Downtown might be dead in the eyes of most Kansas Citians, but the Hotel Phillips makes it worth visiting. This gorgeously remodeled art-deco hotel, with its plush beds and lovely, modern rooms decorated in elegant, neutral tones, is a great spot for a romantic getaway. It's within walking distance of the Lyric, so locals could make a weekend of it with dinner at Platters, the hotel's restaurant (which specializes in rich, decadent food), then venture forth to the symphony or opera. The nightcap? Drinks at 12 Baltimore, the hotel bar handsomely decorated with dark wood paneling and giant mirrors behind the shelves of liquor. With all that bustle and the culture and the walking, it's easy to forget you're in Kansas City.
