We recently spent one night in Kansas City, Missouri, a city neither of us had really explored before. After a few days in central Kansas farm country (which we enjoyed for its own reasons), we were excited to get back to a city and see what KC has to offer. Here’s how our stay at Hotel Fontaine in Kansas City went, what we ate and drank, and whether booking through Chase’s The Edit was worth it.
First Stop: Barbecue Near the Airport
Before this trip, all I really knew about Kansas City was barbecue and football. We’d only ever passed through after landing at the airport. Luckily, there’s a seriously tasty barbecue spot right outside the airport, Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29, and it’s always our first stop when we land.
Where to Stay in Kansas City: Hotel Fontaine
After the three-hour drive back from Salina, Kansas, we checked into the Fontaine, a boutique hotel by the Country Club Plaza. At the time, it was the only Kansas City hotel in The Edit, so it was an easy choice.
The room was really nice, and the bathroom was huge. It had probably the biggest shower I’ve ever seen. The hotel also offers a Tesla to drive guests around, but we didn’t use it since it only covered the immediate area around the Plaza.
Breakfast at the Rooftop Restaurant
The next morning we had breakfast at the rooftop restaurant. I had a generous bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit and granola and a cappuccino. The service was super friendly, and we loved looking down over the brick apartment buildings below.
What Is Chase’s The Edit?
The Edit is Chase Travel’s luxury hotel program for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Benefits vary by property and depend on availability, but they typically include:
- Daily breakfast for two
- A $100 property credit
- A room upgrade at check-in
- Early check-in and late checkout
- A welcome amenity
Our Experience With The Edit at the Fontaine
The front desk agent seemed a little unsure what The Edit included. She had an envelope waiting for us with two breakfast vouchers and dining vouchers worth at least $100. There was no welcome amenity, though, and when Axel went back down to ask, she gave him even more dining vouchers instead.
Oddly, the vouchers had no expiration date. We couldn’t spend over $200 in one night, so we mailed the extras to relatives in Kansas City in hopes they could use them.
How the Fontaine Compares to Other Edit Hotels
We’ve stayed at a few Edit properties, and the perks, especially the welcome amenity, have been hit or miss:
- The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki: a lovely fruit platter waiting in the room fridge.
- JW Marriott Anaheim: a plate of macarons and a bottle of San Pellegrino delivered a couple of hours after check-in.
- Tommy Bahama Resort near Palm Springs: a glass of fruit-infused water at check-in.
- The Fontaine, Kansas City: no welcome amenity, but very generous dining credit.
Is The Edit Worth It?
Yes!! Especially with the new price-matching offered by Chase. Check the direct rates and sites like Expedia, and if you find a lower rate, you can submit a price-matching request to Chase. This eliminates the previous downside of booking through Chase, of higher rates that negate the benefits. The property credit is great for dinner or a couple of drinks at the bar, and since these are higher-end hotels, the free breakfast is usually good. Just don’t count on the welcome amenity.
Where to Eat in Kansas City: Corvino Supper Club
We had dinner at Corvino Supper Club, which served some of the best food I’ve had anywhere. Sadly, Corvino closed at the end of 2025, but I still think about that meal.
The salmon rice was super buttery, with what I think were melted leeks, and I wish I were eating it right now. The signature seaweed doughnuts, topped with trout roe and cream, were unlike anything I’ve had, and we finished with a lovely affogato. Next time we’re in KC, we’ll be on the hunt for a restaurant like it. I’ve got my eye on Le Fou Frog (French), Clay and Fire (Turkish, Persian, and Georgian-inspired), and the Restaurant at 1900 (James Beard semifinalist Italian).
Where to Drink in Kansas City: Green Lady Lounge
After dinner we walked around the corner to Green Lady Lounge, an iconic jazz bar with live music from local musicians. It’s open 365 days a year until 3 a.m., which feels wild coming from LA, where everything closes early.
Inside, it’s dark and moody with comfortable booths, like stepping into one of those late-night jazz ambience videos on YouTube. We were transported to the 1950s. All I needed was a pipe and to come around the corner snapping my fingers. Drinks run $11 to $14, and the food menu is very limited, so eat first. I can’t wait to go back.
A Travel Lesson Learned
Back at the hotel, I realized I’d left my entire toiletry bag, glasses and contacts included, at our hotel in Salina. We found the one drugstore open at 10 p.m. for emergency supplies, and luckily Axel’s dad was still nearby and brought my bag to us before his flight. Now we do a strict room sweep before every checkout.
Our Kansas City Night at a Glance
- Stay: Hotel Fontaine, near the Country Club Plaza
- Eat: Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29 for barbecue near the airport
- Drink: Green Lady Lounge for live jazz
- Book through: Chase Sapphire Reserve’s The Edit for added benefits
I love an excuse to visit slightly random places and get off the beaten path. We ate delicious food, enjoyed a very classy night of jazz, and had a pleasant stay at the Fontaine. Next up, I’ll write about our trip to Des Moines, Iowa!
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