You see it from miles away. It’s that massive, brutalist-style concrete tower dominating the Kansas City skyline, right next to the Hallmark headquarters. People usually just call it the Sheraton, but if you’ve lived in Missouri long enough, you probably still call it the Hyatt. Honestly, the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center carries more history in its foundation than almost any other building in the Midwest. It’s not just a place to sleep. It’s a landmark that has survived literal tragedy, massive corporate shifts, and the total revitalization of downtown KC.
Most travelers book a room here because it’s convenient. They want to be near the Link—that climate-controlled glass walkway that snakes through the city—or they want to hit up Union Station without dealing with the biting winter wind. But there is a learning curve to staying here. If you don't know which elevators to take or how the parking garage interacts with the shopping center, you’re going to spend half your vacation just wandering through hallways.
The Reality of Staying at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
Size matters here. We are talking about 720 rooms. That is a lot of humans in one lobby. When a big convention hits town, or a youth volleyball tournament descends on the city, this place feels like a small, frantic village. It’s loud. It’s busy. You’ll wait for the elevator.
But then you get to the room. If you’re on a high floor facing north, the view of the Liberty Memorial and the downtown skyline is, frankly, unbeatable. It is the best view in the city. Period. You can see the trains pulling into Union Station and the lights of the Power & Light District shimmering in the distance. It makes the 10-minute wait for a luggage cart feel a bit more manageable.
The hotel serves as the anchor for the Crown Center complex. This is basically Hallmark’s backyard. You have the Coterie Theatre, Sea Life Aquarium, and Legoland right there. For families, it’s a goldmine. For business travelers, it can be a bit of a gauntlet of strollers and excited kids. You have to know what you’re getting into.
Location vs. Logistics
One thing people constantly mess up is the parking. The Sheraton shares space with the Crown Center garage. It’s expensive. Expect to pay $25 to $35 a day depending on if you're doing self-park or valet. If you’re savvy, you might find street parking a few blocks south in the Crossroads District, but good luck hauling your bags uphill.
The Link is the real hero. It’s an elevated pedestrian bridge. It connects the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center to the Westin and the main Crown Center shops. You can walk from your hotel room to a restaurant or a movie theater without ever putting on a coat, even if it’s five degrees outside. It’s a bit of a maze, though. Follow the signs religiously or you’ll end up in an office building basement.
📖 Related: Seeing Universal Studios Orlando from Above: What the Maps Don't Tell You
A Legacy That Still Lingers
You can't talk about this building without acknowledging the elephant in the room. This was the site of the 1981 Hyatt Regency walkway collapse. It remains one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. 114 people died.
The hotel was rebranded as a Sheraton in 2011, but the architecture still bears the marks of that era. The lobby was completely redesigned after the disaster. The walkways you see now are supported by massive columns, a stark contrast to the suspended designs of the past. Engineers from all over the world still study this building.
It feels heavy. The concrete is thick. There’s a certain gravity to the place that you don't find at a brand-new, glass-walled Marriott. It’s a piece of American history, for better or worse.
Dining and the "Skyline" Myth
People always ask about the rotating restaurant at the top. It’s called Skies. Here’s the catch: it’s not a public restaurant anymore. It closed to the public years ago and was converted into a Sheraton Club Lounge.
If you want that 360-degree view, you basically have to be a Marriott Bonvoy elite member or book a room that includes club access. It’s a bummer for the general public, but it makes the lounge one of the coolest spots in the city for a morning coffee. If you aren't a club member, don't worry. Spectators, the bistro on the ground floor, is actually decent. Their breakfast buffet is standard hotel fare—think $25 for eggs and bacon—but the coffee is strong.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
The biggest misconception? That you’re "downtown." Technically, Crown Center is its own little bubble just south of the actual business district. If you want the grit and the bars of the Power & Light District, you’re looking at a 20-minute walk or a quick ride on the KC Streetcar.
👉 See also: How Long Ago Did the Titanic Sink? The Real Timeline of History's Most Famous Shipwreck
The Streetcar is free. Use it.
You can walk over to the Union Station stop and ride it all the way up to the River Market. It saves you a fortune on Ubers. Most tourists stay cooped up in the hotel because it’s so big, but the real soul of Kansas City is just a few blocks away in the Crossroads. That’s where the art galleries are. That’s where you find the James Beard-winning chefs.
- The Crossroads: 5-minute walk. Best for: Breweries and local art.
- Union Station: 10-minute walk via the Link. Best for: Science City and traveling exhibits.
- Liberty Memorial: 10-minute walk (uphill). Best for: The WWI Museum and the best sunset in Missouri.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Prices at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center fluctuate wildly. During a quiet week in February, you might snag a room for $160. During a Chiefs home game or a massive medical convention? You’re looking at $450+.
Is it a luxury hotel? No. It’s a high-end convention hotel. There is a difference. Luxury hotels give you personalized service and quiet hallways. Convention hotels give you efficiency, massive ballrooms, and a Starbucks in the lobby that always has a line fifteen people deep.
The rooms were renovated relatively recently, so they don't feel like a 1980s time capsule. They are clean, the beds are the signature "Sheraton Sleep Experience" (which are actually quite comfortable), and the desks are big enough to actually get work done. But the walls are a bit thin. If your neighbor is particularly excited about a 7:00 AM flight, you’re going to hear their alarm clock.
The Pool Situation
The outdoor pool is heated, but let’s be real: it’s Kansas City. It’s closed for a good chunk of the year. When it is open, it’s a bit of an oasis in the middle of all that concrete. It’s located on the 5th floor and offers a weirdly cool perspective of the surrounding skyscrapers. If you’re traveling with kids, this is their favorite part of the hotel. If you’re a lap swimmer, go early. By 2:00 PM, it’s a splash zone.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Newport Back Bay Science Center is the Best Kept Secret in Orange County
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning to book a stay, do these three things to avoid the common headaches.
First, request a North-facing room. If you face South, you’re looking at a parking lot and some train tracks. North gets you the iconic Kansas City skyline. It’s worth the ask at check-in.
Second, skip the hotel breakfast. Walk through the Link to Crown Center. There are local spots like itsy-bitsy cafes and even a Panera if you’re desperate. You’ll save $15 and get better food. Better yet, walk down to Mildred’s in the Crossroads for one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.
Third, download the Marriott app. The lines at the front desk here can be brutal, especially around 3:00 PM. Use the digital key. Bypass the desk. Go straight to your room and start your trip.
The Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center is a beast of a building. It’s a functional, historic, and slightly chaotic centerpiece of the city. It isn't perfect, but if you want to be in the heart of the action with the best view in town, it’s hard to beat. Just remember where you parked. Seriously. Write down the level and the color of the pillar. You’ll thank me later.
Next Steps for Travelers
To make the most of your visit, check the Kansas City Convention Center calendar before booking; if a major event coincides with your dates, prices will spike and the lobby will be packed. If you're driving, look into the Crown Center's "validation" rules for the shops—sometimes eating at a local restaurant can knock a few bucks off your parking bill. Finally, make sure to set aside at least two hours to walk across the street to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. It's the only one of its kind in the country and provides a sobering, essential context to the city you're looking at from your hotel window.