Adam’s Mark Hotel & Conference Center at the Sports Stadium Complex

The Adam's Mark Hotel has a lot going for it on paper, though it's unfortunately seen far better days. It was built in the late 1970s by Ewing Kauffman specifically to house visiting sides for his baseball team, The Royals. And while the property has ostensibly modernized with the times, some serious wear and maintenance issues aren't uncommon complaints from previous guests. These days it's largely a conference hotel, and busy with business travelers during the week, who are attracted by the large and varied meeting facilities. Weekends bring families -- drawn by the hotel's extensive water-slide options -- and those attending games or concerts at the nearby Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums. This is a big place, for sure, and there are a number of places to unwind throughout the property. The most popular of those are the sports bar and the water park. Consider yourself warned, though, as aside from this hotel's location, the price is quite steep when compared to the hotels overall condition. Additional fees also apply to access to the water park, adding insult to injury.

Adam's Mark Hotel & Conference Center is located on the eastern edge of Kansas City, a three-minute drive from both the football and baseball stadiums. The hotel runs a shuttle bus connection for all games and concerts, or it's about a 20-minute walk for those who prefer to stay on foot. Note that the There's a water park attached to the hotel, but most attractions are a drive away. It's a 15-minute drive into the city center for attractions like the National War Museum, Legoland Discovery Center, and shopping at the Crown Center. Kansas City Zoo and the Independence Center Mall are also each about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's a 30-minute drive to Kansas City International Airport.

Rooms at Adam's Mark are definitely not his hotel's strong suit, and feature large among complaints from previous guests. First off, the look isn't exactly fresh, and includes burgundy features walls, dark wood furniture, and earth-tone details. However, almost all of the furniture shows a good deal of wear, and details like sagging seating and wrinkled bedding don't do much to inspire. Guests have also complained of stains and cleanliness issues. There are a number of configurations, from double rooms to large suites, and some have views of Kauffman Stadium. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, mini-fridges, irons, and free Wi-Fi. Being a business hotel, rooms also feature large desks and old office chairs. Suites include living areas with kitchenettes adding microwaves and dining tables for six, plus separate bedrooms. Bathrooms are compact and unremarkable, though all have curtained shower/tub combos, decent sized counter-tops, a good selection of toiletries, and hairdryers. Suites have second bathrooms. Complaints about hot water shortages are fairly common as well.

Adam's Mark has a good set of features for both business and leisure travelers. An indoor pool includes a whirlpool, and there's also a seasonal outdoor pool with loungers. One of the big draws for the families that bed down here is the kids' water park, which has a nice selection of waterslides. However, there are extra charges to use it. A barbecue restaurant serves food all day, including a buffet breakfast and a la carte items. Long waits have been reported by previous guests. A separate cafe has a selection of drinks and snacks, including breakfast items and salads, and there's a lobby sports bar as well. The gym has cardio and weight lifting machines, plus some free weights, and is open 24 hours a day. Conference facilities include an exhibit hall and meeting spaces -- the largest of which has a capacity of 900. The hotel offers a shuttle to the nearby sports stadiums, but it doesn't always run on time. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.