Hilton’s boutique Curio Collection has expanded into Kansas City with the opening of the revamped Hotel Phillips Kansas City.
The historic 1930s-era hotel has joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton following a $20 million renovation of its 216 guest rooms and suites and public areas. A member of the National Registry of Historic Places, this downtown landmark is in the heart of the Power and Light (P&L) district, near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Bartle Hall Convention Center and numerous restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues.
The hotel opened in 1931 as the tallest building in Kansas City. It gained national recognition for its Art Deco lobby, with elaborate bronze and nickel metalwork, walnut paneling, stylized light fixtures, gleaming marble walls and a black-glass ceiling that creates the illusion of endless space. The building’s multimillion dollar transformation preserved those unique designs, as well as the gilded 11-foot sculpture of Dawn, known as the Goddess of Hospitality, which stands watch over guests as they enter.
Following the renovation, each guest room, suite and executive room blends the traditional ambiance of the Hotel Phillips with modern amenities. Select rooms have distinctive décor, such as a canopy bed with oversized headboard or an upgraded restroom with a claw footed soaker tub.
A new restaurant – Tavernonna Italian Kitchen – focuses on the history of Italian food, wine and cocktails. It was conceived by five-time James Beard Award nominee Michael Kornick and will be overseen by classically-trained Executive Chef Bryant Wigger, a Kansas City native. The upscale eatery will make use of fresh ingredients from local farms and vendors for both its traditional and contemporary dishes that includes house made pastas.
For an experience that harkens back to the hotel’s past, P.S. Speakeasy is an underground tavern offering hand-crafted cocktails, a late-night menu and weekend performances from local jazz musicians. For a quieter experience, Kilo Charlie is a coffee bar providing an extensive selection of hot and cold artisanal coffee drinks and brews, including drip coffee, espresso, French press, macchiatos, cappuccinos and more. With Kansas City named by a recent Travel + Leisure survey as one of the country’s top 10 U.S. cities for coffee, Kilo Charlie also serves local specialties. This includes its Draft Latte, which incorporates fresh milk into a pressurized nitro coffee mix, resulting in a creamy and sweet cold beverage.
Hotel Phillips Kansas City has over 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space that can accommodate up to 250 guests. A highlight is the 1,020-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, with a French architectural style reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s drawing room. Its 18-foot windows are framed by powder blue velvet draperies, and the room retains much of its 1930's plaster architectural detailing.
Events may also be held in eight meeting rooms, three boardrooms, or in the hotel’s open mezzanine. A fully-equipped business center is also available, as is complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas and guest rooms.
Located 19 miles from Kansas City International Airport and two miles from Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, the hotel offers valet parking and access to the KC Downtown Streetcar line as well as the Country Club Plaza. Complimentary shuttle service is offered within three miles of the hotel.
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