The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection, is an historic, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Kansas City's well-heeled Plaza neighborhood. The 1920s building has been beautifully maintained and elegantly furnished from the common areas to the rooms, the latter of which are all suites, furnished with granite countertops, Keurig coffee machines, and iPod docks. Chaz on the Plaza, the on-site restaurant, is a high-end favorite in the city and serves modern American regional cuisine amid white tablecloths and leather booths. The hotel has a modern gym, free valet parking, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of meeting and event space. The location is exceptional, just steps from Country Club Plaza, but you'll want a car to explore the rest of the city. This hotel and its restaurant may be pricey, but they have a lot to offer -- albeit no pool or spa -- in a great location.

Tucked away in the Orzak Mountains, Stormy Point Village is an upscale timeshare resort designed like a quaint Cape Cod town. This family-friendly property offers a couple hundred charming stand-alone cottages with up to four bedrooms, full kitchens with washer/dryers and dishwashers, fireplaces, and private porches, all set on lovely (yet hilly) grounds overlooking Table Rock Lake. The outdoor pools and picnic areas are great for the warmer months, but a full entertainment program with seasonal activities is available year-round, and the indoor pool and gym are fantastic perks for the colder days. The property is somewhat secluded but offers easy driving access to Branson and Silver Dollar City, each located within 15 minutes of the resort. For something closer to town, consider Best Western Center Pointe Inn, though they lack full kitchens and only have microwaves.