For more than a century, the Royal Hotel stood as a centerpiece of Excelsior Springs, hosting guests from near and far who came for the healing mineral waters and the glamour of its grand ballroom. From its humble beginnings as a tavern to its transformation into a six-story showpiece, the Royal witnessed the town’s golden age and its own eventual decline.
What began as one man’s vision for a healing retreat grew into one of Excelsior Springs’ most iconic landmarks. The Snapp Hotel, now The Oaks Apartments, rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1912 to become a bustling destination of elegance and wellness. Today, it stands not only as a physical remnant of the city’s past but as a living tribute to its spirit.
Legal under federal law but loosely regulated in Missouri, hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 are now sold in everyday convenience stores, often alongside unregulated supplements that mimic prescription drugs. Local shops in Excelsior Springs are split on how to handle the trend, with some calling for clearer rules as officials warn of the growing danger to public health, especially among youth.
In Excelsior Springs, keeping neighborhoods clean and safe is a team effort. Code Enforcement Officer Trish Guarino and city contractor Daniel Shipley are on the front lines, working together to tackle neglected properties, overgrown lawns, and blight. Their shared commitment to preserving the city’s character is as much about people as it is about property.
