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Where to Stay in Omaha

Where to Stay in Omaha

Omaha Nebraska, USA Travel Guide

Types of Accommodation

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Limited, budget-friendly for solo travelers. Find options on Hostelworld.

  • Economy Hotels/Motels

    Economical national chains, frequently on city outskirts. Explore on Booking.com.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Comfortable amenities and value from brands like Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott. Search Agoda.

  • Upscale/Luxury Hotels

    Refined experiences and premium services. Such as, Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District or The Farnam. Check IHG Hotels for premium stays.

Unique and Alternative Stays

  • Boutique Hotels

    Hotel Deco and The Farnam offer unique design and personalized service.

  • Historic Hotels

    Historic buildings in the Old Market or downtown converted into modern hotels, retaining original charm.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, homes, and rooms using platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Family-friendly or longer visits.

  • Homestays/House Sitting

    Options through platforms like Airbnb or TrustedHousesitters for a local perspective.

Choosing Your Base: Neighborhood Guide

Omaha's neighborhoods each possess a distinct character, helping to guide your stay.

Old Market

Pros
  • Historic charm, lively nightlife, dining, shopping.
  • Excellent proximity to downtown attractions and Bob Kerrey Bridge.
  • Walkable and easy access to Metro Transit.
  • Lively and active ambiance, especially on weekends.
Cons
  • Can be noisy at night due to bars and restaurants.
  • Parking can be challenging and more expensive.
  • Accommodation prices can be higher.

Downtown Omaha / Capitol District

Pros
  • Close to major events (CHI Health Center, TD Ameritrade Park).
  • Suitable for business travelers and convention attendees.
  • Easy walk to the Old Market.
  • Generally quieter than Old Market outside of events.
Cons
  • Can be quiet when no events are happening.
  • Possesses less local character in comparison with the Old Market.
  • Ambiance is mainly business and event-focused.

Midtown Crossing / Aksarben Village

Pros
  • Modern amenities, good dining, and shopping.
  • Family-friendly environment with municipal parks.
  • Often features contemporary hotels and easy parking.
  • Generally quieter, with specific hotspots for activity.
Cons
  • Lacks a historic feel compared to Old Market.
  • May require a car or ride-share for downtown attractions.
  • Transportation needed for downtown/Old Market attractions.

Safety Considerations & Proximity

General Safety

Old Market/Downtown: Generally safe, but exercise standard urban precautions at night. Midtown/Aksarben/Dundee/Benson/West Omaha: These areas are generally safe; typical urban safety awareness suffices.

Benson/Dundee Notes

Pros: Authentic local feel, unique dining, and entertainment, charming. Cons: Further from downtown attractions, limited large hotels, can be lively/noisy on weekends.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, major events): Book 3-6 months in advance. Important for College World Series or Berkshire Hathaway meeting.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall): 1-3 months in advance is generally sufficient for great offers.
  • Low Season (Winter): 2-4 weeks in advance, unless arranging things around major holidays.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are highest during summer and major events; lower in winter and late fall/early spring.

Booking Details

  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb, Vrbo. Check official hotel sites like IHG for loyalty perks.
  • Local Reservation Systems: Some smaller hotels or B&Bs prefer direct bookings via their websites or mobile.
  • Negotiation: Not common for walk-in rates in US hotels; rates are generally fixed.
  • Policies: Deposit and cancellation policies vary; always check specifics before booking.

Affiliate Booking Options

Global & Asia-focused Platforms
  • Find diverse choices on Booking.com.
  • Explore options with strong Asian market presence on Agoda.
  • For budget stays and social atmosphere, check Hostelworld.
  • Discover premium properties with IHG Hotels.
Vacation Rentals & Unique Stays
  • For home-like stays and vacation rentals, visit Vrbo.
  • Consider unique experiences like house or pet sitting via TrustedHousesitters.
  • Booking direct with local establishments can sometimes offer unique benefits.
  • Always compare rates and policies across different platforms.

Important Considerations

Event Impact

During major events like the College World Series or Berkshire Hathaway meeting, book far in advance as availability drastically drops and prices surge.

Direct vs. Platform

Comparing prices on booking platforms vs. Directly on hotel websites might reveal exclusive offers or loyalty program benefits.

Vacation Rental Policies

Vacation rentals often feature stricter cancellation and deposit policies than hotels; review carefully.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different travel styles and budgets in Omaha.

Budget & Mid-Range Picks

Budget-Friendly Options

Economical stays without compromising comfort for your visit.

  • Hampton Inn Downtown
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Omaha Central
  • Motel 6 (various locations)
  • Super 8 (various locations)
Mid-Range Comfort

Well-regarded properties offering a balance of quality and value.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market
  • Element Omaha Moderatetown Crossing
  • Residence Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area
  • Holiday Inn (various locations)

Luxury & Family Stays

Luxury Accommodations

For a refined experience with premium services and elegant surroundings.

  • The Farnam, Autograph Collection
  • Hotel Deco
  • Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
  • The Magnolia Omaha
Family-Friendly Options

Properties a good fit for families, often with amenities like suites and kitchens.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market
  • Residence Inn properties (with kitchens)
  • Hotels near the Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Homewood Suites (all-suite hotels with kitchens)

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Old Market Hotels

    Excellent walkability to nightlife, dining, and attractions, ideal for exploration.

  • Midtown Crossing

    Offers modern amenities and public spaces conducive to solo travelers, with dining options nearby.

  • Aksarben Village

    Modern area with entertainment and university campus nearby, good for a comfortable independent stay.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Properties for Example hotel Deco or The Farnam can offer a more unique and personalized experience.

Long-Stay & Historic Properties

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, or Element by Westin offer all-suite hotels with kitchens, ideal for longer visits.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb or Vrbo provide more home-like options, particularly suitable for extended periods. Consider Booking.com for similar options.

  • Hotel Deco

    Appreciate its distinctive Art Deco architecture and historic charm, centrally located for downtown exploration.

  • Old Market Area

    Many buildings in the Old Market area hold historical significance, some now operating as hotels or charming B&Bs.

Featured Historic Property

Hotel Deco

A landmark of Art Deco architecture and historic charm in downtown Omaha. Guests experience elegant design and personalized service.

  • Original Deco design preserved
  • Luxurious rooms and suites
  • Fine dining restaurant on-site
  • Central location near Old Market and Capitol District
Hotel Deco - Visual Appeal

Capturing the splendor of a bygone era with modern luxury, Hotel Deco is a tribute to Omaha's rich history and architectural beauty.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Benson & Dundee

Offers an a real local vibe with unique dining, entertainment, and charming streets. These areas house independent businesses and lively atmospheres.

West Omaha

Mainly suburban with large shopping centers, chain restaurants, and a family-oriented, quiet residential ambiance. It tends to be more car-dependent.

Old Market & Downtown Areas

Generally safe, but urban precautions apply, especially late at night. These areas are centrally located for events and walking.