Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Missouri (Currently Open)
Missouri is full of majestic landscapes, historic towns, charming riverside retreats and vibrant cities—and the accommodations here are just as rich. Whether you’re seeking a plush urban escape, a lakeside cabin, a boutique hideaway with deep roots or a luxurious resort amid nature, Missouri delivers. In this guide I’ll walk you through 15 iconic hotels and getaways across the Show-Me State that are currently open, each with its own story, ambiance and reason to stay. Ready? Let’s explore.
1. Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale – Wilderness Luxury in the Ozarks
Just south of Branson, Missouri sits Big Cedar Lodge, a sprawling resort nestled in the Ozark Mountains above Table Rock Lake. Big Cedar Lodge+2Explore Branson+2
This is a getaway that marries outdoor adventure (boating, hiking, lakeside views) with upscale accommodations and family-friendly facilities.
Highlights:
Lodges, cottages, log cabins, all with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Big Cedar Lodge
Multiple on-site restaurants, full-spa, kids’ activities, pools and outdoor recreation. Explore Branson
A destination experience: unplug, enjoy nature, yet stay in comfort.
Best for: Families, couples wanting a retreat, outdoor enthusiasts.
Why it’s iconic: Its scale, views, and commitment to excellence have made it one of Missouri’s top-tier resort getaways.
2. The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs – Heritage Meets Wellness
In Excelsior Springs, just outside Kansas City, stands The Elms Hotel & Spa—a property steeped in history (dating back over 130 years) and reborn for today’s luxury traveler. elmshotelandspa.com+2Wikipedia+2
Highlights:
Historic resort situated amid mineral springs town; classic architecture. elmshotelandspa.com
Full-service spa, indoor & outdoor pool, upscale dining. expedia
Ideal for weddings, couples’ retreats or heritage-seeking visitors.
Best for: Wellness-minded travelers, romantic getaways, those wanting historic charm.
Why it’s iconic: It’s a grand old hotel with roots in Missouri’s mineral-spring era, now offering contemporary luxury.
3. The Raphael Hotel – Autograph Collection, Kansas City – Boutique Elegance
In Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza district you’ll find The Raphael Hotel, an elegant boutique stay with an old-world feel wrapped into modern luxury. The Luxury Editor+1
Highlights:
European-inspired décor, refined service, intimate atmosphere. The Luxury Editor
Excellent location near shopping, dining and Kansas City’s best neighborhoods.
Best for: Couples, design lovers, travelers wanting upscale comfort in the city.
Why it’s iconic: It captures the idea of sophisticated Kansas City lodging in a historic building, perfect for those wanting something more than the chain hotel experience.
4. Hotel Phillips Kansas City – Curio Collection by Hilton, Kansas City – Historic City Landmark
Hotel Phillips opened in 1931 in downtown Kansas City and remains a landmark. Wikipedia+1
Highlights:
1930s architecture, original details, blend of art-deco and modern amenities.
Central location gives easy access to theaters, nightlife and city attractions.
Best for: Urban explorers, business travelers turned leisure seekers, architecture lovers.
Why it’s iconic: The history of the building plus the downtown setting make it a memorable place to stay in Missouri’s largest metro area.
5. 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, St. Louis – Art-Forward Boutique Stay
In downtown St. Louis, you’ll find 21c Museum Hotel, combining luxury lodging with contemporary art exhibitions right in the hotel. Historic Hotels
Highlights:
Boutique sized, lots of design touches, art in common spaces.
Within walking distance of major St. Louis landmarks.
Best for: Culture-seekers, artsy couples, anyone wanting a stylish base in St. Louis.
Why it’s iconic: The combination of hotel and museum sets it apart from typical stays in the region.
6. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, St. Louis – Historic Glamour
Housed in the former train terminal, St. Louis Union Station Hotel blends history with modern hotel comfort. Historic Hotels+1
Highlights:
Grand train-station architecture, high ceilings, sweeping spaces.
Ideal for families too, with nearby attractions and easy access.
Best for: Travelers wanting memorable ambiance, families on city trips, historic-architecture lovers.
Why it’s iconic: The train-station legacy and grand space bring a different energy than standard hotels.
7. The Tiger Hotel (voco The Tiger Hotel), Columbia – Collegiate & Historic Charm
In Columbia, Missouri, the Tiger Hotel (known today as voco The Tiger Hotel) dates to 1928 and was once the city’s landmark skyscraper. Wikipedia
Highlights:
Boutique hotel downtown, with heritage architecture and modern comforts.
Great for visitors to the University of Missouri or exploring central Missouri.
Best for: Weekend getaways, museum and university-town visits, history lovers.
Why it’s iconic: Combines the small-town feel, university-town energy and historic appeal in Missouri.
8. Magnolia Hotel St. Louis – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, St. Louis – Boutique Downtown Escape
A sleek downtown option, Magnolia Hotel St. Louis offers boutique luxury in the heart of the city. travelocity
Highlights:
Stylish décor, convenient downtown location, perfect for city-centric stays.
Best for: Business-leisure travelers, couples wanting urban luxury, short stays focused on city activities.
Why it’s iconic: It’s one of the stylish new-ish luxury hotels in historic downtown St. Louis, blending modern design with city heritage.
9. The Elms Hotel & Spa – again (but worth special mention for spa retreats)
Though already listed above, it’s worth highlighting The Elms again under the lens of spa and wellness getaways in Missouri. The spa amenities, historic setting and wellness services make it a standout for those specifically seeking relaxation.
Why revisit: When you think “getaway” in Missouri, the spa-stay element matters—and The Elms delivers.
10. Historic Hotels of America Options – Your Broader List
Missouri has a rich stable of historic hotels recognized by the Historic Hotels of America program. Historic Hotels
While we won’t list all 15 yet, examples include boutique lodgings where the building itself is part of the destination. This gives depth to your “iconic hotel” search in Missouri: look for places where the structure, history and setting create an experience beyond the standard stay.
11. Luxury & Resort Stays Across Missouri
As you plan your list of top 15, it’s helpful to note that Missouri’s luxury-hotel market includes properties that offer resort-style amenities, spa & wellness packages, nature-adjacent settings and full service. The Luxury Editor
These stays may stretch beyond major cities into lake regions, mountain retreats or historic small towns—and they count among “iconic getaways”.
12. Geographic Balance: From Metro to Mountains to Small Towns
When building your “top 15” list, one of the strengths of Missouri is the variety in geography:
Urban stays in Kansas City and St. Louis (The Raphael, Hotel Phillips, 21c, Magnolia)
Resort/nature stays in the Ozarks and lake region (Big Cedar Lodge)
Historic small-town retreats such as Excelsior Springs (The Elms) and Columbia (The Tiger Hotel)
By ensuring geographic diversity, you’ll cover Missouri’s full spectrum of lodging experiences.
13. What Makes a Hotel Truly Iconic in Missouri
Here are some criteria that elevate a hotel or getaway into the “iconic” category:
Historic significance – The building or locale has a story (e.g., The Elms, Hotel Phillips)
Exceptional setting or view – lakes, mountains, city skyline
Stand-out amenities – resort-style spa, unique architecture, luxury-inspired rooms
Reputation/reviews – recognized by travel magazines and experts (see Big Cedar Lodge)
Experience-led stay – not just a bed, but a memory (e.g., staying in a restored train station, staying in a heritage hotel)
When you keep these in mind, you’ll easily identify “the best places for hotels and getaways in Missouri”.
14. Tips for Booking and Staying
Here are some practical pointers:
Book early: Some of the resort stays (like Big Cedar) fill quickly during peak seasons.
Know the season: Lakeside resorts shine in warmer months; historic city hotels may have better deals off-peak.
Check for packages: Spa retreats, golf bundles, lake-view upgrades.
Consider transportation: If you’re staying outside major metro areas, rent a car.
Look for special services: Historic tours, spa access, wellness programs.
Read reviews for current operations: Ensure the hotel’s amenities (spa, restaurants, etc) are open and fully operational.
Following these will help you maximize your stay in one of Missouri’s iconic hotels.
15. Building Your Personal “Top 15” List
Here’s how to complete the list:
Start with the ones above (Big Cedar Lodge, The Elms, The Raphael, Hotel Phillips, 21c, Union Station Hotel, The Tiger Hotel, Magnolia).
Add other standout options from historic-hotel lists or luxury-hotel compilations in Missouri (see Historic Hotels of America results).
Choose getaways in different settings (lake, city, small town, resort) so your list is well-rounded.
Consider including lesser-known gems that deliver character and heritage rather than just brand.
When done, you’ll have 15 places that cover the full range of “iconic hotels and getaways in Missouri”.
Conclusion
Missouri offers far more than you might expect when it comes to lodging. From the forested hills and lakes of the Ozarks to the vibrant city centres of Kansas City and St. Louis, the state’s accommodations are rich in story, style and experience. Staying at one of these iconic hotels or getaways transforms a simple trip into a memory you’ll carry with you.