KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - Jul 22, 2011) - For the second consecutive year, The Raphael Hotel, a historic Kansas City hotel, has been named one of the world's best hotels by Travel+Leisure magazine. The popular international travel magazine made the announcement in its 16^th annual World's Best Awards cover feature in the August issue. Rankings are based on reader surveys and follow-up by a team of reporters. The 2011 results, including the Top 100 Hotels Overall, Top 50 Resorts and Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada, Top 10 Cities Overall, and Top 10 Domestic Airlines, among other lists, are featured at www.travelandleisure.com.

The Raphael, the original Kansas City boutique hotel, checked in at #31 among top 50 large city hotels in the Continental United States and Canada for the category of Large City Hotels with 100 rooms or more. It scored an 89.3 rating. The Raphael improved in both rating and ranking from last year, moving up three spots in the ranking. It is the only Midwest hotel outside of Chicago to make the list and one of only three hotels on the list designated as great value. 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.

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. The original boutique concept among historic Kansas City Plaza hotels, it was named to Travel+Leisure magazine's 2011 T+L500 World's Best 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 as an iconic historic hotel with the Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels selected by Marriott International for their distinctiveness. More information is available at www.autographcollectionhotels.com.