Lee's Summit was officially incorporated in 1868 after a long debate over the community's name. It was originally founded as the “Town of Strother,” but when one of the earliest settlers, Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea, was murdered in 1862, the community wanted to commemorate his memory. The town's name was changed to “Lees Summit,” complete with the name misspelling and lack of apostrophe, which it retained for a few years until the town petitioned for incorporation as the “Town of Lee's Summit.”
Today, Lee's Summit is home to a beautiful historic downtown complete with restaurants, unique shops, and historic buildings, all located within a six-block area in the heart of the city. There are also a number of historical sites around town, in addition to parks, recreational facilities, nature preserves, and other attractions. Lee's Summit is also a great home base for exploring Kansas City. Whatever your reason for visiting this picturesque city, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything Lee's Summit has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Lee’s Summit, MO
The best thing about Lee's Summit and the entire Kansas City area is that it rarely gets crowded by tourists, so when you want to visit largely depends on what you'd like to do. Lee's Summit experiences four distinct seasons that makes it ideal for outdoor excursions. If you're a fan of baseball, a trip from April through September could mean catching a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. For football fans, plan your trip during football season to see the Chiefs play.
Winters are brisk in Lee's Summit, which results in the lowest hotel prices of the year. If you're planning on visiting indoor attractions, shops, restaurants, and performance venues, try planning your trip from November to early March to enjoy the best rates.
Most of the festivals in and around Kansas City take place from April to October, including the International Jazz Festival, which is held the last weekend of June. Although you won't be faced with an influx of tourists, locals tend to gather during these festivals, making the place seem more crowded. Still, there's always a vibrant, lively atmosphere during festival season, making it a great time to visit.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lees Summit, MO:
Lees Summit, MO: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Lees Summit, MO. Browse these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective time to stay in Lees Summit for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Lee’s Summit, MO
4 Star Average Prices: $130.27
While Lee's Summit doesn't offer any luxury accommodations, you'll find plenty of upscale hotels in nearby Kansas City. Intercontinental Kansas City At The Plaza is just 25 minutes from central Lee's Summit and boasts a convenient location near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. This upscale hotel offers refined guest rooms with plaza or city views, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and basic amenities. Upgraded rooms add club lounge access. There's also an on-site restaurant, fitness center, business center, ballroom, and outdoor pool.
Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection is housed in a 1920s Neoclassical building, making it one of the most unique downtown Kansas City hotels. Guest rooms are contemporary and tastefully decorated with marble bathrooms, and include designer toiletries, free internet access, in-room safes, flat-screen TVs, mini bars, and turndown service. On-site amenities include a free shuttle transportation within a 5-mile radius, a fitness center, locally-sourced restaurant, and concierge service.
Affordable Hotel Options in Lee’s Summit, MO
3 Star Average Prices: $115.61
Finding an affordable hotel this close to Kansas City is easier than you might think. Quality Inn in Blue Springs is a modern property off I-70 just 5 miles from the Independence Event Center. Rooms are simple but feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, and coffeemakers, while upgraded rooms add work desks, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Guest amenities include free continental breakfast, free coffee in the lobby, free parking for vehicles and large vehicles, a heated indoor pool, guest laundry facilities, and a business center.
Super 8 Lee's Summit is a basic budget lodging just four minutes from the Amtrak station. Guest rooms feature cable TV, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, and free internet access. You'll also enjoy the heated indoor pool, free continental breakfast, an on-site restaurant, free parking, and an available airport shuttle service. Kids under 17 also stay free.
Comfort Inn Lee's Summit @ Hwy 50 & Hwy 291 is a convenient property near the Summit Fair shopping mall. All guest rooms in this three-story hotel offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves, while suites add whirlpool tubs or separate living areas with pull-out sofas. A free hot breakfast buffet is provided, and guests can also make use of the indoor heated pool, hot tub, exercise room, and laundry facilities.
Located off the interstate, Quality Inn & Suites Kansas City – Independence I-70 East is a classic accommodation close to Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. Guest rooms include en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms and suites add mini-fridges, microwaves, whirlpool tubs, or pull-out sofas. Coffee is available all day in the lobby, as are evening milk and cookies.
