Just a head's up...if you go to
www.sidestep.com they search all of the airlines websites/expedia/orbitz/other travel sites for hotels/airfare/rental cars. I use that website EVERY TIME I'm going on vacation. It's awesome!
I've hung out in Kansas City a few times, even though I just moved to Kansas last summer. Kansas City, Missouri is much nicer than the Kansas City, Kansas side. There's always a good/bad area no matter where you go! Westport is a blast for those of us 20-somethings who are interested in going. The Plaza area is really nice too.