If you’ve stayed at Chateau Avalon Hotel in Kansas City, Kansas, in years past, come again. If you’ve never stayed, and you like hotels that mix creativity with one-of-a-kind experiences, this is your place. My husband and I spent one night at this 56-guest-room boutique hotel on our last trip to Kansas City. A friend of mine with Visit Kansas City mentioned the Chateau Avalon Hotel years ago when I talked about seeking out unusual, quirky hotels. Finally, the timing worked out.
A Kansas City Hotel with Updates and Remodels
Opened in 2004, Chateau Avalon remains a passion project of the owner Steve Beaumont. Beaumont decided that if Europe seems out of reach, bring Europe closer. He ran with the European theme but tossed in pirates, Africa, fairy tales, the Wild West, and a bit of history. Beaumont created each hotel room himself. Building columns, ornate facades, painted murals, and more, the result is a mix of craftsmanship, imagination and creativity. Chateau Avalon is where a hotel stay is evokes memories of childhood play.
Like any hotel more than 20 years old, updates are needed. Chateau Avalon is in a transition phase with most of the work completed. Several of the Adventure Rooms, suites with themes like Serengeti, Ancient Rome, Mayan Rainforest, and Camelot have been remodeled to Prestige Suites, Spa Suites and Chateau Suites.
photo of Deluxe Spa Suite courtesy of Chateau Avalon
These boutique suites are a mix of designs with one to two floors and walk-in tower showers and/or luxurious jetted tubs. Deluxe Spa Suites have more space in their layout. No matter which suite you choose, details and careful attention have created spaces of elegance and modern comfort.
A switch from the original room models which catered mostly to couples, Chateau Suites have two queen beds. This adds to the Chateau Avalon’s ability to accommodate other guests, from girlfriend getaways to business travelers to wedding guests.
Adventure Rooms Say, “Play”
Happily, some of the Adventure Rooms are staying, but they are remodeled as well. New flooring, remodeled bathrooms, new beds, and a streamlined decor fit modern tastes.
photo of Jesse James Suite courtesy of Chateau Avalon
The unique features still remain. In the Serengeti, for example, there is the hand-painted mural of the Serengeti and the bust of a rhinoceros as part of the decor. The Jesse James Suite is designed like an outlaw retreat, complete with a cowboy-inspired mural and a cabin with a porch.
In the Mayan Rainforest Suite, a mural of ruins and parrots is a prominent feature. Each room says, “Play.” Climb into the bathtub in the Camelot Suite and pretend you are rowing across a sea. A boat is built around the tub.
photo of Mayan Rainforest Suite courtesy of Chateau Avalon
Each room I stepped into when I was shown around was a delightful surprise. Because the Chateau Avalon is the owner’s passion project, there is a sense of excitement with each remodel and renovation. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and committed to ensuring the hotel provides guests with the best experience.
D’Nile, a Kansas City Bar Worth Seeing
We headed to D’Nile, the hotel’s newly renovated lounge, for drinks. An Egyptian theme is carried throughout this two-room space of statues, artwork, a tasteful, upscale color scheme and a gorgeous bar where the bottles of liquor and glassware are artfully displayed. D’Nile includes a large outdoor patio edged by woods.
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If I was a Kansas City local, I’d put this bar on a go-to list for enjoying with coworkers, friends or a date. For the traveler, the uniqueness makes it a standout. Add a round ice-cube ball to a craft cocktail or a shot. The bartender showed us how this special icemaker works while I savored my glass of red wine, and my husband enjoyed a local craft beer and a shot of bourbon. Light bites are also on the menu.
Our Room and Breakfast
We stayed in The Lincoln Suite, a king room that is earmarked for renovation into a Prestige or Chateau Suite. Located on the first floor, this room includes Chateau Avalon’s room features. A large, jetted tub with an overhead shower, a small refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and a coffee maker are part of this room’s more classic feel. A framed copy of the Gettysburg Address and period furnishings are nods to Abraham Lincoln.
As with other rooms, a small table, armchairs, and a luggage rack are part of the furnishings. Although the bathroom is not the updated version, attention to cleanliness and comfort are part of the Lincoln Suite.
Breakfast is included in stays. Check off what you want for breakfast on an order form and what time you want it. Then hang the order on your door in the evening. Our continental breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, coffee, and a fruit cup arrived right on time. A charming young man delivered it. This is a simple breakfast, simply served. You can add items more than what is included in each guest’s option for a price. I added the fruit.
Other Chateau Avalon Details, Including Location
The lobby of Chateau Avalon with its sweeping staircase to the second floor and glittering chandelier is also remodeled with a European boutique hotel ambiance. Framed black and white and color photographs throughout the hotel’s walls are a terrific idea. They are of the hotel’s architectural features, including the Beaumont Fountain, the largest standing fountain in Kansas City, Kansas. The fountain, named for the owner, features statues of Greek gods, goddesses, and cascading water.
Along with the guest rooms, there are rooms for meetings and bridal parties. Both the bride and the groom have designated spaces for getting ready and relaxing with friends. Weddings and parties can take place on the property in the glass greenhouse-type building with views of the hotel and the fountain.
Just minutes from Tanger Kansas City at Legends, Atlas9, Kansas Speedway, and Hollywood Casino, there’s plenty of fun, shopping, and good eating close by. Downtown Kansas City is about a 20-minute drive.
Although my stay was hosted by Visit Kansas City and Chateau Avalon, my opinions here are my own. It’s a pleasure to stay at a place where the staff is excited and the passion of the owner shines through. I had so much fun.
Book through the Chateau Avalon’s website if you are looking for deals there.
Check rates for Chateau Avalon online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
