Hotels in Wichita

Wichita Introduction

Wichita’s roots stretch back to the 1860s as a frontier trading post on the cattle drive from Texas. It’s a far cry from the high-tech aircraft manufacturing industry that brought prosperity in the first half of the 20th century and continues to underpin the local economy. Diverse entertainment venues, abundant historic landmarks, and popular shopping malls provide plenty of reasons to visit for a short break or long vacation. The city that inspired songwriter Jimmy Webb, poet Allen Ginsberg, and filmmaker John Hughes makes a stimulating base for exploring this storied corner of the Kansas plains.

Hotels in Wichita

From elegant 4-star palaces and historic landmarks to tried-and-tested national chains and budget-friendly motels, hotels in Wichita are as varied as its visitors’ requirements. The city is fully equipped to cater for all needs, from bespoke business hotels with high-speed Internet and private meeting spaces to practical family suites in friendly inns with free breakfast and leisure facilities on tap. Cash-strapped students will find a warm welcome at cheap Wichita hotels near the State University. Demand for accommodations peaks during the summer and Christmas vacations, so book early to secure the best Wichita hotel deals.

Where to stay

If you’re planning to take in the city’s famous cultural life, stay in Downtown Wichita and explore the star-studded performance spaces and buzzing bars and clubs on your doorstep. This lively neighborhood is also home to an eclectic mix of restaurants that deliver the cuisines of the world to Kansas. Old Town is the historic heart of Wichita, which brings together heritage landmarks, contemporary art spaces, and quirky independent stores. Head out of town on Interstate 135 to open up a wide choice of discount hotels in Wichita. Or head east on Route 400 and book into a comfortable inn that’s just a tempting short stroll from the glittering Towne East Square shopping mall.

Things to see

Wichita’s rich cultural scene is one of its most potent charms. The city supports a thriving opera company, symphony orchestra, and music theater, based in Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. This impressive Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired structure, which opened in 1970 to commemorate the centennial of the city’s incorporation, boasts a 1926 Wurlitzer organ that is still regularly put through its flamboyant paces. Wichita Art Museum is home to a priceless collection of American paintings and sculptures, while numerous small commercial galleries showcase works by contemporary artists. The Orpheum Theatre, an Art Deco treasure dating from 1922, doubles as a heritage landmark and popular performance space. The city also hosts a wide variety of well-established festivals. Riverfest dates back to 1972 and continues to entertain huge crowds with live music, sporting contests, exhibitions, and parades, while the equally long-running Wichita Jazz Festival combines star-studded gigs with jam sessions and master classes.

How to get to Wichita

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, a 7-mile taxi ride from downtown, is a major domestic hub for Kansas. Non-stop flight destinations include Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and Chicago. Interstate 35, the Kansas Turnpike, skirts Wichita to the southeast, and Interstate 135 runs north–south. Several federal and state highways bisect downtown and suburbs, offering numerous options for reaching destinations throughout Kansas and further afield. Greyhound intercity routes link Wichita with Topeka to the northeast and Oklahoma City to the south. Within the city limits, Wichita Transit operates an extensive network of public bus routes.