St. Louis Area
- The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts (816.994.7200; www.kauffmancenter.org) opened last fall. providing the city with both a state-of-the-art performance venue and an architectural marvel. Group tours are available.
Kansas City Area
- A century after its 1912 launch, the historic Elms Hotel & Spa (816.630.5500; www.elmshotelandspa.com) in Excelsior Springs is finalizing a sweeping upgrade dedicated to bringing the iconic property back to its full glory. The elegant hotel boasts 153 guest rooms as well as a diverse mix of venue spaces for groups of up to 400.
- The 366-room InterContinental Kansas City (866.856.9717; www.kansascityic.com) recently wrapped up a series of cosmetic upgrades and modernization projects, including enhancements to the lobby concierge area, guest balconies, presidential suite and rooftop ballroom and bar.
- The Kansas City Marriott Downtown (816.421.6800; www.marriott.com/mcidt) just finished another phase of a nearly $20 million multiyear makeover. The project focused on transforming the hotel’s traditional lobby into Marriott’s new “great room” concept, while prior phases included enhancements to the hotel’s 983 guest rooms.
Central Missouri
- The Tiger Hotel (573.875.8888; www.thetigerhotel.com) in Columbia reopened after an extensive remodeling that has transformed the property into a deluxe, boutique-style hotel. The property has 62 guest rooms and event space for up to 400.
- A new DoubleTree Hotel (www.doubletree1.hilton.com) is slated to open in Columbia in fall 2013.
Southwest Missouri
- The Radisson Hotel Branson (417.335.5767; www.radisson.com/hotels/US/MO/Branson) completed a multimillion-dollar renovation this spring. The renovation included enhancements to the property’s 472 guest rooms and suites, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, public areas and fitness center.
- The Hiltons of Branson are completing repairs following damage by the recent Leap Day Tornado. Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel (417.336.5400; www.hilton.com) plans to reopen Oct. 1, while The Branson Convention Center (417.336.5401; www.bransonconvention.com) has already hosted its first event since the tornado. The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing (417.336.5500; www.hilton.com) is quickly recovering and aims to have its remaining rooms operational by mid-June.