Hotel Review

An inside look at the Q Hotel & Spa, Kansas City's first green hotel.

Q HOTEL + SPA

KANSAS CITY 560 Westport Rd ° 800-942-4233 ° www.theqhotel.com

Sleep with a good conscience at Kansas City's first green hotel.

With a plain brick exterior, it may not look like much from the outside, but as soon as you walk through the doors of the new Q Hotel + Spa, you'll see that the old adage about not judging a book by its cover has never been more true.

What was once the historic Quarterage Hotel has undergone a serious renovation to become Kansas City's first green hotel. In this case, that means more than just asking patrons to use bed linens and towels more than once. Everything from the bathroom amenities (eco-friendly Aveda) to a hybrid-vehicle guest shuttle has been designed to benefit the Earth. Even the walls-from the common areas to the spa to the guest rooms-are painted in chemical-free light blue and green tones, which are both soothing and good for the environment.

The hotel's eco-friendliness also applies to the complimentary beverages available at the lobby's dark-wood bar. Help yourself to a cup of Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance-approved coffee during the day and, in the evening, sample a selection of organic wines from the hotel's cellar. The vino also flows free during the manager's reception Monday through Saturday.

The rooms, while not big, are huge on comfort. The beds are loaded with fluffy pillows, and every room offers free wireless internet service, which will soothe any business traveler. Don't forget to recycle; the rooms come with an additional receptacle for glass, paper, aluminum and plastic.

Feeling active? A stay at the Q includes a pass to Gold's Gym, located exactly 98 steps from the hotel. You can also take advantage of the hotel's six guest bicycles. Grab a bike-route map and explore all that the city has to offer on two wheels. If the weather is not cooperating, get a ride in the hotel's hybrid vehicle. In a break from tradition, the hotel provides more than just an airport shuttle, transporting guests to attractions including the Sprint Center and College Basketball Museum.

After a long day of cycling and seeing the sights, book an appointment at the hotel's spa. While the offerings are limited for now-Swedish massage, hot stone therapy and manicures-the spa is nonetheless a cozy retreat.

Whatever you have planned for your stay in Kansas City, take advantage of what Q Hotel + Spa has to offer. Think of it as a book about eco-friendliness that you want to read from cover to cover.

GOING GREEN: The Q Hotel + Spa lowers water use by installing low-flow shower heads and toilets. Food doesn't go to waste, either: All leftovers from breakfast are given to a local organic farmer for composting.