Text and Photos by Sandra Scott
My first view of Chateau Avalon was intriguing. The incongruity of seeing the peaks of a French Chateau rising out of the trees on the Kansas plains was our first clue that we should expect the unexpected.
We checked into the Presidential Experience. The oval room with floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookcases gave no evidence of a place to sleep. But then we noticed one section of the bookcase was slightly ajar, and there behind the secret door was our bedchamber complete with a spa bath and shower.
The accommodations at Chateau Avalon present 23 different themes designed to trigger the imagination. The problem is deciding what experience to choose. A curving staircase accesses the two upper floors of the Monte Cristo Experience.
Others might choose to go on safari on the Serengeti complete with a mounted rhino head next to a hand painted mural of Africa. Many rooms have hand painted murals. Each themed suite is unique. Amenities run to flat screen TVs with DVD players with 5 channel surround sound system, two person jetted spa tubs with Chroma therapy lighting, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, and fluffy robes.
In the morning a gentle tap on the door indicated our gourmet breakfast had arrived complete with a warm to-die-for cinnamon bun. Currently there is no on-site restaurant but fun dining is available at Village West just a couple of minutes away. Returning from dinner guests can indulge in sinfully delicious desserts – the Cullen Family Apple Torte or The Beaumont Triple Layer White Chocolate Decadence for only $5.99.
Free DVDs are available, mainly classics, with many of having topics that enhance the Experience. Watch Out of Africa while enjoying the Safari Experience Accommodation.
Staying more than one night? Chose a different experience every night – Castaway Isle, Jesse James Escape, Mayan Rainforest or Camelot. Arrangements can be made for Rose Petal Turndown and other special services. All rooms are Internet ready and handicap accessible.
The stone and stucco all-suite Chateau Avalon opened in the summer of 2004 and is 10 minutes from downtown KC, Kansas and a couple minutes from trendy Village West and the Kansas Speedway.
This place is a romantic’s dream getaway – truly a one-of-a-kind hotel, where guests return to experience a different destination. In fact it is so unique that they offer free tours of unoccupied rooms daily from 1-3.
Chateau Avalon
701 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, Kansas 66111
(877) KC AVALON
www.chateauavalon.net
$99-$499