Independence Missouri Hotels & Motels

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.

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.