Finding a place to crash near the track shouldn't be a headache. But honestly, if you've ever tried to book a room during a NASCAR Cup Series weekend, you know the vibe is usually pure chaos. Prices skyrocket. Traffic turns into a parking lot. Everything feels rushed. If you are looking at the Days Inn by Wyndham near Kansas Speedway, specifically the location at 7721 Elizabeth Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, you’re likely trying to balance a budget with the need to be close to the action. It's a classic choice. It’s affordable. But is it right for your specific trip?
Let's get real for a second. This isn't a five-star resort with a spa and a pillow menu. It’s a Wyndham-branded economy hotel. That means you get the basics: a bed, a TV, a bathroom, and hopefully some decent coffee in the morning. People stay here because it’s tucked right off I-70 and I-435, making it a strategic jump-off point for more than just racing. You’ve got the Legends Outlets nearby, Children’s Mercy Park for Sporting KC fans, and the Nebraska Furniture Mart for people who somehow enjoy walking through miles of sofas.
Location Strategy: The Real Distance to the Green Flag
Distance matters. If you're staying at this Days Inn by Wyndham near Kansas Speedway, you are roughly three to four miles away from the grandstands. In normal-person time, that’s a six-minute drive. On race day? Well, that's a different story entirely.
Traffic patterns around the Speedway are notorious. The Kansas Department of Transportation usually works with local police to flip lanes and manage the flow, but you still need a plan. Most savvy travelers staying at this hotel don't wait until thirty minutes before the engines start to leave their room. They head out early.
The hotel sits in a cluster of commercial development. It's not particularly scenic, but it is functional. You have a Waffle House nearby. You have a gas station. If you forgot your earplugs—and you will need them if you’re heading to the track—there are plenty of big-box retailers within a five-minute radius to save your eardrums.
Why the "Near" in the Name is a Big Deal
The "near" part of the name is the selling point. Usually, the closer you get to the 400 State Ave entrance of the track, the more you pay. This specific Days Inn hits that "sweet spot" where you aren't paying the premium of the on-site Village West hotels, but you aren't driving in from Topeka either.
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It’s about trade-offs. You trade the luxury of walking to the race for the luxury of having an extra hundred bucks in your pocket for beer and souvenirs. Some people hate that trade. Others live by it.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Rooms here are standard. Don't expect a design revolution. You’ll find the typical Wyndham layout: a work desk, a small fridge, a microwave, and a bathroom that does its job. The Wi-Fi is generally free, which is great for checking your fantasy racing stats or catching up on emails if you’re in town for a convention.
Comfort is subjective. Some guests find the beds perfectly fine for a post-race collapse. Others might find them a bit firm. It's an economy stay. The walls aren't thick as a vault, so if your neighbor decides to celebrate a win until 3 AM, you might hear a bit of it.
The Amenities Check
- The Breakfast: It’s usually a "Daybreak" breakfast. Think cereal, yogurt, maybe some fruit, and the ubiquitous waffle maker that everyone fights over. It’s enough to get you to lunch, but it’s not a brunch buffet.
- The Parking: One of the perks of being slightly further out is the parking lot. It’s generally ample. If you’re hauling a trailer or a large truck, this is way easier than trying to navigate a cramped downtown garage.
- The Staff: Reviews often mention the front desk. Being a franchise, the experience can vary, but generally, the folks here are used to the "race crowd" and know how to handle the high-volume check-ins that happen on Friday nights.
The "Legends" Factor: More Than Just Racing
A lot of people forget that the Days Inn by Wyndham near Kansas Speedway is basically in the backyard of the Legends Outlets Kansas City. This isn't just a mall; it's a massive outdoor shopping and entertainment district.
If you’ve got family members who couldn't care less about lap times, you can drop them off there. They’ve got over 100 designer outlets, a movie theater, and a Dave & Buster's. Plus, the food options are way better than what you’ll find in a hotel lobby. You’ve got Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque nearby—and look, if you’re in Kansas City and you don’t eat BBQ, did you even really visit?
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Then there’s the soccer aspect. Sporting KC plays at Children’s Mercy Park right there. If you’re a fan of the "other" football, staying at this Days Inn is a smart move. You can avoid the $400-a-night price tags at the luxury hotels but still be within striking distance of the pitch.
Addressing the Common Complaints
Let's be honest. No hotel is perfect, and economy brands often get hit hard in reviews. The most common gripes? Dated interiors. Sometimes the carpets have seen better days. Occasionally, a guest might report a smoky smell in a non-smoking room because someone didn't follow the rules.
It’s a budget hotel.
If you go in expecting the Ritz, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a functional home base for your Kansas City adventure, you’ll likely be satisfied. The management at these franchised locations often tries to keep up with the wear and tear, but with the high turnover of a busy corridor like I-70, it's a constant battle. Check your room when you walk in. If something isn't right, say something immediately. Most of the time, they’ll try to move you if they have the space.
Booking Smart: Timing and Rates
Rate parity is a myth. You’ll see one price on the Wyndham site, another on Expedia, and maybe a third on a random discount site.
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If you’re booking for a major event—like the Hollywood Casino 400—do it months in advance. These rooms sell out. And when they do, the prices for the remaining few go through the roof.
Pro-Tips for the Best Experience
- Ask for a room away from the highway. The I-70 noise is real. If you’re a light sleeper, a room on the back side of the building can make a world of difference.
- Verify the pet policy. This location is often pet-friendly, but there are usually fees and weight limits. Don't just show up with a Great Dane and hope for the best.
- Check for renovations. Hotels in this area periodically refresh their furniture. It never hurts to call and ask if they have any "updated" rooms available.
- Use your rewards. If you have a Wyndham Rewards account, use it. Even the cheaper stays add up to free nights later.
Final Logistics: Getting Around
If you aren't driving yourself, rideshares are an option, but they get expensive during peak event hours. Surge pricing around the Kansas Speedway can be brutal. Sometimes it’s actually cheaper to pay for Speedway parking than it is to take a Lyft back and forth twice.
If you are flying in, you’re looking at about a 25-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The route is straightforward—straight down I-29 to I-635 to I-70. It’s hard to get lost, even if your GPS is acting up.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Before you hit that "reserve" button, take these three steps to ensure you aren't surprised on arrival:
- Confirm Your Check-In Time: Many of these locations have a strict 3 PM or 4 PM check-in. If you’re arriving early for a qualifying session or a morning game, call ahead to see if early check-in is an option. It usually depends on how full they were the night before.
- Map the "Back Roads": Don't just rely on Google Maps to take you down the main drag to the Speedway. Look at State Avenue or Parallel Parkway as alternatives if the highway is backed up.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older economy hotels weren't built for the "five devices per person" era. Having a small power strip ensures you can charge your phone, your camera, and your radio scanner all at once without hunting behind the nightstand for a plug.
Staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham near Kansas Speedway is a functional, budget-conscious choice. It places you in the heart of the Wyandotte County entertainment hub without the steep price tag of the luxury suites. Just keep your expectations grounded, plan for traffic, and make sure you get some burnt ends while you're in town.