Unbelievable Kansas City Getaway: Hotel Indigo Downtown!
Unbelievable Kansas City Getaway: Hotel Indigo Downtown – Did It Blow My Mind or Just My Budget? (A Messy Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of the Hotel Indigo Downtown in Kansas City. Forget pristine perfection. We're going for REALITY. And let me tell you, it was a… journey.
First Impressions & Arrival Shenanigans (Accessibility – My First Fail!)
So, I envisioned myself gliding into the Hotel Indigo, cool and collected, like a seasoned travel pro. Ha! More like, I was wrestling with my suitcase on the curb, sweating like a pig. (Kansas City humidity, I'm looking at you!)
- Accessibility: This is where things started a little wobbly. While they say they're accessible (facilities for disabled guests, elevator), I needed to navigate a slightly awkward ramp at the entrance – fine for me, but I can see it posing problems for a wheelchair user. (Metadata: Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) More on accessibility later, as it subtly impacted my experience.
Check-in – Smooth(ish) Sailing
The front desk folks? Super friendly. Efficient even. I, however, was running on zero sleep and a mountain of caffeine, so my brain was lagging behind. Thankfully, they offered Contactless check-in/out. Bless. That meant less fumbling. (Metadata: Check-in/out [express], Contactless check-in/out) Also, 24-hour front desk is a huge plus – I have a bad habit of getting lost wandering the city at ungodly hours, so the potential for self-inflicted drama was minimized. (Metadata: Front desk [24-hour])
The Room – My Home for a Few Days (and the Internet's Struggle)
Okay, the room itself was… pretty dang cool. Modern, stylish, with those exposed brick touches that scream "Kansas City Cool." (See, I’m already picking up the local lingo!). (Metadata: Non-smoking, Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi [free], Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Window that opens)
- Internet Access (Oh, the Humanity!): Let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YAY! Except… it was a teensy bit spotty. Like, I’d be in the middle of streaming a crucial cat video and BAM! Buffering. The sheer anguish when my favorite feline failed to finish his acrobatic display was almost unbearable. (Metadata: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Internet) I even tried the Internet access – LAN option… which, frankly, felt like a relic from the 90s. No dice. Just… buffering. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the pre-internet era, and the art of… gasp… actual conversation. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fooood! (And My Food Coma)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. The Hotel Indigo boasts some tempting options.
- Restaurants & Bars: (Metadata: Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Snack bar, Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant) The restaurant, "The Black Pepper," offered International cuisine with local influences. And that buffet breakfast? ( Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service) Amazing! Honestly, I had the kind of breakfast that's a culinary crime – I’m not sure “healthy” was on the menu, but I felt… alive. But as with all buffets, it became a race against the clock to eat as much as possible before the egg station closed! I saw a few people having that exact problem.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] Yes! Late-night cravings? Covered. Which is a bad thing when you're trying to stick to a diet!
- Snacks and Drinks: (Metadata: Bottle of water, Essential condiments) The bar had some good cocktails and local beers. They don't scrimp on the liquor, which I appreciated. Plus the Poolside Bar was lovely, offering a great spot for an afternoon beverage.
Relaxing and Unwinding – Spa Day Dreams & Reality! (Spa/Sauna, Body wrap, Massage, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Now, this is where I got seriously excited. Hotel Indigo has a spa! My plan? Body scrub, body wrap, maybe a massage, and a dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor] (with a Pool with View!). (Metadata: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
- The Spa Debacle: Okay, the spa itself was… closed. Apparently, it was undergoing "renovations." (Insert dramatic eye roll here.) Major bummer. My dreams of post-travel serenity were… shattered. Instead, I had a long bath with water from the tap. The "spa" also included a sauna, which was not available. I was a teeny bit disappointed, to put it mildly.
- The Pool: (Metadata: Swimming pool) The pool was pretty. Nice view. Small. And, at the time, populated. So, I opted for a long bath. Maybe next time?
Cleanliness, Safety & The Covid Shuffle (Anti-Viral Cleaning, Hygiene Certification, Physical Distancing)
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are paramount!
- COVID Concerns: Hotel Indigo seemed to take it all very seriously. (Metadata: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol) They had sanitizing stations everywhere. The staff wore masks. They made a real effort, and I appreciated it. The fact that they've removed shared stationary is a bonus. (Metadata: Shared stationery removed)
Things to Do/See – Beyond the Hotel Walls (Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge])
Kansas City is a vibrant city, and Hotel Indigo is well-positioned for exploring.
- Location, Location, Location! The hotel is downtown, meaning easy access to restaurants, bars, museums, and all the KC action.
- Getting Around: (Metadata: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service) They offered airport transfer which is always a comfort. The free parking was great.
Services & Conveniences – Little Luxuries and… Not-So-Luxuries (Concierge, Laundry, etc.)
- Helpful Extras: (Metadata: Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes) The concierge was super helpful with directions and recommendations. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. Their Laundry service also saved the day.
For the Kids/Families? (Metadata: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) They seemed geared toward couples and business travel… not sure how kid-friendly the vibe would be, but the hotel does offer some kid-friendly options.
The Verdict - Would I Return?(For the Kids/Families? (Metadata: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal))
Look, Hotel Indigo downtown is a solid choice. It’s got a great location, stylish rooms (when the internet works), and friendly staff. The breakfast is epic. The spa… well, the spa is a work in progress.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd just mentally prepare for the internet situation, and maybe cross my fingers for a fully functioning spa next time.
Final Grade: B+ (Room for improvement on the spa and internet front, but overall a great hotel experience!)
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Kansas City, Here I Come (Maybe I Should Have Stayed Home?) - A Rambling Itinerary
Okay, here we go. Kansas City. Flyover country, as they say. Honestly, I booked this trip on a whim, fueled by a late-night craving for burnt ends and a desperate need to escape my life. Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown, supposedly a hip spot. Fingers crossed it’s not just a fancy Holiday Inn with exposed brick. (And if it is, that’s the real heartbreak, isn't it?)
Day 1: Arrival and the (Initial) Allure of the City
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Flight. (Ugh.)
- Let's be honest, the flight was a blur of crying babies and questionable airplane food. I spent most of it praying my seatmate wouldn't try to strike up a conversation. Success! (Mostly because I put in my headphones first.)
- Side Note: Why is it always the window seat? I always promise myself I'll appreciate the view, then end up staring at the tiny screen in front of me.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Uber/Lyft to Hotel Indigo.
- Fingers crossed for a decent driver. Nothing worse than a chatty Cathy who thinks you want to hear about their grandkids. Please, just safely transport me to my hotel!
- Update: Driver was a gem! Named Earl, he used to be a jazz musician (KC connection, check!). He gave me a little history of the city on the way, and even played a bit of Charlie Parker on his…wait for it… 8-track player. Totally made my day. The hotel location is not bad, really close to the city!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in & Room Assessment.
- Okay, here's the moment of truth. The lobby is cute, exposed brick! But the real test is the room. Clean? Bed comfortable? View of something other than the parking garage?
- Verdict: Room is great! Clean, comfy bed, and a surprisingly decent view of the… um, historic Folly Theater. (Okay, maybe not a great view, but at least it's not a parking lot!)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking & "Contemplative Rest."
- This is code for "lying on the bed and scrolling through Instagram." Don't judge me.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Downtown Exploration & Dinner (First Failure).
- My plan: wander around downtown, soak up the atmosphere, and find a killer BBQ joint.
- Result: Disaster! Everything was either booked solid or looked touristy as hell. Ended up at a chain restaurant. The food was meh, and the service was even meh-er. My first Kansas City BBQ experience, and it was a total letdown. Facepalm.
- Emotional Reaction: I am deeply disappointed. My burnt ends dreams are crushed.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Attempted Redemption & The Power of a Good Cocktail.
- Needed a pick-me-up. Found a speakeasy-style bar (yes, seriously) called "The Belfry." The cocktails were strong and beautifully made. The ambiance was what I needed after the BBQ fail. The bartender was a real pro, offering me a drink designed just for me, which was perfect!
- Quirky Observation: Did you know that the best conversations and the best ideas seem to happen in dimly lit bars with clever drinks?
Day 2: BBQ! Jazz! And a (Minor) Existential Crisis
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel & Planning (or the Illusion of it).
- Hotel breakfast: the ultimate gamble. Will it be a sad buffet or a surprisingly delightful spread? Fingers crossed for the latter.
- Verdict: Surprisingly delightful! Seriously, those waffles were seriously good. Fueling up for round two of the BBQ quest.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The BBQ Pilgrimage (Take Two).
- After some frantic Yelp-ing (because, let's be real, who actually plans a trip anymore?), I landed on Arthur Bryant's. This is the place, they say. This is where BBQ legends is made.
- The experience: Okay, the line was insane. Like, around the block insane. But the promise of smoky, juicy meat kept me going. And… it was worth it? Well, it was good. But the experience? That was the real thing. Everyone was happy, talking about the food, the city, their lives. And I have to say, the burnt ends? They were divine. Worth the wait. Worth the whole trip, perhaps? (Too soon?)
- Emotional Reaction: I am officially in love with burnt ends. I may or may not have gotten sauce on my shirt. And I don't care.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: A Stroll Through the Art District (and a Little Self-Doubt).
- This district is called… the Crossroads Art District! Cool murals, galleries, quirky shops. I am a total sucker for that kind of thing.
- Quirky Observation: Did I really need to buy that quirky vintage postcard? Yes, yes I did. (And now my suitcase is even heavier).
- Emotional Reaction: I started wondering if I, truly, am an out-of-place human. Are those artists really happy, living the "art life"? My job, my life…is it the right one? (Okay, deep breaths. Don't spiral).
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The National WWI Museum and Memorial.
- Wow. Just…wow. Moving. Powerful. Made the the whole trip worth it just by one visit to the museum. I could have spent hours there.
- Emotional Reaction: It actually made me feel small in a way that I wasn't even looking for at all.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Jazz Club Time!
- KC is the home of jazz, so gotta do it! I spent hours wandering the 18th and Vine district, finding a club!
- Quirky Observation: I didn't even know that I liked jazz so much. It somehow calmed me down, made me feel light.
- 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and maybe, just maybe, a late-night bar.
- Planning to try another restaurant. Hopefully the burnt end experience sticks with me.
- Emotional Reaction: Maybe this city isn't that bad, after all?
Day 3: The Crossroads of Departure (and a Final Burnt End Farewell?)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Final Hotel Breakfast & Packing (Ugh, Again).
- One last waffle run! Gotta savor it. Maybe I'll even try to recreate this at home. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-Minute Souvenir Quest & Final Burnt End Mission.
- Gotta find something to remind me of this trip. Bonus points if it's edible. Double bonus points if there's a last chance for burnt ends.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Final Ride to the Airport.
- Hoping for Earl. Or at least someone who isn't overly chatty.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Airport Hangout.
- Sitting at the airport before the flight. Thinking about all the things I did, and all the things I wish I did, and all the things I didn't do (which, actually, makes me pretty okay).
- 2:00 PM - Onward: The Long Flight Home.
- Let's just hope the plane food is better this time. And may the odds be ever in my favor for a quiet flight.
- Final Thought: Kansas City? Unexpectedly awesome. Would I come back? Definitely. Though maybe not on a whim next time. Maybe I'll, you know, actually plan things…
- Update: Got more sauce on my shirt, one last time. Worth it. Burn ends forever!
Unbelievable Kansas City Getaway: Your Hotel Indigo Downtown FAQ (with a Side of Me Rambling!)
Okay, So Hotel Indigo Downtown KC... Is It Actually *Downtown* Downtown? Because Sometimes "Downtown" Lies.
RIGHT?! You're totally speaking my language. "Downtown" can be a slippery slope. Thankfully, YES, the Hotel Indigo is smack-dab in the middle of the action. You're talking prime real estate, folks. You're basically a hop, skip, and a jump from the Power & Light District (which, if you’ve never been, is a whole *thing* – get ready for lights, music, and... well, a lot of people). And the streetcar? Practically at your doorstep. Seriously, you can practically smell the BBQ from some of the best joints. (And oh, the BBQ….more on that later). I walked everywhere. Well, after I figured out the one-way streets, that is. Let's just say my GPS and I had a *very* close relationship that weekend.
The Rooms: Are They Actually *Stylish* Stylish, or Just "Hotel Stylish" (aka Beige and Soul-Crushing)?
Okay, so this is where things get… well, *better*. The Hotel Indigo does a pretty decent job of actually being stylish. It's not cookie-cutter hotel blandness. I remember walking in and thinking, "Okay, this isn't *terrible*." There's actual *color*. And… (pause for effect) …art! Real art! (Okay, maybe not Van Gogh, but actual interesting pieces, not just generic landscapes). I stayed in a room that had these cool, almost deco-ish touches. I may or may not have spent a solid ten minutes just staring at the headboard. Which, by the way, was WAY more comfortable than it had any right to be. Seriously, I almost didn't get out of bed one morning. And that's saying something, because I'm not a "stay in bed" kind of person. Unless the bed is exceptionally good. Which this one was.
Breakfast…Tell Me About Breakfast. Is it Worth Waking Up For?! (Because Let's Be Real, I LOVE Sleeping)
Alright, breakfast. Ugh. Okay, so this is one area where my experience veered from overwhelmingly positive. They *do* offer breakfast. It’s…fine. Honestly, it's your typical hotel breakfast setup, which is to say, not the highlight of the trip. There was a buffet situation going on. I'm not a huge fan of buffets, to be honest. I always feel like I’m fighting for the last scrambled egg. The coffee? Let's just say it wasn't exactly artisan-roasted. BUT! Don't despair! Kansas City is a mecca for incredible food. I suggest skipping the hotel brekkie and finding a local spot. I went to this amazing place called "Succotash" – it was a short streetcar ride away. Their grits? To DIE for. Worth every second I spent out of that comfy bed. Trust me on this one. Skip the hotel breakfast. Explore! That's my advice.
The Location - Beyond Just "Downtown". What's *Around* the Hotel?
Okay, so the location is seriously key, as I mentioned. You’re in walking distance of *so much*. The Power & Light District is where you go for…well, everything. Music, bars, restaurants, a bustling nightlife. It’s the kind of place where you start your night with a quiet drink and somehow, hours later, you're belting out karaoke with a group of strangers (true story, by the way). The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is also super close. I, unfortunately, missed a show, which I'm still kicking myself about. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a slightly longer walk, or a quick ride. It’s got a killer collection, and the sculptures in the lawn are seriously cool. And then there's the streetcar. Oh, the streetcar! That thing is a lifesaver. It hits all the major spots. I rode it everywhere! And it was FREE. (Insert happy dance here).
Parking? Because Finding Parking Anywhere Downtown is Always a Horror Show, Right?
Ugh, parking. The bane of my existence. Okay, so yes, parking downtown can be a bit of a pain. The hotel *does* have valet parking. That's the easiest, but it's also the most expensive option. Honestly, I'm a cheapskate, so I tried to find street parking first. Bad idea. I spent like an hour circling the block, getting increasingly frustrated and muttering under my breath. I finally caved and used the valet. It was worth it, just for the sanity factor. Later, I found a public parking garage nearby that was a little cheaper. So, parking? Plan ahead. Do your research. Or just bite the bullet and valet. Your sanity will thank you. And maybe download a parking app. I didn't do that. Lesson learned.
Let's Get Real: Any Major Disappointments? Any "Don't Do This" Moments?
Okay, so a few things. The elevator situation was a little…iffy. Sometimes it was lightning fast, other times it felt like I was trapped in a metal box for an eternity. The Wi-Fi? Hit or miss. It dropped out on me a couple of times, which, when you're trying to upload a million photos of BBQ (a must), is a minor tragedy. And, like I said before, skip the hotel breakfast. Really. Go find some local flavor! But honestly? The biggest "don't do this" moment for me? The time I tried to navigate downtown traffic during rush hour. Seriously, it was a cluster. I think I aged five years in about thirty minutes. Stick to the streetcar, people! Or walk. Or maybe just stay in the hotel room and order room service (because, let's be honest, sometimes that's the best option). Oh! And one more thing that was a little… off. I asked for a recommendation at the front desk one day, and the person was a little…cold. I was like, "Hey, just looking for a cool bar recommendation!" And they gave me a very brief answer. Not a warm welcome! Not a "Have a great time!" Which is a shame because most of the staff were great!
Tell Me About This BBQ You Keep Mentioning! Spill the Beans!
OH. MY. GOD. The BBQ. Okay, so Kansas City BBQ is a *thing*. A magnificent, glorious, smoky *thing*. And honestly? This is where the trip REALLY shone. I spent like, a solid 24 hours just eating BBQ. Just. Eating. BBQ. And loving every single second. I went to this place called Arthur Bryant's. People line up for hours, and I *get* it. The burnt ends? Holy moly. The ribs? Fall-off-the-bone amazing. I'm drooling just thinking about it. The sauce? Sweet, tangy, perfect. I might have bought a bottle to bring home. (I definitely did). I am STILL thinking about that BBQ. I went to Gates BarEasy Hotel Hunt
