The Elms Hotel & Spa - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Excelsior Springs, MO (2026)
A Victorian landmark north of Kansas City with a salt-therapy grotto, outdoor mineral pool, and speakeasy-inspired bar.
The Elms Hotel & Spa is a Victorian-era resort in Excelsior Springs, Missouri — about 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City — that preserves the iron-rich mineral water tradition that briefly made Excelsior Springs a Midwestern spa-town competitor in the late 1800s. Three iterations of the hotel have stood on the site (1888, 1909, 1912 — each replacing the previous after fires). The current 1912 building runs a salt-therapy grotto, an outdoor mineral pool, an indoor lap pool, and a full spa menu. President Truman frequently stayed at The Elms during his presidency. Day spa passes from $65; overnight gives unlimited access to the salt-therapy Grotto Spa.
What to expect
Drive 30 minutes northeast of downtown Kansas City. Check in at the hotel or buy a day-spa package. The Grotto Spa (the marquee feature) is a salt-cave-style underground space with a heated mineral pool surrounded by Himalayan salt walls. Outdoor mineral pool for warm-weather use. Multiple restaurants on-property; the historic Truman Lounge is the speakeasy-themed bar. Pair with downtown Excelsior Springs (small, walkable) or use as a Kansas City weekend escape.
Temperature
95°-103°F
Pools
4 soaking pools
Best season
Year-round
Reservations
Required
Dog policy
Leashed dogs welcome
Family policy
Family windows available
Safety notes
- Spa Grotto capacity is limited; reserve time slots when booking treatments.
- Weekend weddings can fill parking—plan extra arrival time.
Amenities & etiquette
FAQ
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