A Stay That Feels Like Home (If Your Home Were a Stylish Mansion): My Weekend at The Truitt
Let’s talk about one of those rare places that instantly makes you feel cooler just for being there. You know the kind—where the lighting is perfect, the coffee is strong, and you suddenly want to take more photos of your surroundings than of your actual face. That was my experience at The Truitt, a boutique hotel in Kansas City that quietly blends historic charm with just the right amount of “ooh, this is nice.”
If you’re like me and usually associate boutique hotels with either overpriced minimalism or hipster overload (exposed brick everywhere), The Truitt is a refreshing surprise. It’s elegant without being stuffy, cozy without being cramped, and—most importantly—run by real people who clearly love what they do. And yes, the wallpaper in the hallway deserves its own Instagram account.
Let me tell you what made this stay so special.
First Impressions: Mansion Vibes, No Pretension
Pulling up to The Truitt feels a little like arriving at someone’s very classy home. That’s probably because it was one—this 1910 Georgian Revival mansion has been beautifully restored to strike a balance between its historic bones and modern touches.
It’s nestled in the heart of Kansas City, right off the Country Club Plaza, and even though I live a couple of hours away, I felt like I’d traveled much further. The leafy street, the brick facade, the kind of landscaping that says “we have good taste but also probably a gardener”—I was already mentally unpacking.
Inside, the vibe is intimate. Not small, but… intentional. There are just seven rooms, which means no crowded lobbies, no elevator music, and no awkward small talk with strangers in flip-flops. It’s the kind of place where every chair, lamp, and wall color feels like it was chosen with care (and maybe a tiny bit of obsession—in the best way).
The Room: Cozy, Classy, and Full of Good Surprises
Okay, I’ll admit it—I judge hotel rooms hard. I’ve stayed in places where the photos were clearly taken with a wide-angle lens and suspicious lighting. But The Truitt? The photos on their site actually underplay how nice it is in person.
My room had huge windows that let in the morning sun, crisp bedding that felt like it had been ironed by angels, and a bathroom that could’ve been lifted straight from a design magazine. You know how sometimes hotel showers are either confusingly high-tech or suspiciously low-pressure? This one nailed it. There was even a little sound machine on the nightstand—a small thing, but honestly, it made a big difference. (No offense to the occasional 2 a.m. city noise.)
Also, I don’t usually mention robes, but the robe here was soft, like I-can’t-stop-touching-it soft. And don’t get me started on the local snacks in the mini bar. It’s like they read my mind: I didn’t even know I wanted a Kansas City-made caramel popcorn until it was in my mouth.
The Truitt Isn’t Just a Place to Sleep
It’s a place to be.
There’s a sunroom with natural light that’ll make you want to read a book (or pretend to while you scroll on your phone). There’s a beautiful shared kitchen area that makes you feel like you’re staying at your impossibly stylish friend’s house. And there’s an honesty bar where you can pour yourself a drink and write down what you took, like some kind of chic adult summer camp.
But what really stood out was how much thought went into every part of the experience. From the coffee (local and strong) to the staff (friendly and genuinely helpful), you can tell this place isn’t trying to be trendy—it’s just good.
Location: Quiet Street, Close to Everything
If you’re not familiar with Kansas City, here’s a quick cheat sheet: Country Club Plaza is where you go for upscale shopping, great food, and that walkable city vibe that’s weirdly rare in the Midwest. The Truitt is just a few blocks away, so you can stroll down for dinner or a drink, then wander back to your peaceful mansion escape.
I walked to brunch at a place called Café Sebastienne (inside the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art—10/10 recommend), and popped into a few nearby shops on the way back. Honestly, I didn’t need to drive once during my entire stay.
What I Loved (and What I’d Change)
Loved:
The design: I mean it when I say every corner was aesthetically pleasing.
The small touches: From locally curated snacks to fresh flowers in the hallway.
The people: I had a brief chat with the owners and could feel how much they cared.
The quiet: It’s not easy to find a calm spot near the city center that doesn’t feel isolated. This was perfect.
Could be better:
I’d love more outdoor seating. There’s a little patio area, but on a nice day, it would be great to sip coffee outside with a book.
No breakfast on-site (though they do recommend great nearby spots). Still, a little morning pastry situation wouldn’t hurt.
Why You Should Book It
If you’re planning a trip to Kansas City—or just want a relaxing weekend away—this boutique hotel is one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest. Whether you're coming for the museums, the food scene, or just a much-needed break, The Truitt manages to be both luxurious and low-key.
It’s the kind of place you’ll want to tell your friends about… but also kind of want to keep to yourself so it doesn’t get too popular.
Final Thoughts: Sometimes, Small Is Better
In a world of big hotels and even bigger chains, The Truitt reminds you that smaller often means more thoughtful, more personal, and—let’s be honest—more Instagrammable. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who appreciates good design and a warm welcome.
If you’re someone who likes the idea of staying somewhere unique, charming, and just a little bit fancy (without breaking the bank), then this might just be your new favorite spot.
And if you go? Say hi to the hallway wallpaper for me.
Planning your visit?
Check out the rooms, location, and all the lovely details at their official website: The Truitt