These 5 Kansas City Casino Hotels Are a Must-Visit in 2024
Are you traveling to Kansas City and looking to stay at one of the casino hotels scattered across the metro area? You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve lived in Kansas City since 2017 and have been to each of the casino hotels included on this list. Sometimes occasionally charming the slot machines inside into sharing a bit of their wealth with me. No big deal. Rest assured, I am giving you my honest thoughts on each, so you won’t have to “roll the dice”.
It may surprise you that Kansas City is home to six casinos. Initially opening up in the 1990s as riverboat casinos — yes, similar to those featured in the popular TV show “Ozarks” (a must-watch if you haven’t seen it) — these casinos have now evolved into bigger and better spaces with attached hotels.
It’s the perfect option if you want to sprinkle some gambling into your vacation.
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Let’s take a look at the best casino hotels in Kansas City.
1. Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
8.4/10 ⭐ – 1,003 reviews (see more)
This hotel offers 142 rooms and 42 suites, with prices ranging from $145 to $279 for a standard room and $198 to $346 for a suite per night. The ceilings are painted to look like the sky which gives it a similar vibe to the Paris Hotel and The Venetian in Las Vegas.
In terms of dining, if you don’t want to leave the hotel, you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for a burger, a juicy steak, Mexican food, or New York Style Pizza, you’ll find what you’re craving at one of their seven on-site restaurants.
Good thing because Ameristar Casino Hotel is not exactly surrounded by other restaurants or, well, much else. You are in an industrial part of the city.
There’s also a 1,350-seat performance theater where the likes of B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Beach Boys have all performed. You can buy tickets at the Box Office or the front desk.
Ameristar used to have more amenities that were loved by regulars such as a crab legs buffet, kid’s arcade, and movie theater. Unfortunately, these are no longer available to guests. If you want to stay at a hotel that offers more amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and room service, I would suggest booking Argosy Casino Hotel instead.
Hotel Amenities:
The casino is the largest in Kansas City at over 140,000 square feet of casino floor with 1,950 gaming machines and 60 live table games. It’s the most impressive (and my personal favorite) casino in Kansas City. It has that “wow” factor!
Here are some tips and tricks before you visit Ameristar Casino:
- New members can join the Boyd Rewards program and receive up to $300 in reimbursement (based on actual loss on the calendar day of registration). You will receive your “refund” in 2-7 business days. It must be played on eligible games on your next visits and is not redeemable for cash.
- There’s a TINY non-smoking section located upstairs, but there’s no barrier between the smoking and non-smoking sections, so I would skip this altogether.
2. Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
8.2/10 ⭐ – 1,001 reviews (see more)
Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa is ranked #10 among luxury hotels in Kansas City by U.S. News & World Report and is just a 12-minute drive from downtown KC.
The hotel, connected to the casino to the east, consists of 250 rooms ranging from $129-$249 per night (on average) with 8 suites that start at $300+.
Argosy offers spacious rooms (the bathroom is larger than my master bath at home) and probably the most amenities of any casino hotel on this list. And you’ll see this reflected on your final bill with an extra $12 amenities fee/per day.
You’ll find five on-site restaurants from a steakhouse to a deli to an Asian kitchen. There are also plenty of bars scattered throughout the hotel and casino. If you want to venture outside the hotel, Briarcliff is a 5-minute drive away, offering great eateries like Trezo Mare and Piropos (a spot where Travis Kelce took Taylor Swift on a date).
Hotel Amenities:
The adjoining casino offers 1,100 slots, plus 38 table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Here are some tips and tricks before you visit Argosy Casino:
- New members can sign up for PENN play AND download the PENN play app to get $40 of free gameplay. The rewards program also gives you discount room rates and restaurant deals as you rack up points.
- They recently added more Dragon Link slot machines. Enjoy!
Do you get free drinks at Kansas City casinos?
Unfortunately, Kansas City is one of four Midwestern states that is not allowed to offer complimentary alcoholic drinks to guests.
3. Harrah’s Kansas City
7.0/10 ⭐ – 1,000 reviews (see more)
This Harrah’s located in North Kansas City is a long-time local favorite since it opened its doors in 1994. The hotel and adjoining casino overlook the Missouri River and are just a 10-minute drive from downtown Kansas City.
Though, with it being one of the older casino hotels in Kansas City, the rooms at Harrah’s are a bit outdated. Let’s just say, this hotel does not compare to other Harrah’s I’ve been to. The amenities are pretty minimal — there’s a small fitness center and a few on-site restaurants (operating hours vary, with some only open on specific days).
Hotel Amenities:
The casino itself is 60,000 sq. feet and includes 45 table games, 1,000+ slots, a poker room, and two high-limit rooms. There is also a smoke-free slot zone with more than 70 slot machines located on the second floor of the casino. But, even when playing in the smoking section, I didn’t find the smoke to be overwhelming.
As a supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs 🏈, one of the best parts about the casino has to be the tables that are themed after the Chiefs. You can feel the Kansas City spirit!
Here are some tips and tricks before you visit Harrah’s Kansas City:
- Join the [free] Caesars Rewards program that gives you a $10 free play card to get you started (for first-time visitors only). Can be used for slots or table games. It’s located outside the casino just past Gordon Ramsay Steak.
- Press “3” on your slot machine if you would like to order a drink from the bar.
4. Chateau Avalon Hotel Spa
8.4/10 ⭐ – 942 reviews (see more)
Chateau Avalon is located less than a mile from Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. You can see the casino right from the hotel’s parking lot — it’s that close.
This boutique hotel resembles a French chateau from the exterior, but the inside features 61 rooms with over-the-top, unique themes from Tahitian Treehouse, Egyptian Palace, and an Ernest Hemingway-inspired suite.
If you don’t want to sleep like Jack Sparrow in a pirate-themed room or escape to the wilds of Africa in the Serengeti room, then I would recommend booking one of the Classic rooms which offers a more traditional decor matching the hotel’s exterior.
Rates vary based on the theme you select but typically range from $200 to $350 per night. The cost largely reflects the unique “experience” of Chateau Avalon, as I find the amenities to be a bit underwhelming and the rooms appear a bit dated for the cost.
But, it’s one of the most unique places to stay in Kansas City and is a popular choice for honeymoons, weddings, anniversaries…you name it.
Although the hotel doesn’t feature an on-site casino, it’s a great choice if you’re seeking a more upscale experience for you and your significant other with a casino right down the road. Plus, Chateau Avalon offers a free shuttle service (until 10 pm) to all its guests.
Regarding location, this would be one of my top choices to stay. You’re situated in a safe part of the city with tons of nearby attractions like shopping, restaurants, an AMC movie theater, and Sporting KC soccer stadium. It makes for a great date night in KC too!
P.S. If you are traveling solo or with your family and don’t want a romantic getaway, there’s also Hampton Inn Kansas City The Legends across the street.
Hotel Amenities:
5. Hilton Garden Inn
8.1/10 ⭐ – 260 reviews (see more)
Hilton Garden Inn, located in the historic district of Kansas City, Kansas, is about a half-mile walk to 7th Street Casino. This hotel is another great option for those who want to stay close to a casino but prefer 100% smoke-free accommodations.
The hotel shares a resemblance with other Hilton Garden Inns in the U.S., possibly even a bit more contemporary. It suits both business and leisure travelers, providing amenities like a business center, a gym, and made-to-order breakfast (additional cost).
Speaking of food, I suggest checking out El Camino Real, located nearby — one of the best Mexican restaurants in Kansas City (if I do say so myself).
Hotel Amenities:
The casino nearby, 7th Street Casino, has a reputation for offering the “most winning slots in Kansas City“. The average hold per their website is 5.50% compared to other casinos in the area that offer >9% such as Ameristar Kansas City, Argosy, and Harrah’s.
What does all this mean? A slot machine with a 5% hold is predicted to keep $5 in revenue for the casino for every $100 in wagers. The return-to-player is 95%. Of course, it’s all based on pure luck, but my husband did when over $80 within the initial 5 minutes of our visit. So, there’s that.
The casino is split among three floors (1st floor is non-smoking) and is filled with 24/7 slot machines. Note: There are no table games available at this casino.
Here are some tips and tricks before you visit 7 Street Casino:
- Sign up for the Lucky 7 Club which provides you with a $20 free play card (for first-time visitors only) to get you started. Note: You have to use it by midnight.
- The casino is not in the safest part of the city (also not the worst). But, if you want to have peace of mind, take their free shuttle service by calling 913-344-7568. The shuttle will pick you up between 8th and 6th streets, Minnesota and Barnett.
Map of Kansas City Casino Hotels
Visiting Kansas City: FAQs
Keep reading if you are new to the Kansas City area and have additional questions.
What is the nicest area to stay in Kansas City?
When visiting Kansas City, I suggest staying in the Crossroads Arts District — book a stay at the Crossroads Hotel — or the Country Club Plaza (The Fontaine is stunning!). Both areas provide you with plenty of shopping and restaurants all within walking distance. I’ve personally enjoyed staycations in both areas and highly recommend them!
What is the number one attraction in Kansas City?
Kansas City has many attractions that are worth visiting! Determining the number one depends on personal interests. However, some popular attractions include the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Union Station, and the Kansas City Zoo. The city’s barbecue scene is also a major draw for many visitors (go to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, located in a gas station).
Are drinks free in Kansas City casinos?
Unfortunately, state laws and regulations prohibit casinos in Kansas City from offering free alcoholic beverages to guests.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City may not be the first destination that comes to mind for casino hotels, but it certainly holds its own in offering a variety of options for those seeking entertainment and excitement on their vacation.
Whether you’re planning a bachelor party, a work-related trip, or simply a weekend getaway, the city’s diverse casino hotels ensure there’s something for everyone.
