Sponsored by Ambassador Hotel Kansas City

Soothing neutrals and muted metallics decorate the lobby and bar at Ambassador Hotel Kansas City alongside cream leather chairs juxtaposed by gray velvet couches in separate seating areas. This AAA Four Diamond property, which was originally constructed in 1920 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, looks to the future with new renovations.

Many years and occupants have passed through over the years (including two banks and a nightclub) before a $7.5 million renovation by Coury Hospitality in 2012 that restored the building’s historic, neoclassical elegance.

Sophisticated yet casual, the hotel pairs refurbished details with modern infrastructure. Carpet mimicking early 20th-century style currently leads to 43 guest rooms and suites, where deep purple and dove gray color walls, bedding and pillows. One room includes an original, decorative fireplace that likely graced a bank president’s office while the bedroom in a two-story suite overlooks an expansive living space.

By January 2019, a walkway will connect the original building with 70 additional guestrooms next door, plus a new event space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that will accommodate 100-plus people.

Existing updates define an already-exceptional stay. The Ambassador joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection in 2014, which means that despite being autonomous for day-to-day operations, the hotel now offers the benefits of being a Marriott property as well, says Michael Hammontree, General Manager.

The Ambassador’s upscale Reserve Restaurant & Lounge recently received an updated menu refresh under new Executive Chef Jeremiah D. Lyman. “It has a scratch-made Midwest feel and garden-fresh ingredients with French, German and Spanish influences,” he says.

Happy hour specials range from barbecue chicken wings to tacos, as well as local beers, liquors and specialty craft cocktails. The lounge also hosts great live jazz on Saturday nights, programmed in cooperation with local favorite Green Lady Lounge.

Hotel guests enjoy easy access to local entertainment thanks to free shuttles that cover a five-mile radius. Sprint Center is steps from the hotel and entry to a complimentary fitness center is located inside the luxurious One Light Apartments nearby.

Book a stellar stay at Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection, 1111 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., 816-298-7700. For more information, visit ambassadorkcmo.com.