The Midwest is full of destinations within easy driving distance. Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is a small town of 11,000 people just 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City that has historical significance dating back to the late 1800s. Part of that history includes The Elms Hotel & Spa—a destination made famous by celebrity guests, luxury accommodations, and a few spectral residents that provide endless stories for hotel staff and guests to share and entertain.
Excelsior Springs earned its claim to fame at the end of the 19th century with the discovery of the country’s only spring that produced ferro-manganese mineral water, which was believed to have healing properties. Accounts of miraculous recoveries from illness spread via word of mouth, and soon people from around the world visited the small area. Houses quickly went up, and in 1888 The Elms Hotel—built from wood—served as an exclusive place to stay.
Less than a year later, The Elms burned down in a fire. It was rebuilt and opened in 1909 only to burn down again in 1910. This time, the hotel was constructed from limestone and reopened in 1912. For the next decade, the hotel prospered as a healing destination with its mineral spring baths, lavish parties, and dignitary guests. “The hotel has been a true survivor against all odds,” said Kara Harrington, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Events for The Elms. “Each time, the hotel rose from the ashes—literally—and was rebuilt into an even grander place.”
During prohibition, Al Capone ran a speakeasy out of the hotel basement. In 1948 the New York Giants football team turned a portion of The Elms property into its summer training camp. That same year, during the presidential election, Harry Truman spent election night at The Elms to avoid the chaos at his campaign headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, and awoke the following morning to the news that he had been elected President.
Over the years the hotel changed ownership numerous times, underwent renovations, including adding the 28,000 square foot spa and indoor lap pool surrounded by a track. After it was purchased by Hyatt in 2019, The Elms underwent its most recent renovation completed in 2022, updating all 153 guest rooms, the spa, outdoor pool, restaurants, and patio areas. The new décor blends seamlessly with the hotel’s original elements, such as the marble staircase and tilework in the lobby. “I love this hotel for its unique character and sense of nostalgia,” Harrington said. “It’s as if the walls themselves are whispering stories of the countless guests who have passed through.”
Today, guests can enjoy modern amenities amid the hotel’s historic aesthetics. There are six different types of suites, and the 5th floor concierge serves complimentary daily happy hour to guests staying on that floor. All rooms come with elevated amenities such as a Keurig coffeemaker, use of in-room luxury robes, on-site wellness classes, premium internet access, and free on-site parking as well as EV charging stations, to name a few.
Even though the once sought-after mineral baths are no longer available, the spa at The Elms offers an extensive list of rejuvenating services, including massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and treatments for couples. Every spa service includes access to the private indoor grotto, sauna, and steam room, and is popular for those staying at the hotel for a special occasion.
Whether it’s a wedding, girls’ weekend, family reunion, or corporate conference, The Elms boasts 11,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The outdoor gazebo amid the hotel’s 16-acre grounds is a romantic wedding venue that seats up to 300 guests. Two different ballrooms serve as elegant locations for receptions and meeting space for large groups. The hotel offers packages and discounts from 10 rooms up to 100 rooms or more (there are 153 rooms total).
There are three dining options available at the hotel. Café Soterian provides coffee, morning pastries, and wine in the afternoon. The Tavern features craft cocktails and light bites in a history-rich lounge atmosphere, accompanied by live music nightly. Three Owls serves rustic Midwestern fare in its upscale but comfortable dining room, led by Executive Chef Christian Arriaga. The menu changes seasonally and currently includes dishes such as Roasted Pumpkin Hummus served with toasted baguette, Butternut Squash Gnocchi topped with caramelized onions, baby spinach, and pumpkin seeds, and Beef Short Ribs with a ginger demi-glace. Beef is a staple on the menu, and seafood such as salmon is flown in fresh daily.
Excelsior Springs is unique in that it is offers small-town charm—complete with a main street lined with boutique shops, the Hall of Water Museum, and eateries—quaint wineries, and an 18-hole golf course. Kansas City is just a 30-minute drive if you want to venture to the city before retiring to the hotel for an evening by the outdoor fire pit or a dip in either the indoor or outdoor hot tubs.
It seems only natural that a hotel as historic as The Elms would be accompanied by a few resident ghosts. Staff and guests have reported so many paranormal occurrences over the years, the hotel offers a nightly tour to share the stories. Reports include finding furniture upside down in guest rooms, ghostly apparitions, missing clothing items, and voices heard in empty rooms. The lap pool seems to be a ghostly hot spot with reports of children laughing, wet footprints that disappear into a wall, and the figure of a man who was thought to be killed in Capone’s speakeasy over a gambling debt. The SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” even recorded an episode at the hotel in 2013.
Harrington has had her own odd experiences. Four years ago, she walked into the hotel, which was vacant due to the pandemic. Immediately she heard music blaring and followed the sound to the ballroom where it was the loudest. All lights were off and when she checked the sound system, it was also powered off, as was the main sound system for the rest of the hotel. The music played for an hour until it abruptly stopped. She never saw anyone else in the hotel while she was there that day.
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, looking for a relaxing weekend away, or want to host an event, The Elms Hotel can provide a stay rich in history combined with modern elegance. “We are historic and haunted but also a haven for rest and relaxation,” Harrington said. “This hotel is the ideal destination for creating memorable experiences.” For more information, visit elmshotelandspa.com.
