You don’t normally think of Kansas City when you hear a hotel with the name Chateau Avalon, but that’s precisely where you will find this independent boutique hotel.
Chateau Avalon. Credit: Chateau Avalon
Chateau Avalon, which bills itself as a boutique theme hotel retreat, is in the Village West area of Kansas City. Because the hotel is on 28 wooded acres, you feel like you’re in a quiet, out-of-the-way locale. Yet the hotel is only one mile from Interstates 70 and 435 and adjacent to the new Hollywood Casino. You are about two minutes from the Kansas Speedway, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabela’s, Sporting KC, and Legends Outlets Kansas City.
Arrival
Chateau Avalon fountain. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
I had spotted the Chateau while touring the Kansas Speedway and was told that sometimes race fans assume the big “house” on the hill is a home for NASCAR’s first family. It was built as a hotel and has never been anything else. When I drove up to the entrance, it did feel a bit like arriving at someone’s French country estate. A massive fountain sits out front, and sweeping stairs lead to a double front door made of glass and wood. (Note: if you need an elevator, one is on the ground level to the right of the front door.)
I was there as a guest of Chateau Avalon’s owner, Steve Beaumont, so my check-in was not typical. However, as I waited in the lobby that evening for my ride, I watched others check in and the process seemed flawless. The front desk staff was friendly and outgoing, giving suggestions for dinner at nearby restaurants and taking curious guests to view available rooms and check out the different themes. The hotel has 61 guest rooms and 23 different concept suites, so every experience will be different.
My Room
Before heading to my room, I had a chance to tour the hotel and visit several rooms with Mr. Beaumont. I was thrilled to discover that every room—from the classic rooms to luxury suites and even the themed adventure rooms—all have two-person jetted tubs, brand new LED flat-screen TVs, and free wifi.
Tub for two in Presidential Suite. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
When I was finally ushered to my room, I discovered I was booked into the Presidential suite. When I entered, it looked like I had entered a library with bookshelves and a small table for two. I had to open the hidden door (one of the shelves) to get to the bedroom. The bed was a massive four-poster king with a fabulous Beau-Rev mattress and Egyptian cotton linens. I wasn’t crazy about the pillows, but the mattress made up for them. In addition to the bed, the room had a desk with an executive chair, a new flat-screen TV, and the promised two-person jetted tub, complete with mood lighting. The bathroom on the other side of the “library” was stocked with lovely Gilchrist & Soames amenities. This would be an ideal room for a romantic tryst for two.
Because I was there working, I did have a couple of things in the room that I found difficult to work around. For example, the desk space was limited because the TV took up much of the desk. However, after seeing the other rooms, I think the classic rooms might be better for business travelers. I love a good tub, and this one did not disappoint. I had a luxurious soak that night, perfect for a stormy evening. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed showering the next morning. I found getting in and out of the shower difficult because I had to get down into the massive tub to stand under the water. Some rooms have separate showers, so be sure to ask for one if you prefer.
Other Rooms
There are three larger suites at Chateau Avalon. Two were occupied, so I didn’t have a chance to visit them. The Tuscany is a two-story Italian-themed room with marble columns, a sweeping staircase, and a wrought-iron queen bed. The Monte Cristo is a three-story suite with 360-degree views from the windows, a separate two-head shower, and a chromotherapy whirlpool at the top of a tower.
Bed in the Roman Dynasty suite. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
I visited the Camelot, which looks like a set from a performance of Shakespeare. Rock walls, a knight in shining armor standing guard, and a tub in what looks like a wooden boat add to the medieval feel. You reach the king-size bed by crossing the drawbridge inside the room.
Camelot Suite at Chateau Avalon. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
The adventure rooms vary depending on the theme, from a deserted island or pirate’s cove to an Egyptian palace, Mayan rainforest, or New York penthouse. The classic rooms are also themed but might be better for those staying on business. Each room still has an oversized jetted tub, flat-screen TV, and work desk with an executive chair, but they are a bit more toned down than the other rooms. None of the rooms had refrigerators or safes, which I consider necessities in a business hotel.
Services and Amenities
The staff at Chateau Avalon works hard to make sure guests are happy. It shows in the little extras. My breakfast, cooked to order and delivered to my room when asked, included fresh orange juice, fruit, eggs, hot tea, and a massive sweet roll for two. The breakfast is included in your room rate, and the sweet roll is optional.
Chromatherapy tub surrounded by candlelight. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
The staff offers a selection of packages with romantic touches, from wine and roses to candles and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Chateau Avalon has the Beaumont Stateroom available if you’re in town on business. It has a boardroom-style table that seats up to 24, high-speed WiFi and wired Internet service, a 60″ LCD TV/Computer monitor, a touch panel control system, and presentation materials.
You can book various spa services during your stay, from facials or foot scrubs to hot stone massages. The services are done in the privacy of your suite by a professional therapist.
Bar-Restaurant
Chateau Avalon does not have an on-site restaurant. However, it does have a quaint wine bar open every evening. The d’Nile bar is, you guessed it, Egyptian-themed. The bar is on the hotel’s ground floor (downstairs from reception) and opens onto the North Patio, a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the woods. This is a great spot for hotel guests but also open to the public, making it an ideal after-work hot spot during happy hour. You can choose from a selection of wines, specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, small plates, and desserts.
The North Patio off the D’Nile bar is a perfect after-work hangout. Photo credit: Chateau Avalon
Overall Stay
I enjoyed my visit to Chateau Avalon. It is fun and a bit eccentric but comfortable. I loved being so close to restaurants and shops, but because of its location, you feel like you’re in a country chateau. My room was large and comfortable, but if I go back, I will probably opt for a room with a separate shower and big windows.
Legends Outlets Kansas City. Photo credit: RED Development
Interestingly, the medical records software company Cerner Corporation built a new facility on a 236-acre office park next to Chateau Avalon. I recommend this hotel for those who need to visit the company but want something different and more unique than the nearby corporate hotels.
For those wanting a romantic getaway, Chateau Avalon is perfect. There are shops, restaurants, a comedy club, and more just minutes away, but you can forget the outside world once you’re tucked into your comfy bed or soaking in the tub.
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Amenity Checklist
- 62 themed rooms
- Some rooms have separate tub/shower
- Two-person whirlpool tubs
- Free in-room WiFi
- Flat-screen TV
- Desk and executive chair in the room
- Luxurious bed linens
- Hairdryer
- Limited room service
- d’Nile Wine Bar
- Free cooked-to-order breakfast
- 24-hour front desk
- Iron & ironing board on request
- Gilchrist & Soames amenities
- Bathrobes
- Coffee/tea in the lobby
- Spa services available in-room
- Free newspapers in the lobby
- Patio
- Turndown service available
- Extra romantic amenities are available for a fee
Chateau Avalon
701 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66111
913.591.6000
www.chateauavalonhotel.com
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