Acclaimed Kansas City Plaza Hotel Makes Travel+Leisure Magazine's Prestigious T+L 500 World's Best Hotels List

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - Jan 16, 2012) - For the second consecutive year The Raphael, a historic Kansas City hotel, has been named one of the world's best hotels by Travel+Leisure magazine. The international travel magazine made the announcement in its January 2012 issue, the 10^th annual T+L 500 World's Best Hotels feature. The Kansas City boutique hotel is the only Missouri hotel and one of only 10 Midwest hotels, including seven from Illinois and two from Michigan, to make the list. The Raphael, with rates from $179, is rated the best value among Midwest hotels. The complete T+L 500 World's Best Hotels list with ratings, descriptions and room rates is available at www.travelandleisure.com.

The Raphael is noted for distinctive Kansas City hotel deals and specials within its portfolio of romantic getaway, destination-rich and special interest packages that can be booked online. To celebrate its recognition by Travel+Leisure, the landmark Country Club Plaza hotel is introducing a new T+L 500 World's Best Hotel package. The package features a night of luxury in a romantic suite that includes separate living and sleeping areas with a master bath equipped with a two-person water-jetted tub. Amenities include fresh flowers and artisan chocolates in the room; a carriage tour of the Country Club Plaza; a three course dinner for two with a bottle of chef-selected wine in Chaz on the Plaza; breakfast for two and valet parking. The rate is $500.

About The Raphael Hotel: The Raphael is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that combines the charm and intimacy of a locally significant landmark with highly individualized service. It is the original boutique concept among historic Kansas City Plaza hotels. The nine-story, Italian Renaissance Revival structure is a member of National Trust Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Raphael and its signature restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza -- a standout among Kansas City Country Club Plaza restaurants, are affiliated with the Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels selected by Marriott International for their distinctiveness. More information is available at www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com