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A Winter Getaway Without the Travel: Aloft Leawood Family Staycation

By Melissa Basgall, Editor and Publisher January 24, 2025

As a mom and Macaroni KID publisher, I’m always looking for fun, family-friendly adventures—especially in the winter, when my daughter is bursting with energy and we’re both craving something special. That’s why I was so excited to plan a staycation at Aloft Leawood for our family. Located in the heart of Park Place, Aloft made it easy to create unforgettable memories without having to travel far from home.


My family was hosted by Aloft Leawood; however, all opinions expressed are my own, and I only share experiences I truly believe will benefit Macaroni KID Readers







A Trendy, Family-Friendly Atmosphere

From the moment we walked into Aloft Leawood, it felt like we were hundreds of miles away, not just 20 minutes from home. The modern design of the lobby truly made us feel like we were on vacation. The hotel staff was incredibly welcoming to us.

Pro tip: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you’ll get a little snack goodie bag at check-in—such a fun perk!





Comfortable Rooms with Modern Flair

Our room was the perfect cozy retreat after a full day of activities. The sleek design, comfortable beds, and thoughtful amenities like a mini fridge and coffee maker made it easy to settle in. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, even on a gloomy winter weekend, and our view of The Ice at Park Place made everything feel even cozier and more magical. The room was practical yet stylish, making it a great fit for a family.




Perfectly Located in the Heart of Park Place

One of the best parts of our stay was the hotel’s amazing location. Park Place is full of unique shops, dining options, and activities, all just steps away from Aloft. We kicked off our staycation with a visit to Creative Culture, where we painted ceramics while enjoying a gigantic milkshake.




For an early dinner, we walked over to Mother Clucker. Their crispy fried chicken and delicious sides quickly became a family favorite. The laid-back atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy some quality time together. It's super kid-friendly, both with the menu and the atmosphere. Park Place has a ton of dining options, but we absolutely loved Mother Clucker and will 100% be back.







Later that evening we headed to The Ice at Park Place, a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink. The twinkling lights created such a magical atmosphere, and watching my daughter laugh and skate was one of the highlights of our trip.

Since we worked up an appetite again after skating, we stopped by RA Sushi, conveniently located in the same building as Aloft, for their late-night happy hour menu. My daughter happily devoured a bowl of fried rice while my husband and I enjoyed some delicious sushi and drinks.




Having all these activities and dining options within a five-minute walk of the hotel made this staycation so enjoyable. We took a nice break after dinner to change into warmer clothes for ice skating—no need to lug a big backpack or extra bags around!

Amenities That Make Aloft Leawood Stand Out

While the location is close to so much action, Aloft Leawood isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a destination in itself. The indoor pool, pool table, and board games kept us entertained between activities, and the re:fuel 24/7 grab-and-go pantry was perfect for quick snacks and breakfast treats in the morning. The fitness center, w xyz bar, and patio area are nice perks, too, and the friendly staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home.




The indoor pool was an instant hit with my daughter, giving her some splash-filled fun in the middle of winter—a true Midwest moment! I should also mention that although we didn’t bring our dog, the hotel’s dog-friendly policy means pups can join in the staycation fun. We saw several families with their dogs during our stay!




Final Thoughts

Our winter break staycation at Aloft Leawood was everything we hoped it would be: relaxing, fun, and full of family memories. The hotel’s modern amenities and prime location near Park Place attractions made it the perfect getaway without leaving town.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly staycation spot that has something for everyone, Aloft Leawood is a wonderful choice. And the price point? You guys, go check their website—you won’t believe how affordable this fun little staycation could be for your family!

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or looking for ways to make winter break special, pack your bags and head to Aloft Leawood. Your family will thank you for it!