Kansas City isn't just about barbecue and jazz. It’s about that specific, slightly crisp wind whipping off the Missouri River and the way the sun hits the glass of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the downtown area, you’ve seen it. It is a landmark. Not just a building, but a massive, 724-room anchor for the entire Crown Center complex.
People come here for the history. They stay for the skywalks.
Located right at 1 Pershing Road, this place isn’t some boutique experiment. It’s a veteran. Built in the 1970s and designed by the legendary Harry Weese—the same guy responsible for the iconic brutalist architecture of the D.C. Metro—the Westin is a masterclass in scale. It feels big because it is big. But it also feels surprisingly intimate once you get past the lobby’s waterfall.
The Reality of Staying at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Let’s be real for a second. When you book a room at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you aren't looking for a "vibe-heavy" hipster loft with exposed brick and no closet space. You want the Heavenly Bed. You want the sheer convenience of being connected to everything.
The hotel is part of the 85-acre Crown Center "city within a city." It’s basically the front porch for Hallmark Cards' international headquarters. Because of this, the service level stays remarkably high. You’re not just a tourist here; you’re often sharing the elevator with business executives, wedding parties, and families heading to LEGOLAND.
The rooms are exactly what you expect from a high-end Marriott brand, yet they carry a specific KC flair. Most of them offer floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re lucky enough to snag a room on the upper floors facing North, the view of the Liberty Memorial and Union Station is, quite frankly, unbeatable. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to order room service just so you don't have to stop looking at it.
The Link and the Logistics
One of the weirdest, coolest things about this property is "The Link."
It’s an elevated, climate-controlled glass walkway. It stretches for blocks. You can literally walk from your hotel room at the Westin all the way to Union Square and the Sheraton without ever stepping foot outside. In a Missouri winter, when the humidity turns into a bone-chilling frost, this isn't just a luxury. It’s a survival tactic.
📖 Related: Philly to DC Amtrak: What Most People Get Wrong About the Northeast Corridor
But there’s a downside to being this connected.
The hotel can feel a bit like a maze. You’ll find yourself wandering through corridors that lead to the Crown Center Shops, past the Crayola Cafe, and suddenly you’re in a different building entirely. It takes a day to find your bearings. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for directions; they're used to seeing that "where am I?" look on guests' faces.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Standard Hotel Fare
Most people think hotel food is a scam. Usually, they're right. But the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center manages to dodge the "overpriced club sandwich" trap by leaning into its surroundings.
Brasserie is the main hub here. It’s casual, but the quality is surprisingly tight. They do a breakfast buffet that actually has flavor—not just soggy eggs and lukewarm bacon. If you want something more "Kansas City," you just walk out the front door and hit Jack Stack Barbecue at Union Station. It’s right there.
There is a specific kind of magic in grabbing a drink at the 1st Street Cuvee. It’s the lobby bar, but it doesn't feel like a waiting room. It feels like a crossroads. You’ll see local politicians chatting over coffee and out-of-towners trying their first Boulevard Pale Ale. It’s the pulse of the building.
Hidden Details You Might Miss
- The Waterfall: The lobby features a massive natural rock wall with a 60-foot waterfall. It’s not plastic. It’s actual limestone.
- The Pool: It’s heated and outdoor. Swimming while looking up at the surrounding skyscrapers is a trip.
- WestinWORKOUT: They take the fitness thing seriously. You can actually rent New Balance gear if you forgot your shoes. No excuses, basically.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
If you stay at a hotel in the Power & Light District, you’re in the middle of the noise. If you stay at the Plaza, you’re in the middle of the shopping. But the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center puts you in the middle of the culture.
You are steps away from the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This is the only museum of its kind in the United States, and the view from the top of the Liberty Memorial tower is the best in the city. You’re also right next to Union Station, which houses Science City and a rotating door of world-class exhibitions—think Maya artifacts or Auschwitz history.
👉 See also: Omaha to Las Vegas: How to Pull Off the Trip Without Overpaying or Losing Your Mind
For families, this is the gold standard. You have the Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center literally attached to the hotel via the shopping mall. You can tire the kids out, walk back to the room for a nap, and be back out for dinner without ever needing to find a parking spot.
Parking, by the way, is the one thing that gets people. It’s not cheap. If you’re driving in, expect to pay for the convenience. There are public garages nearby that are slightly cheaper, but they don't offer the same security or "valet-to-room" ease.
Addressing the "Old Hotel" Rumors
Some critics claim the Westin is starting to show its age. To be fair, it’s a 50-year-old structure. You might find a slightly slow elevator or a hallway that feels a bit 1990s-corporate.
However, Marriott has poured millions into renovations over the last few years. The bedding is fresh. The tech in the rooms—USB-C ports, fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs—is up to date. They’ve managed to preserve the architectural soul of Harry Weese’s vision while stripping away the shag-carpet vibes of the past.
It’s a balance. You get the solid, thick-walled construction of an older building (which means it’s remarkably quiet) with the amenities of a modern stay. It's a trade-off most frequent travelers are happy to make.
Navigating the Business Side
If you’re here for a convention, you’re probably looking at the 53,000 square feet of meeting space. The Westin isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a logistics hub.
The ballroom is massive. The breakout rooms are actually functional. But the real "pro tip" for business travelers is the Tangent™ at Westin. It’s a small, rentable workspace for up to four people with all the media hookups you need. If you need to grind out a presentation and can't do it in your room, it’s a lifesaver.
✨ Don't miss: North Shore Shrimp Trucks: Why Some Are Worth the Hour Drive and Others Aren't
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Don't just book a room and hope for the best. To actually get the most out of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you need a bit of a game plan.
1. Request a North-Facing Room
Specify that you want a view of the Liberty Memorial. The South-facing rooms aren't bad, but they mostly look at the suburban sprawl and the Hallmark offices. The North side is where the postcard shots are.
2. Use the KC Streetcar
The hotel is a short walk from the Union Station streetcar stop. The streetcar is free. It will take you all the way through the Crossroads Arts District, past the Power & Light District, and into the River Market. You don't need an Uber to see the city.
3. Check the Crown Center Calendar
Before you arrive, check what’s happening at the Square. From ice skating in the winter at the Crown Center Ice Terrace to massive festivals like the Kansas City Irish Fest in the summer, something is always happening right outside the lobby.
4. Join Marriott Bonvoy
Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the Wi-Fi is often free for members, and they are generally better at honoring late checkout requests here because they have so many rooms to rotate.
5. Explore the "Crossroads" for Dinner
While the hotel food is solid, you are 10 minutes away from some of the best food in the Midwest. Walk or take the streetcar to the Crossroads District. Hit up Corvino Supper Club or Town Topic for a legendary burger.
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel in the world. It’s trying to be the most reliable, well-located, and comfortable stay in the city. For most people—whether they're here for a Chiefs game or a corporate summit—that’s exactly what they need. It’s a foundational piece of Kansas City’s identity, sitting right where the old city meets the new.