Independence was a boomtown for the pioneer outfitting industry throughout its early days. It was also the site of two significant Civil War battles and the birthplace of President Harry S. Truman. Today, it is the home of several headquarters of Latter-Day Saints groups, a community college, a campus of Graceland University, the Truman Library Research Center, several museums, and two branches of the Kansas City Public Library.
When are the best times to visit Independence, MO?
Independence hosts two annual festivals that draw visitors from throughout the region and beyond. In June, the Vaile Strawberry Festival takes over the grounds of the historic Vaile Mansion. Labor Day weekend brings the Santa-Cali-Gon Days, celebrating the city's history as "Queen of the Trails."
As with the rest of the Kansas City metro area, the weather tends to be most temperate in the spring, so try to visit from April to June if you want to avoid the heat or cold. Those also tend to be cheaper months to travel, while the busiest months--July, August, and February--result in bigger crowds and higher hotel prices. November and December are the slow season, so that might be a good time to plan your trip if you want to save on travel costs.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Independence, MO:
Independence, MO: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Independence, MO. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective dates to make a reservation in Independence for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels around Independence, MO?
4 Star Average Prices: £85.68
For a luxurious stay in Independence, consider the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. This unique property is located directly on Crackerneck Creek and features a two-mile on-site hiking trail around a picturesque lake. Enjoy a boutique experience complete with rare amenities like a heated indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool, spacious patio, and whiskey and wine bar, along with a fitness center, guest laundry and dry cleaning, complimentary hot breakfast, free coffee and tea available in the lobby 24/7.
Wireless internet and on-site parking are provided. You can choose from six different room styles, each decorated with rustic yet modern flair. Some of the 167 guestrooms even have waterfall views, whirlpool tubs, or fireplaces. All accommodations have microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TV.
Where are affordable hotels near Independence, Missouri?
3 Star Average Prices: £70.14
When it comes to saving money on your trip to Independence, finding an affordable hotel is a good place to start. Luckily, the city has several comfortable lodging options that won't break the bank. My Place Hotel is a pet-friendly property designed for both short-term and long-term travelers. Every room is outfitted with a high-quality pillowtop mattress and microfiber bedding, along with free wireless internet, a flat-screen TV, and premium cable. If you choose a suite, you can easily prepare your own meals thanks to the full-sized refrigerator, two-burner cooktop, microwave, cookware, and utensils. On-site amenities include guest laundry, daily housekeeping, and a relaxing lounge.
Another option for money-conscious travelers is the Best Western Truman Inn, a comfortable, newly renovated hotel with convenient access to Independence attractions such as the Truman Library. This property features an outdoor pool and spacious patio area with fire pit, full hot breakfast, free parking, guest laundry, 24-hour fitness center, and business center. Every guest room is equipped with free high-speed internet, satellite TV with five HBO channels, a DVD player, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Pets are welcome at the Best Western Truman Inn.
2 Star Average Prices: £57.78
Which hotels in Independence, Missouri offer the best discounts?
The Best Western offers a 10 percent room discount for guests ages 55 and older, as well as discounts for military and government employees, AAA and CAA members, and AARP members. Marriott properties such as the Fairfield Inn provide a 15 percent discount for senior citizens and special rates for AAA members as well as government and military employees. Staybridge Suites offers discounted rates for both seniors and AAA members.
Where are the best budget hotels around Independence, MO?
If you're looking for enjoyable amenities at the right price, Independence offers several hotels that provide a great value for the money. The Fairfield Inn Kansas City Independence offers in-room coffee and tea, dry cleaning service, a beauty shop, complimentary breakfast buffet, daily housekeeping service, cable TV, in-room microwave, luxurious bedding, and an indoor pool. Pets are also welcome at this Marriott property.
A great choice if you need space for several family members is the Staybridge Suites Kansas City - Independence, conveniently located just off I-70 with easy access to all the major attractions of Independence. Amenities at this hotel include guest laundry, free wireless internet, complimentary breakfast, and full-service housekeeping. The fitness center was renovated in 2017 and is open 24 hours a day.
Get some work done in the 24-hour business center or relax in the appealing heated outdoor pool area, featuring a hot tub, lounge chairs, picnic tables, gas grills, and an outdoor fire pit. Each suite features a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare a meal, a flat-screen TV with premium cable, DVD player, flexible workspace, and blackout drapes.
Which attractions should we be sure to visit in Independence?
History buffs will enjoy exploring the wealth of historic sights and landmarks throughout Independence. Start at Bingham Waggoner Estate, a historic home built in the 19th century that sits on a 19.9-acre property. The estate retains more than 90 percent of its original furnishings, making it the ideal place to immerse yourself in the life of a wealthy 1800s Missouri family. The Bingham Waggoner Estate is open for tours from April 1 through October 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Nearby, you'll find the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site and Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Visitors can take a guided tour of Truman's childhood home and learn more about his life as a young boy growing up in Independence. The historic site has preserved more than 50,000 of the Truman family's personal artifacts. At the Presidential Library and Museum, you'll find two permanent exhibits detailing Truman's early life and his time as president, as well as rotating temporary exhibits. The historic site is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
In the evening, visit Silverstein Eye Centers Arena to catch a world-class sporting event or concert. The stadium is home to both Kansas City Mavericks ice hockey and Kansas City Comets basketball. Upcoming concerts include performances by Big Sean, while a recent date welcomed country superstar Alan Jackson. Be sure to check the event calendar for the dates you plan to visit and book your tickets early.
On a sunny spring day, the best way to spend the afternoon in Independence, MO is a stroll around Independence Square, the city's premier shopping and dining destination. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or enjoy an ice cream at the same soda fountain Truman frequented in his youth. You'll also find a bowling alley, an art gallery, a movie theater, and even a board game cafe. Shop for gifts and souvenirs at the Square's selection of independently owned boutiques and wineries. Don't forget to make a dinner reservation at one of the Square's fine-dining establishments, including Ophelia's Restaurant and Cafe Verona.
If you happen to be in town in June, plan to head to Vaile Victorian Mansion for the annual Strawberry Festival. During the off-season, you can tour this historic mansion from April to October. This three-story, 31-room private home was constructed in 1881 and includes distinctive painted ceilings, a 48,000-gallon wine cellar, nine marble fireplaces, and flushing toilets, which were very rare in that era.
Step even further into local history with a visit to the National Frontier Trails Museum, which celebrates Independence's history as the jumping-off point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. See real diary entries and artifacts from those traveling west to seek a better life. View historic structures including a public spring once used by pioneers and a 1930s grist mill. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy the natural surroundings of Independence with a visit to the Little Blue Trace trail. This 15-mile trail allows you to explore all of Jackson County by foot or on the back of a bike. Fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike should pencil in this unique attraction for one of their vacation days in Independence.
If you've always been fascinated by the pioneer lifestyle, take a trip back to frontier days with a visit to the place where it all began: Independence, Missouri. Whether you're traveling on a shoestring or plan to splurge, the city has the accommodations to meet your needs.
FAQs about hotels in Independence
Recent traveler guest reviews of Independence, MO
Below are reviews of the city of Independence, MO from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Love the City of Independence!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the City of Independence!
Charles J., from 12-Nov-2024
"Walking Trails"
Score
5.0 / 5
Walking trails.
Joseph Y., from 22-Oct-2024
"Great Restaurant Next Door"
Score
4.0 / 5
Restaurant next door was great. Clean beautiful city.
Judy T., from 18-Oct-2024
"Great Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We liked the town, especially with family living there; great restaurants and my favorite grocery store Hy-Vee!
Billie H., from 18-Jul-2024
"Proximity to Midwest Genealogy Center"
Score
5.0 / 5
I came for a seminar at the Midwest Genealogy Center which was excellent.
Mary D., from 16-Mar-2024
"Good Area & Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
The access to multiple different restaurants. The area seems like a good side of town not much presence of crime.
Bryan D., from 02-Feb-2024
"Close to Food"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food places close to hotel.
Carolyn W., from 17-Jan-2024
"Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of stuff to see and do in the area. Convenient to bars, movies, malls.
Mark G., from 14-Oct-2023
"Fine Hotel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Fine hotel.
Kelly L., from 04-Oct-2023
"Close to Arrowhead Stadium"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to Arrowhead Stadium.
Zachary E., from 27-Sep-2023
"Close to Arrowhead Stadium"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to Arrowhead Stadium.
Zachary E., from 27-Sep-2023
"Clean!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean!
Ross W., from 21-Sep-2023
"The Truman Library"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Truman Library was very good.
James S., from 03-Sep-2023
"Clean Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
It's clean!!
Diana D., from 26-Aug-2023
"It had everything!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It had everything!
Maureen C., from 14-Aug-2023
"A lot of good places to eat!"
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot of good places to eat!
Dickie J., from 07-Jul-2023
"Great shopping and restaurants in close proximity."
Score
5.0 / 5
Great shopping and restaurants in close proximity.
Levi K., from 09-May-2023
"Pleasant Stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The upgrades make the stay pleasant!
Vernon L., from 06-May-2023
"Hotel is centrally located to mall & restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
The hotel was centrally located to the mall and restaurants.
Addie S., from 30-Apr-2023
"Beautiful Area & Views!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful views. Loved the area surrounding the hotel. Felt very safe. Lots of things to offer and do.
Mary M., from 18-Apr-2023
"Good variety of food and shopping."
Score
4.0 / 5
Independence is a nice little city. Good variety of food and shopping.
Rebecca T., from 09-Apr-2023
"Hotel With Beautiful Views!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful views. Loved the surrounding area of the hotel. Felt very safe. Lots of things to offer and do.
Mary M., from 03-Apr-2023
"Very clean and beautiful hotel, staff is very friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean and beautiful hotel, staff is very friendly.Close to varies things
Christie K., from 12-Feb-2023
"Safe Area Near Restaurant Choices"
Score
5.0 / 5
The area is pretty safe with many choices of restaurants, etc.
Lizette V., from 31-Jan-2023
"Variety of places to eat."
Score
4.0 / 5
Variety of places to eat.
William F., from 30-Jan-2023
"Herford House"
Score
4.0 / 5
Herford House
Gary W., from 10-Jan-2023
"I Really Liked the Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I'm not new to independence but I really liked the hotel!
Dave F., from 20-Sep-2022
"Gracious Hosts"
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy to navigate…beautiful old well kept neighborhoods … gracious hosts!
Wayne M., from 09-Aug-2022
"Convenient Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
The area where the hotel is located is very convenient for shopping. The park we visited Swope Park was very nice.
Vivian W., from 12-Jun-2022
"Nice Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice shopping. Easy to find way around.
Delores S., from 12-May-2022
"Easy Access"
Score
4.0 / 5
Been here several times so know where to go, etc. Easy access to several places we like to go!
Dennis C., from 03-May-2022
"Great restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great places to eat and friendly people!
Reid P., from 07-Apr-2022
"Short drive to Arrowhead."
Score
5.0 / 5
It was a short drive to Arrowhead.
John H., from 11-Mar-2022
"Clean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean!
Cholette S., from 25-Nov-2021
"Good location and casino."
Score
5.0 / 5
It was central location for what I wanted to do and the casino was nice.
Bonnie J., from 21-Nov-2021
"Perfect Location!
"
Score
5.0 / 5
There is great history in the Independence area and north for those interested in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Janette G., from 11-Oct-2021
"Nice hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything was close to the hotel very pleased with my stay.
Jacinda B., from 05-Jun-2017
"Enjoyable"
Score
4.0 / 5
I came for a convention. Easy access to all of Kansas City Metro and the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum was very interesting.
Rachel E., from 25-Nov-2015
"Favorable Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lived in Independence some years ago. Many shopping areas and other facilities nearby.
Ellen H., from 17-May-2015
"Easy Access to Everything"
Score
5.0 / 5
I like that everything is nearby: the baseball stadium, sports bars and entertainment.
Ricardo C., from 23-Jun-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Independence, MO shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 40 reviews