11 Best Hotels And Rentals

Omaha, Nebraska, is an adorable, historic city just a quick hop over the Iowa border. Full of pioneer history, thanks to its location along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Omaha has a lot to offer.

By the same token, so do Omaha hotels. It may be a bit corny, but you’d be surprised how much bang you’ll get for your buck in Nebraska’s biggest city – even smack-dab in the city center.

For foodies, Omaha is a must-visit destination. Not only was the Reuben sandwich invented here, but Omaha is also known for its exquisite steaks – in restaurants, not in dry ice coolers. That’s likely thanks to the state’s robust beef industry, which exceeds even its corn.

Meanwhile, you’ll find most of the city’s business and culture in downtown Omaha. The cobblestone-clad Old Market area is full of art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants set in the city’s historical aesthetic. Here is also where you’ll find the Joslyn Art Museum and the Durham Museum, showcasing art and the region’s history, respectively.

Even if you don’t stay in downtown Omaha, getting around this petite city and the surrounding area is easy. But enough chit-chat; let’s take a peek at the best places to stay in the Omaha area.

TL;DR

Where to Stay in Omaha

1. Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Address: 1615 Howard St, Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Snuggled right up in downtown Omaha, the Magnolia Hotel is a gorgeous little spot right in the heart of everything. Only a few blocks away from Old Market and plenty of things to do, this accommodation is ideal for folks looking at hotels in Omaha with terrific walkability.

This pet-friendly hotel also offers free shuttle service to the airport, room service, a fitness center, and even live music throughout the week. Magnolia’s on-site restaurant, The District, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can even walk to the Omaha train station if you’re heading to the city by train rather than plane.

Things to Do nearby:

• The Durham Museum
• Old Market
• Omaha Children’s Museum
• Private scavenger hunt

Pros:

• Complimentary shuttle service
• Fitness center
• Great location
• Historic charm
• Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

Cons:

• Can be noisy because it’s an old building

2. Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

Address: 222 N 10th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Another of the hotels in downtown Omaha is the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District. A contender for the best place to stay in Omaha for families, this location has a free airport shuttle and outdoor pool to make wrangling kiddos and entertaining them much easier.

Although this is not one of the pet-friendly hotels in the city, the free bike rentals and restaurant Burdock + Bitters make this a one-stop spot for much of what you’ll need. The Omaha Marriott, located in the Capitol District, is also within walking distance of trendy restaurants, shops, and even the Omaha train station stop.

Things to Do nearby:

• The Durham Museum
• Gene Leahy Mall
• Go on an Omaha puzzling adventure
• Joslyn Art Museum
• Kiewit Luminarium
• Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

Pros:

• Great breakfast
• Outdoor pool
• Spacious rooms
• Free wifi
• On-site gym

Cons:

• Not pet-friendly
• Outside traffic can be loud

See Related: Best Marriott Hotels & Resorts in the US

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area

Address: 106 S 15th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68102

In case the trend hasn’t been made clear yet, the downtown Omaha hotels are both affordable and some of the best places to stay in the city. The Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown is no exception to that. As one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the area, the whole family can enjoy their romp through the Omaha Downtown/Old Market area.

The Residence Inn includes complimentary breakfast for guests, free wifi, and connecting rooms for families to have more space. The hotel offers a free grocery shopping service as well as a complimentary shuttle to a nearby shopping center. It’s also a short drive to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, a perfect spot for a family day out.

Things to Do nearby:

• Henry Doorly Zoo
• Holland Performing Arts Center
• Play an Omaha scavenger hunt
• Creighton University
• Visit Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

Pros:

• Several free services
• Easy access to downtown Omaha and Old Market
• Free hot breakfast
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• The hotel does not offer valet parking

4. Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

Address: 302 S 36th St, Omaha, NE 68131

Our first non-downtown-situated hotel, the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, can be found in Midtown Crossing. Kimpton properties are among my personal favorites for chain hotels, and this Omaha example is a beautiful example of Kimpton-level hospitality. Plus, since you aren’t downtown, you’re only a few miles from TD Ameritrade Park.

The Kimpton Cottonwood has an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, three dining areas, and even a terrace to enjoy some time outdoors. It is pet-friendly and well-suited for families as it offers family-style rooms. This is one of the best hotels in the area for families, and the chic aesthetic is just a plus.

Things to Do nearby:

• Joslyn Castle and Gardens
• Turner Park
• TD Ameritrade

Pros:

• Outdoor pool
• Pet-friendly
• Easy access to the University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Some rooms have a private balcony

Cons:

• Not within walking distance of major attractions
• Wifi is reportedly slow

5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market

Address: 555 S 10th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68102

If you’re looking for where to stay in Omaha with lots of room for everyone, Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha should be your go-to. Just a hop away from Henry Doorly Zoo and the historic Orpheum Theater, the Embassy Suites is a perfect jumping-off point for any day of adventure. This all-suite hotel also has a heated indoor pool for relaxing after a long day of exploring Omaha.

With large rooms at moderate prices, this is one of the best places to stay in Omaha for those looking to save money while still getting plenty of room. If you aren’t traveling with your family, you can still enjoy these spacious rooms as well as the hotel’s business center to get all your work done in a timely manner.

Things to Do nearby:

• Museum of Shadows
• Heartland of America Park at the Riverfront
• See the Missouri River
• Kiewit Luminarium
• Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

Pros:

• Indoor pool
• Complimentary breakfast
• Walkable through downtown and Old Market
• Nearby to lively bars
• One of the best hotels for folks needing suites

Cons:

• Some rooms may be outdated
• Not a lot of breakfast options

See Related: Best Weekend Trips from Omaha, Nebraska

6. Quality Inn & Suites

Address: 9505 S 142nd Street Omaha, NE 68138

The Quality Inn & Suites in West Omaha is a good value amongst the hotels in Omaha with its free breakfast and parking. Although basic in amenities given its price point, the Quality Inn has other perks like laundry facilities and a gym as well as a pool that make it well worth a traveler’s time.

Although removed from downtown and the Missouri River, the Quality Inn is perfect if you don’t mind a short commute to the city’s attractions. A few minutes’ drive will get you everywhere from the airport to the zoo since it’s right off of I-80. The hotel also has a business center and connecting rooms if either is of interest for your upcoming trip.

Things to Do nearby:

Pros:

• The most affordable pricepoint of the popular hotels in Omaha
• Breakfast is complimentary
• Pool access
• Connecting room options

Cons:

• Far from most attractions
• No frills hotel

7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Omaha I-80, an IHG Hotel

Address: 16175 Stevens Pointe St, Gretna, NE 68028

All guest rooms at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites off of I-80 offer a flat-screen TV and coffee maker. Like the aforementioned Quality Inn, this property features free parking and wifi, an indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool, and a fitness center.

It’s a good choice if you prefer to be more removed from Omaha downtown. This conveniently located hotel just outside of the city in Gretna is perfect for saving a few bucks or for folks road-tripping through Nebraska.

If there is no need for you actually to stay in Omaha, we recommend an affordable option like the Holiday Inn. Even though it’ll take a little longer to access Omaha’s world-class museums and attractions, you’ll save a ton on overnight parking fees and daily breakfast.

Things to Do nearby:

• Nebraska Crossing Outlets
• Werner Park
• LaVista Falls Golf Course
• Defy Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park

Pros:

• Daily breakfast
• Free parking
• Swimming pool
• Easy on/off from the interstate

Cons:

• Low walkability compared to other popular hotels
• Located outside of Omaha

8. Peter Kiewit Lodge

Address: 28500 W. Park Highway Ashland, NE 68003

Just outside of Omaha, in the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, is the charming Peter Kiewit Lodge. The 40-guest rooms at Kiewit Lodge have air conditioning, heat, wifi, a telephone, TV, and a private bath.

Many rooms here have balconies for great valley views and electric fireplaces. This isn’t your traditional state park lodging either; this place is a modern-style hotel with a cabin aesthetic.

From the lodge, you can enjoy the rest of the park, where you can go hiking, biking, and exploring. There’s also an on-site aquatic center with an indoor playground.

This area is perfect all year, but especially when the weather turns colder, and you still want some adventure like ice skating or rock climbing. Mahoney State Park is about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln.

Things to Do nearby:

• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
• Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
• Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Pros:

• So much to do in the park
• Modern amenities
• Private balconies

Cons:

• About 30-minute drive to Omaha

See Related: Best Resorts in the USA For Families

9. Little Creek and Lakeside Campgrounds

Address: 28500 W. Park Highway Ashland, NE 68003

Little Creek and Lakeside campgrounds, both located in Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, have large, hard-surfaced pads among shade trees near Owen Marina Lake. Modern showers, restrooms, and drinking water are close to both areas, too. A coin-operated laundry in the shower building at Little Creek is available.

Cabins are located on the ridge and are available year-round. Tableware, cookware, and lines are provided.

The cabins are air-conditioned and heated. They also have fireplaces, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, TVs, and decks with grills. 

Things to Do nearby:

• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
• Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
• Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Pros:

• Perfect for campers or outdoorsy travelers
• Modern amenities available nearby
• Access to bathrooms and showers

Cons:

• More rustic than the hotels
• About 30-45 minutes from Omaha

10. Charming Gretna Bungalow

Address: Near Highway 6 in Gretna, NE

This Charming Gretna Bungalow was built in 1890 and has tons of character with vintage art and furnishings. In the home, you’ll have access to a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, and an outdoor area to enjoy. The bungalow sleeps eight across four bedrooms, though keep in mind there is only one bathroom.

Although removed from Omaha by about 30 minutes, the town of Gretna has its own amenities on offer. This bungalow is close to restaurants, shopping, golf, and hiking at the state parks nearby. When you’re ready for a larger adventure, it’s also only 30 minutes from Lincoln as well.

Things to Do nearby:

• Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
• Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
• Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari

Pros:

• Sleeps up to eight people in four separate bedrooms
• Plenty of room
• Full kitchen
• Washer and dryer

Cons:

• 30 minutes outside of Omaha

11. Modern Loft in Downtown Ashland

Address: Off of 14th Street Ashland, Nebraska

The Modern Loft in Historic Downtown Ashland has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep up to six guests. It has vintage furniture and art and charming views of Main Street.

It also offers a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, office space, queen-sized beds, and a smart TV for streaming. Built in the 1890s, this loft has so much character.

Like the bungalow, this loft is midway between Lincoln and Omaha. Because of this, it only takes about 30 minutes to get to either city.

Ashland is a small city with just over 3,000 residents. While it’s petite, it still has whatever you may need during your trip.

Things to Do nearby:

• Mahoney State Park
• Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
• Quarry Oaks & Iron Horse Golf Courses
• Glacial Til Winery and Tasting Room
• Platte River State Park

Pros:

• Located in an adorable little city
• Building with a lot of charm and character
• Access to walkable spots

Cons:

• 30 minutes from Omaha
• Not as much access as you’d have if you stayed in Omaha proper

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Amanda is a Chicago-based queer travel, arts, and lifestyle writer who is passionate about exploring the world. Her work has been featured in Newcity Stage, The Chicago Reader, Huffington Post, and Yahoo, as well as the November 2022 book, “Chicago Like a Local” and other travel journals available on Amazon. Amanda’s favorite destinations include Costa Rica, Prague, Dublin, Hong Kong, and every Disney park she’s visited.