Following a $20 million transformation that restored its original 1930s elegance and elevated its distinct food and beverage offerings, one of Kansas City’s most historic hotels owned by Arbor Lodging Partners and managed by NVN Hotels, has now joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of distinctive upper upscale hotels.
Iconic Property
Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton is an iconic, 20-story hotel with an illustrious past, offering 216 elegant guest rooms and suites that blend historic charm with the best of modern-day comforts today’s savvy traveler has come to expect.
A member of the National Registry of Historic Places, this downtown landmark is in the heart of the vibrant Power and Light (P&L) district, just steps from Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Bartle Hall Convention Center and numerous restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues.
“P&L has quickly become one of the Midwest’s premier cultural and entertainment hotspots, and Hotel Phillips Kansas City is an ideal destination for visitors looking to enjoy this thriving cornerstone of downtown,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton.
“With its Art Deco charm, exquisite dining choices and idyllic history, Hotel Phillips is exactly what Curio guests are seeking – a unique, memorable hotel that offers distinct and authentic travel experiences.”
Unique Art Deco Opulence
The hotel opened in 1931 as the tallest building in Kansas City. It quickly gained national recognition for its stunning and opulent Art Deco lobby, featuring 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 the most modern amenities. Select rooms feature distinctive décor, such as a canopy bed with oversized headboard or an upgraded restroom with a claw footed tub.
Ecletic Food and Beverage Indulgences
A new restaurant – Tavernonna Italian Kitchen – focuses on the rich, varied 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.
An Underground Tavern
For an experience that harkens back to the hotel’s sophisticated and storied past, P.S. Speakeasy is an underground tavern offering exclusive 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 features unique & 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.
Deluxe Meeting & Event Space
Hotel Phillips Kansas City is a sought-after destination for weddings, business conferences and social events. Its over 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space can accommodate up to 250 guests. A delightful highlight is the 1,020-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, resplendent 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 charm with plaster architectural detailing.
Events may also be held in eight meeting rooms, three boardrooms, or in the hotel’s stylish open mezzanine. A fully-equipped state-of-the-art business center is also available, as is complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas and guest rooms.
“Our historic hotel has been reinvented to provide today’s travelers with comfortable luxury that pays homage to its sophisticated past,” said Sheenal Patel, Chief Executive Officer of NVN Hotels, the management company of Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton. “As part of the Curio Collection, Hotel Phillips is able to retain our distinct Kansas City character and personality while continuing to serve existing guests, our community, and now Hilton HHonors guests – with a unique hotel experience and our renowned quality of service.”
For more information, travelers can call (816) 221-7000 or visit curio.com.
