelers.

Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview

As a native Wichitan, I appreciate learning about the people and places that make the city unique. Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel of the Midwest. In fact,  you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.

hotel east entrance
Look closely to see the imprinted words above the arched entrance.

Additionally, travelers along the Chisholm Trail also stopped at the building’s horse and buggy station for respite from their journey. Much of the building’s original design has been preserved including the front entrance, lobby elevator, crown moldings, ornate chandeliers, and an authentic mail drop station. The grandeur of the lobby is impressive and immediately takes you back to a moment in time.

Hotel Lobby
The hotel’s main elevator is original to the building.

During my recent stay at the hotel, I gazed upon the building and wondered how many people must have passed through its front door. Upon entering my room, I was greeted with contemporary furnishes and a plush king-size bed. I originally chose a two-room king suite for my accommodations, but quickly switched rooms simply because I wanted a room with the expansive view of the Arkansas River and the Keeper of the Plains iconic statue at sunset. For me, it was worth it.

The room also has a workstation area, a desk with soft lighting to facilitate business travelers, and a coffee maker.

My room came with a TV, microwave, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and free WiFi. A pet-friendly hotel, I was happy to be able to bring our pup along with us for a comfortable overnight stay. The oversized bathroom included marble floors and granite countertops with complimentary toiletries provided. Like me, exhausted travelers will appreciate the extra comfy bedding and mattress that promises a good night’s sleep. The blackout curtains were a bonus that helped me to fall asleep fast. The rooms must be well insulated because I hardly heard any hallway traffic from within my room. I loved the peace and quiet.

bathroom

The rest of the hotel was equally impressive. The Drury Hotel Plaza Broadview features an indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, fitness center, guest pantry, and outdoor hot tub. Soon after checking in the hotel, I made my way to their free 5:30 Kickback®, a “happy hour” kind of event open to guests every evening. I presented my Kickback® card to the bartender and was given three complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or cocktails) to accompany self-serve appetizers. You’ll love this amenity! Should you desire upscale dining instead, AVI Seabar & Chophouse is connected to the hotel. The steakhouse will also deliver food to our room for a $2 surcharge from 10 am-9 pm.

lounge

Located in the heart of downtown Wichita and only a short walk from shopping and dining, its prime location is perfect for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the city. I hopped on the Q-Line free shuttle near the hotel to take me to District Taqueria for tacos. Using downtown transit is easy and there is a map available online to plan your Douglas Avenue route here. Later, I visited another historic building down, River City Brewing Company, where I enjoyed a craft beer on their second-floor patio overlooking Old Town. I can’t think of a better way to top off your stay at a historic hotel than by also walking the brick streets of this downtown district to admire the 19-century architecture.

tacos
District Taqueria (917 E. Douglas Ave.)

The next morning, I made my way to the second-floor mezzanine where an elaborate breakfast buffet awaited my arrival featuring a full lineup of delicious menu options. Adjacent to the buffet was a cereal station, coffee counter, and make your own waffle setup. I chose biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage. The freshly brewed coffee was just what I needed to give me a boost for the day.

breakfast buffet

Later at the hotel, I continued my historical journey by viewing the framed prints adorning the lobby’s walls. Did you know the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview once had a basement and rooftop that was the place to be in the 1920s? In fact, the hotel had a secret speakeasy in the basement where drinking and gambling took place. The promenade offered guests a 360-degree view of the city while they dined and danced into the late hours of the evening. The hotel’s original name, The Broadview, is a nod to the view that people enjoyed from the top floor. The 8th floor that you see today when visiting the hotel was added during its renovation.

hotel exterior

If given the chance to walk into one of the hotel’s larger event spaces, the ballroom, you can view a mosaic designed by American Indian artist, Blackbear Bosin. He is the same artist who designed the city’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture that stands proudly amongst the downtown skyline. The 1,550 square foot mosaic is the largest continual mural in Kansas. Ask the front desk attendant if the ballroom is accessible to view it.

All in all, I adored my experience as a guest at Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview for the comfortable stay and its historic value. It’s an ideal lodging destination for individual guests, groups, and business travelers. I believe that to truly appreciate a city’s history, you have to walk inside its buildings, talk to residents, and visit its significant spaces. Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview offers all of that and more for people who want to travel happy.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: accomodations, amenities, architecture, historical, history, hotel, Kansas, lodging, Wichita

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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