AC Hotels bring a modern, sleek look to Kansas City’s Westport District
The hotel industry continues to evolve with the ages. Dating back the first motels when cross-country travel became popular in the mid-1900s, the hospitality industry has sought ways of attracting guests. Today, hotels need to be tech and media savvy to attract guests.
Marriott has scored with its European-based AC Hotels. The chain has five locations in the United States. Kansas City’s Westport District is home to one of them.
The AC Hotel Westport has a clean, modern look.
Major concerns of ours when traveling are: free working WiFi, enough outlets to charge batteries, phones and plug in devices and (usually) free or affordable breakfast. While breakfast isn’t free, Kansas City’s AC Hotel blew us away with the tech services available. We had ample outlets to plug in camera battery chargers, phone charges, iPad charger and laptop cords.
Inserting a room key into the lock is a thing of the past here. The AC Hotel uses new technology, so you just put your card near the lock and it works. It’s similar to people’s work access cards.
The room wasn’t half bad either (LOL). The room was actually outstanding. The first thing Lisa noticed when we entered was the wood floor. It was a very nice and smooth surface to move about. You worry that a wood floor may be cold, but the room was perfectly ventilated.
The king-sized bed was very comfortable. The pillows were awesome! I usually find hotel pillows are too soft for me, but these were outstanding.
The room is set up quite nicely. As you entered the bathroom area if off to your right. There is an in-room safe and a storage shelf near the entrance. The sink with mirror was a few steps into the room.
The room is separated like a studio suite. The bedroom area included a comfy chair and side table.
The TV was huge! I think it had be about 60 inches and had great picture quality.
Work stations are very important, as I upload and edit photos nightly. The desk was spacious enough. The chair was very comfortable.
The rest of the hotel exceeded our expectations, as well.
Each floor has a set of easy chairs in a small lobby area near the elevators. During our visit, they were popular with folks.
A fitness room is located on the second floor. It offers cardio and weight equipment. It even has weight balls to work with.
While we didn’t have breakfast in the kitchen, next time we will. The menu options were very good. You could get hand-sliced prosciutto, cheese, fruit and other tasty morsels. It even had a selection of quiche. The dining area was specious, and included a small outdoor dining area.
The front desk staff looks young and professional. They’re courteous and will help you out as needed.
The lobby includes a very attractive meeting area. Chairs, tables and a fireplace are there.
A lounge is located off the lobby. I was impressed with the use of mirrors in it. The bottles reflected from the ceiling.
The business center is referred to as a library. It’s small with a couple of work stations. It’s enclosed, so you have some privacy.
The hotel makes use of mirrors as part of its art. There are mirrors everywhere – in the hallways, elevators and along the stairwell.
I loved the art. It definitely has a contemporary appeal.
The hotel offers a variety of meeting space for guests.
The AC Hotel Westport is located minutes from several Kansas City attractions. It’s within 1-3 miles of downtown and the Power and Light District, Country Club Plaza and, of course, the Westport night life scene.
Our impression is that the hotel isn’t really “small kid” friendly. I would be bored if I were a small kid. But, as soon as we thought that, boom, we see a mother with a young child.
So, if you want to be near KC’s attractions without having to be on top of them, the AC Hotel may be for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would stay again.
For more information on AC Hotels by Marriott, please visit www.achotelskansascity.com.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Kansas City Visitors Bureau and AC Hotels for the complimentary stay. However, all opinions and views are ours.
