Crossroads Hotel: A Gathering Place for Travelers and Locals in Kansas City

The Concept of a "Third Space" in Travel

The term "third space" refers to places that exist between home and work, commonly associated with cafes, bars, or community squares. Hotels, however, often don’t make the cut. Travelers typically breeze through rooms and bars without a desire to linger. The Aparium hotel group is striving to change this by transforming boutique hotels into third spaces for both visitors and locals.

Crossroads Hotel: A New Model

Located in Kansas City’s arts district, the Crossroads Hotel has been reimagined to be more than just a place to sleep; it’s a captivating destination to explore the city. I’ve stayed in various hotels, such as the Heathman Hotel in Portland and Populus in Denver and Seattle. Each has its unique charm, but Crossroads offers something more. Owned and operated entirely by Aparium, it champions community-focused ideas.

“Crossroads is the ideal third space,” says hotel manager Mikel Ruder. “We aim to create an environment that welcomes not just overnight guests but also local residents.”

Unique Services and Spaces

Opened in 2018, the Crossroads Hotel features 131 elegantly designed rooms that blend local art and culture. Local artwork is displayed not only in the rooms but also in the lobby, which hosts a frequently changing art gallery, alongside the XR Cafe that serves food and drinks infused with a community spirit.

Room rates at Crossroads start at around 2,900,000 VND per night (approximately $128). This is a reasonable price for a fully-equipped and stylish experience.

Exploring Around Kansas City

During my short trip to Kansas City in April, I had the opportunity to explore the area surrounding the hotel. I walked to Cafe Corazon, the city’s first Latino and Indigenous-owned café, to enjoy a Cubano and an empanada. Next, I hopped on the free Kansas City Streetcar, a convenient mode of transportation with several interesting stops, including Union Station – one of the city’s cultural landmarks.

The areas surrounding Crossroads Hotel have undergone significant development and have become one of the easiest walkable neighborhoods in Kansas City. From here, I could easily stroll to numerous shops, restaurants, and other attractions like Freight House, home to the famous Jack Stack Barbecue.

A Community Space at Crossroads Hotel

When I wasn’t out exploring, I relished my time relaxing within the hotel. The Lazia restaurant, located in the lobby area, serves the best radiatore pasta I’ve ever had, accompanied by lobster in a fantastic sauce.

Crossroads is not just a hotel; it also hosts engaging events like yoga classes and DJ dance parties, giving guests the feeling of being more than just visitors but part of the community. This allows both residents and travelers to interact and mingle, creating a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

To get to Kansas City, you can fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with ticket prices around 15 million VND (depending on the time and airline). The visa process is quite simple, allowing Vietnamese travelers a maximum stay of 90 days. Additionally, Kansas City operates on GMT-6, which is 13 hours behind Vietnam. Before you go, it’s advisable to prepare some cash or a credit card, as prices here can be double what they are in Vietnam.

In conclusion, the Crossroads Hotel not only offers a unique lodging experience but also allows guests to immerse themselves in local life and connect with the Kansas City community. If you’re looking for an exciting and culturally rich place to stay, this is definitely a must-visit option.

Article adapted and edited from: Matador Network