Searching for “Elms spa and hotel” often leads to two very different properties sharing the same name: a historic, reportedly haunted hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and a modern luxury spa resort in Worcestershire, England. This article focuses on the Missouri property—The Elms Hotel & Spa, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel—using verified data from the official website, review platforms, and local journalism to help you decide if this historic spa hotel is right for you. We’ll cover its 28,000-square-foot spa, on-site dining, guest reviews, and practical details like parking and check-in times.
Last checked: 2026-06-30
Property name: The Elms Hotel & Spa (Worcestershire) / The Elms Hotel (Excelsior Springs) · Location: Abberley, Worcestershire, England / Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA · Known for: Luxury spa treatments, award-winning cuisine / Haunted history, paranormal activity · Spa facilities: Greenhouse Spa with indoor pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms / Not applicable (reopened as apartments and event space)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Hyatt brand page, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, Expedia listing, HotelsCombined metasearch, Edge Magazine editorial, Trivago listing, FlyerTalk community thread, Wikipedia.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted. Review data spans 2024–2026.
Snapshot: The Elms Hotel & Spa (Excelsior Springs)
- 401 Regent Street, Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024 (Booking.com)
- Operates as a Destination by Hyatt Hotel (Hyatt)
- 28,000 sq ft spa with indoor European lap pool, hot tub, outdoor pool, and year-round outdoor hot tub. Spa access is not included with hotel stay and must be reserved separately (The Elms Hotel & Spa)
- Tripadvisor: 4.1/5 (2,830 reviews) (Tripadvisor)
- Booking.com: 7.8/10 (135 reviews) (Booking.com)
- Expedia: 8.6/10 (Expedia)
- All 153 guest rooms, spa, outdoor pool, restaurants, and patio areas updated as of 2024 (Edge Magazine)
| Property name | The Elms Hotel & Spa (Excelsior Springs) |
|---|---|
| Location | 401 Regent Street, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA |
| Known for | Haunted history, 28,000 sq ft spa, recent renovations |
| Spa facilities | Indoor lap pool, outdoor pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms (over 10 treatment rooms) |
| On-site dining | Three Owls restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids’ meals |
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
| Valet parking | USD 20 daily, USD 30 overnight |
| Distance to Kansas City International Airport | Approximately 30–40 minutes by car |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary throughout the property |
What happened at The Elms hotel?
According to Wikipedia, The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs opened in 1912 and quickly became a popular destination for those seeking the area’s natural mineral springs. The property operated as a grand hotel for decades, hosting notable guests including U.S. presidents and infamous gangsters. After a period of decline, the hotel closed and later reopened as apartments and event space. It eventually returned to hotel use under Hyatt’s Destination by Hyatt brand, and now combines its historic bones with modern amenities.
Ghosts and paranormal activity at The Elms
Paranormal investigators and ghost hunters have long been drawn to the property. Guest accounts and local lore describe apparitions, cold spots, and unexplained sounds. Tripadvisor reviews occasionally mention eerie experiences, though the hotel does not officially market itself as a haunted attraction. The reputation stems from the building’s long history and the many reported events over the decades.
The bottom line: The haunted reputation adds a unique layer for history and paranormal enthusiasts, but the property primarily operates as a full-service spa hotel.
Who owns Elms Hotel and spa?
The Excelsior Springs property is owned by a private group and operates under the Destination by Hyatt umbrella. The hotel management team handles day-to-day operations. Ownership details are not publicly disclosed beyond Hyatt’s brand affiliation.
A separate property in Worcestershire, England—also called The Elms Hotel & Spa—is independently owned and operated. This article focuses on the Missouri location.
What are the facilities at The Elms spa?
The spa at The Elms stretches across 28,000 square feet, making it one of the largest hotel spas in the region. It includes an indoor European lap pool, a hot tub, an outdoor pool, and a year-round outdoor hot tub, according to the official hotel site. The treatment area features over 10 treatment rooms.
The Greenhouse Spa facilities
The spa offers a full menu: massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and couple treatments (Edge Magazine). The once-famous mineral baths are no longer available, but the modern treatment list is comprehensive. Overnight guests must reserve spa access separately; it is not included in the room rate.
The trade-off: The spa is impressive in size and variety, but the separate access fee means guests should factor that into their budget.
What famous people have stayed at The Elms?
The Excelsior Springs hotel reportedly hosted U.S. presidents, including Harry Truman, as well as mobster figures like Al Capone during its Prohibition-era peak. More recently, the hotel’s reputation as a historic destination attracts a range of guests from celebrities to paranormal researchers.
The Worcestershire property gained media attention when British reality TV personalities Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury stayed there, boosting its visibility on social media. No similar celebrity stays were recorded for the Excelsior Springs location in the reviewed sources.
What is the Elms hotel known for?
Today, the Excelsior Springs property is known for two distinct draws: its haunted history and its luxury spa experience. The 2024 renovation updated all 153 guest rooms, the spa, outdoor pool, Three Owls restaurant, and the patio areas. The official site also notes that the spa is nominated for Missouri’s Best Hotel Spa 2026 (The Elms Hotel & Spa), a claim not independently verified.
In contrast, the Worcestershire property is known for its award-winning cuisine and Greenhouse Spa, attracting spa vacationers from the UK.
Elms spa and hotel prices and deals
Room rates at the Excelsior Springs property vary by season and room type. Verified pricing data is limited, but the official site lists valet parking at USD 20 per day and USD 30 overnight. Spa packages often combine treatments and dining; Black Friday deals have been offered in prior years, though no 2025–2026 offer was confirmed in the sources reviewed.
For the most current rates, booking directly through the hotel or via OTAs like Expedia or Booking.com is recommended. The hotel is part of the Hyatt loyalty program, which may offer member discounts.
Restaurants near the Elms Hotel and Spa
The on-site Three Owls restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids’ meals. Trivago reviewers sometimes mention the food and service at Three Owls as a highlight of the stay. For those wanting to explore Excelsior Springs, local dining options include independent cafes and barbecue spots within a short drive. The hotel also has a coffee shop/cafe and a firepit area for drinks.
Two properties, one name: a quick comparison
| Property Name | Location | Best Known For | Spa Facilities | Average Price Range | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Elms Hotel & Spa (Excelsior Springs) | Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA | Haunted history, luxury spa, recent renovations | 28,000 sq ft spa with indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, treatment rooms | Room rates vary seasonally; valet parking USD 20–30 | Destination by Hyatt – 4.1/5 on Tripadvisor |
| The Elms Hotel & Spa (Worcestershire) | Abberley, Worcestershire, England, UK | Greenhouse Spa, award-winning cuisine, celebrity stays | Greenhouse Spa with indoor pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms | Data not verified in this review | 4.0/5 on Tripadvisor (based on recent reviews) |
Pros and cons of the Excelsior Springs property
Pros
- Historic building with character and recent renovations (2024).
- Large, well-equipped spa with multiple pool options.
- On-site restaurant Three Owls receives consistent praise for food and service.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and free self parking available.
Cons
- Spa access requires separate reservation and fee.
- Some Tripadvisor and Booking.com reviews mention outdated areas and inconsistent value.
- Mineral baths no longer available, which some history-seeking guests may miss.
- Valet parking costs extra (USD 20 daily, USD 30 overnight).
Best for segments
Paranormal enthusiasts
The hotel’s haunted reputation and historic setting make it a top pick for ghost hunters. While the hotel does not run ghost tours, the ambiance and reported activity are enough to satisfy curiosity.
Luxury spa seekers
The 28,000 sq ft spa, indoor lap pool, and year-round hot tub offer a full-service wellness experience. The separate access fee is a downside, but the breadth of treatments and pool facilities is competitive for the region.
History and architecture tourists
Built in 1912, the building retains its original grandeur. The recent renovation updated amenities without stripping historic details, appealing to travelers who value heritage architecture.
Our pick: The Elms Hotel & Spa (Excelsior Springs)
For travelers in the United States, especially those near the Kansas City area, the Excelsior Springs property offers a compelling mix of history, modern spa facilities, and convenient location. The 2024 renovation addresses many earlier complaints about dated interiors, and the spa remains a standout. While the haunted reputation is real, the property functions primarily as a comfortable resort. We recommend it for weekend spa getaways, paranormal curiosity, or a unique historic stay.
“The Spa at The Elms spans 28,000 square feet, featuring soaking tubs, pools, and a full range of treatment spaces designed for true restoration.”
— The Elms Hotel & Spa, Official property source
“Spa access is not included with your stay and must be reserved separately.”
— The Elms Hotel & Spa, Official property source
Related reading: Charlton House Hotel Review: Luxury Spa Countryside Retreat · Harbour Hotel Chichester Review: Historic Charm & Spa
When comparing the two Elms, one should not overlook the haunted Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, which offers a distinctly different atmosphere steeped in ghost stories.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at The Elms hotel in Excelsior Springs?
The hotel opened in 1912 and operated as a grand hotel for decades. It closed, was converted into apartments and event space, and later reopened as a hotel under Hyatt’s Destination by Hyatt brand. It is known for paranormal activity and hosted U.S. presidents and gangsters during its heyday.
Who owns The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs?
The property is owned by a private group and operates under the Destination by Hyatt brand. Hyatt’s corporate website lists it as a branded hotel, but ownership specifics are not publicly detailed.
What are the facilities at the Greenhouse Spa?
The spa at the Excelsior Springs property is 28,000 square feet and features an indoor European lap pool, outdoor pool, hot tubs (one year-round), a steam room, sauna, and over 10 treatment rooms offering massages, facials, body treatments, and manicures/pedicures.
What famous guests have stayed at the Excelsior Springs Elms?
The hotel has hosted U.S. President Harry Truman and gangster Al Capone during its early years. More recent celebrity stays are not well documented in the sources reviewed, but the hotel’s paranormal notoriety draws a wide range of guests.
Did Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury stay at The Elms?
Yes, the British reality TV couple stayed at the Worcestershire property (The Elms Hotel & Spa in England). This is unrelated to the Excelsior Springs property covered in this article.
What is the Elms hotel known for?
The Excelsior Springs property is known for its haunted history, its 28,000 sq ft spa, and its recent 2024 renovation. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Are there restaurants near the Elms Hotel and Spa?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Three Owls, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Excelsior Springs also offers local dining options including cafes and barbecue spots within a short drive.