The Raphael $$$

325 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City
800/821-5343
www.raphaelkc.com [1]

COST: Over $250 per night

Billed as “Kansas City’s original boutique hotel,” The Raphael is modeled after the small hotels of Europe and features standard rooms, deluxe suites, and Plaza-view suites. In-room amenities include iPod docking stations, a mini-bar, and work areas.

An in-house restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza, serves modern cuisine accompanied by a varied wine list. An adjacent lounge hosts live performers.

For a true Kansas City [2] experience, The Raphael offers a number of themed travel packages such as Baseball and BBQ, Chiefs Gridiron, and City Shopping that include accommodations, select retailer discounts or event tickets, and complimentary valet parking at the hotel.