"Why we love it: A hotel-cum-art-museum with a historical pedigree The Highlights: - 6,200 square feet of on-site exhibition space - Historical details like the art nouveau dome in the lobby - A hip restaurant with great cocktails The Review: This downtown hotel is the eighth property in the 21c collection, a concept founded by art collectors and preservationists Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson that blurs the lines between a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum. Housed in what was once the Savoy Hotel and Grill—a luxurious destination for train travelers in the early 1900s—the 21c Kansas City pairs historical details (stunning stained-glass windows, original hotel sinks in each room) with modern art (including curated exhibitions, site-specific installations, and cultural programming). Designed by architecture firm Deborah Berke Partners and the Kansas City–based Hufft Projects, the 120 spacious rooms and suites carry the juxtaposition even further, complementing high ceilings and large windows with punchy purple sofas and original artwork. Located between Kansas City’s Power & Light District and River Market, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city’s best dining and shopping, as well as the 100-plus market stalls selling produce, baked goods, and flowers. When you don’t feel like leaving the property, however, there’s The Savory at 21c restaurant, housed in what was once the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi and a favorite of prominent figures like President Truman (his preferred booth still sits in the bar and lounge area). Here, Kansas City native Joe West now serves a creative take on classic Americana, with a traditional cocktail list to match. In case you feel yourself slipping into nostalgia, just head out to the lobby, where a massive glowing chandelier by Ken+Julia Yonetani will remind you that you’re at one of Kansas City’s most modern stays."

"Why we love it: A historic property with style to spare The Highlights: - Historic details like the marble lobby - Thoughtful amenities like microfiber bathrobes, complimentary newspapers, and Gilchrist & Soames bath products - A sophisticated on-site restaurant The Review: Housed in a former bank building from the 1920s, the Ambassador Hotel in downtown Kansas City is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the neoclassical property is updated with thoroughly modern amenities, but still features historic details like a showstopping lobby with marble columns, soaring ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers. Guest rooms are equally stylish, with custom furnishings, private label linens, and marble bathrooms with oversize walk-in showers, but for the ultimate luxury, book the 753-square-foot Loft Suite, which features two floors, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a wet bar, a living area, and original windows that bring in loads of natural light. When hunger strikes, head to the on-site Reserve Restaurant, where executive chef Jeremiah Lyman serves contemporary American cuisine and top-notch cocktails."

"The Fontaine Why we love it: A design-forward stay in Kansas City’s sophisticated Country Club Plaza The Highlights: - A playful design inspired by Spain - The creative American cuisine at the rooftop restaurant - A rooftop swimming pool and fire pit The Review: The Fontaine fits right in with its surroundings in Country Club Plaza—an area styled after the plazas of Seville, Spain. In the hotel lobby, the marble floors are inlaid with tile mosaics, the walls are hung with large-scale Renaissance artworks, and the ceiling is crowned by a brilliant blue, hand-blown Murano chandelier. The 132 rooms and suites, on the other hand, have an almost coastal feel, complete with a palette of blues, charcoals, and whites. Beds are super comfy, with tapestry headboards and Egyptian cotton linens, while the Carrera marble bathrooms further pamper guests with oversize showers and rainfall showerheads. There are loads of restaurants in Country Club Plaza, but like the shops, many are chains. This makes The Fontaine’s dining options all the more appealing. Start with a pre-dinner cocktail at The Bar, which hosts a weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., then head to dinner at Parker, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Even with such top-notch F&B, the Fontaine’s finest amenity remains its small rooftop pool, which is bordered by a fire pit and backed by panoramic views."

"Why we love it: An art-centric hotel that’s drenched in color—and personality The Highlights: - The chance to choose your room by color and emotion - Interactive artworks throughout the property - An on-site restaurant from popular chef David Burke The Review: There’s nothing particularly fun about booking a hotel—select your travel dates, your bed size, and maybe your view if you’re getting fancy. At the Angad Arts Hotel, however, choosing your room is an experience. Guests here pick accommodations by color of emotion, helping to set the mood for their stay. From passionate red and tranquil blue to happy yellow and rejuvenating green, the 146 guest rooms—including 38 suites and 25 extended-stay rooms with kitchenettes—are each decorated in a single color, though all feature details like stylish fixtures, unique artwork, and cheeky accessories such as eye-print throw pillows. Given the creative rooms, it’s fitting that the Angad is located in St. Louis’s Grand Central Arts District. Built in the 1920s as a theater, the property now sits among some of the city’s best museums and galleries, but also functions as a work of art itself. The elevator features an interactive exhibit, while the 12th-floor lounge serves as a showcase for a 360-degree video art experience. There’s even a “playroom” on-site, filled with board games and musical instruments, as well as regular programming, including drawing parties, live musical performances, and more. As for dining, guests can look forward to the Grand Tavern, where chef David Burke puts a whimsical spin on local fare, and the Angad Rainbow Terrace, an indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge with sweeping views, handcrafted cocktails, and more small plates from Chef Burke."

"Why we love it: A historic stay with a thoroughly modern rooftop bar The Highlights: - Original architectural details like the upper cornice and two-story lobby - A location near some of St. Louis’s top attractions - A rooftop bar with a pool and sweeping views The Review: Hotel Saint Louis occupies the landmark Union Trust Company building, which was designed by Louis Sullivan, creator of the modern skyscraper, in 1893. It was impressively renovated by Restoration St. Louis in 2015 and opened under the Marriott Autograph Collection in 2018, welcoming guests with historic details and modern flair. Upon arrival, look up and you’ll see the genius of Sullivan’s design in the fully intact upper cornice. Inside, the original two-story lobby also remains, though the stained-glass roof is a re-creation. Further references to Sullivan’s signature style—clean lines paired with Celtic and art nouveau motifs—can be found throughout the property, including in the custom wall coverings in the guest rooms. Staff personally escort guests to their rooms, where amenities like high-thread-count linens and in-mirror bathroom TVs make for a luxurious stay. The hotel’s restaurant Union 30 (named for the building’s original occupant as well as its numerical spot on the city’s landmark list) is a fine place for locally inspired fare, while Form Skybar—located on the roof and named after Sullivan’s philosophy of “form ever follows function”—serves up creative cocktails and sweeping views of the St. Louis skyline. The hotel is also home to a rooftop swimming pool and full-service spa, making it easy to stay on property all weekend. Should you want to venture out, however, the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium are both within easy walking distance."

"Why we love it: A charming European-style inn right in downtown Clayton The Highlights: - The kind of friendly service you only get at small hotels - Complimentary breakfast with farm-fresh eggs and country bacon - An outdoor patio with fire pits and heat lamps for colder weather The Review: Housed in a Tudor Revival–style building from 1926, the Seven Gables Inn sits in the heart of downtown Clayton, surrounded by quaint boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It stands out among the surrounding buildings, however, for its sloped roofs, large chimney, narrow windows, and decorative half-timbering. Developer Restoration St. Louis recently bought the property and set about revamping the interiors, so now all 32 guest rooms and suites merge historic charm with modern luxuries (think hardwood floors and stately wall coverings complemented by Bissinger’s chocolates, Jonathan Adler bath amenities, and plush robes). Mornings here start with a complimentary breakfast of homemade pastries, farm-fresh eggs, and country bacon—a nice touch, as are the warm cookies at check-in and the evening cocktail reception, held Monday through Thursday. The charming courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon break, while the Restaurant at Seven Gables is ideal for when you’re craving a cozy setting and upscale pub fare like chicken pot pie and filet mignon."

"Why we love it: A lakeside resort made for family getaways The Highlights: - Spacious rooms with balconies for taking in lake views - A full-service, on-site marina for boat rentals - A Japanese-style spa with an infrared sauna The Review: Imagine you had a wealthy friend with a fabulous lakeside property, and you’ll understand what it feels like to stay at the Lodge of Four Seasons. At the waterfront resort, guests mingle around the lobby bar—which boasts circular seating, live piano music, and carefully crafted cocktails—much like they would in a fancy living room. When it’s nice outside, they hang together at the lakeside pool bar, or stroll down to the on-site marina and get out on the water. Here, it’s all about starting traditions with families and friends, whether over dinner at one of two restaurants or a round of golf on the championship course. An Ozarks-chic vibe extends across the 358 spacious rooms and suites, which all feature flat-screen TVs, custom embroidered linens, and private furnished balconies with views of the lake or Japanese gardens. Choose from guest rooms in the Main Lodge and Seasons Bay buildings, or opt for a one- or two-bedroom condo with a kitchen in the Avila complex. Settle in, then head to Spa Shiki, where you’ll find eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, an infrared Himalayan salt stone sauna, a salt-purified whirlpool, and a relaxation room with a fireplace for relaxing post treatment."

"Why we love it: A boutique property that locals love The Highlights: - Stylish rooms that blend historical details with modern amenities - A pet-friendly policy and regular “yappy hours” for local pups - Public spaces that function as downtown Springfield’s living room The Review: A welcome respite from the surrounding chain hotels, Hotel Vandivort sits right on Springfield’s buzzy downtown square, surrounded by art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Spanning two buildings—one of which is a 100-year-old former Masonic temple—the property also features unique guest room layouts, which combine historic elements (artisan metalwork, large windows) with thoroughly modern design (local artwork, turntables with a sampling of albums). The Master Suite is particularly fanciful, with a whopping 1,550 square feet of space, a private king bedroom, a fully appointed kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and an outdoor patio with a large TV and two-way fireplace. A popular wedding and event spot, the hotel features a stately ballroom with high ceilings, chevron hardwood flooring, and oversize windows with a view. Still, the property is as much for locals as it is for visitors. Neighborhood folks regularly gather at on-site restaurant The Order for craft cocktails and local fare, or in the lobby lounge to hang in front of the fireplaces. Before heading home, they all make sure to visit the downstairs public restroom, where they pose for mirror selfies in the apparently perfect lighting and hashtag their Instagram posts with #HotelVandivortBathroomSelfies."

"Why we love it: A vast resort on Table Rock Lake with every imaginable amenity The Highlights: - A lakeside location surrounded by miles of Ozark hiking trails - A full-service marina for exploring the water - Family-friendly amenities like a kids’ club and movie theater The Review: Just 10 miles from bustling Branson, Chateau on the Lake offers luxury accommodations in a serene lakeside setting. Nicknamed the “Castle in the Ozarks,” the property, with its signature blue-green roof peaks, is sprawling. Even the smallest guest rooms measure nearly 400 square feet, each with French Country furnishings, deep-wood accents, and views of the lake—often from private balconies. If you really want to stretch out, book the palatial Presidential or Vice Presidential suite, where four-poster king beds, separate sitting rooms, and jetted tubs make for an upscale stay. When not relaxing in your room, take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools, practice your serve on the tennis courts, hit the movie theater, or drop the little ones at the Crawdaddies Kids Club and head to the 12,000-square-foot Spa Chateau for treatments like the Table Rock Hot Stone Massage. Also on-site is a full-service marina for boat rentals, sailing charters, and activities like water-skiing, tubing, and fishing, as well as more than two miles of nature trails for hiking and bird-watching. When you factor in dining options as varied as an award-winning grille, a café and wine bar, a bakery, and a deli, there’s really no reason to ever leave the property—except to swim in Table Rock Lake."

"Why we love it: A wilderness retreat full of natural beauty and rustic luxury The Highlights: - A wide range of accommodations, including luxurious glamping tents - More than enough activities to keep the entire family entertained - A spectacular spa with fireplaces in each treatment room The Review: Nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge was built in the early 1920s as a lavish country retreat for two prominent Missourians. It was purchased in 1987 by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, who turned it into a fishing camp, then converted it to a high-end wilderness resort spread over 4,600 acres of wooded hollows. Today, it’s a popular place to connect with the great outdoors—amid some serious luxury. Overlooking the blue-green Table Rock Lake, the resort is focused on water recreation, offering activities like fishing, water-skiing, tubing, and rides on just about any boat you could imagine. A favorite choice is the Goin’ Jessi , an exact replica of a 1934 Chris-Craft named after Waylon Jennings’s wife, on which guests can take hour-long tours with champagne. Also on-site are two full-service marinas, four golf courses, and a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center with everything from go-karts, bumper cars, and laser tag to a ropes course, bowling alley, arcade, and climbing wall. When visitors aren’t busy having fun, they’re spending quality time in Big Cedar Lodge’s plentiful accommodations, which range from lodge rooms to cottages to private log cabins with stone fireplaces, private decks, and jetted tubs. For something really unique, however, book an overnight experience at Camp Long Creek, an area just minutes from Big Cedar with camp huts, cabins, and glamping units right on the lake. (Outfitted with king canopy beds, chandeliers, and outdoor living spaces with a fire pit, shower, and galvanized tub for alfresco bathing, the tents are particularly exceptional.) Dining options are equally varied, from a casual café to a fine-dining restaurant to a wine-and-whiskey cellar. Still, the Cedar Creek Spa & Salon is alone worth a visit, thanks to its beautiful stained glass windows, hand-hewn timber ceiling, and stone floors crowned by chandeliers. There’s even an ice room and a candlelit grotto with body jets, plus 12 treatment rooms equipped with fireplaces and robes that are warmed up for post-treatment relaxation."