“Somebody is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Those sage words come from one of the world’s richest people, Warren Buffett. Like him, you understand that what you do today can have a significant impact later in life. You worked hard and squirrelled away extra nickels and dimes, leaving you with the means to see the world on your terms. You seek out destinations that others may not, knowing that you don’t vacation for status, you vacation for you. Mr. Buffett also suggests that “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” Well, wise wanderer, you know exactly what you are doing, and that is why you are traveling to Omaha. Just like the tree analogy, downtown is experiencing a period of enjoyable, welcomed shade. A revitalization project in the Old Market neighborhood has transformed a once dilapidated district into a dynamic area with new luxurious Omaha hotels, independently owned shops, and inventive restaurants. You aim to experience the comfortable “shade” along the cobblestone streets of and elsewhere throughout the Gateway to the West.
Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Omaha?
When you are thinking about where to stay in Omaha, you can’t go wrong with downtown. Not only are some of the most impressive Omaha lodging options found downtown, you’ll also be surrounded by great neighborhoods like Old Market, close to well-maintained outdoor areas like the Heartland of America Park, and a short walk to the attractions along the Missouri riverfront. Here are some of our favorite hotels in downtown Omaha:
- Magnolia Hotel Omaha: Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Magnolia is one most popular hotels in Omaha…and for good reason. Influenced by Florentine architecture, the boutique hotel oozes sophistication and style. Guestrooms are well-appointed with custom bedding, flat screen televisions, and sweeping city views. Suites have ceiling-to-floor windows, a large workspace, and a cozy sitting area. Step outside the lobby doors and you’ll be across the street from the Orpheum Theater and a few short blocks away from Old Market, Douglas County courthouse, and multiple rental car companies.
- Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market: All the brick-lined streets of Old Market seemingly lead to this contemporary hotel with its oversized rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 42” high definition televisions. With an in-room workspace and on-site business center, you’ll have everything you need to get some work done. And, thanks to a fitness center and indoor swimming pool, you can burn off your work-related stresses and relax away your tensions. In between pounding the laptop and laps in the pool, guests enjoy 24-hour dining options and a bar that serves everything from an early-morning cup of invigorating Joe to a perfectly crafted local microbrew.
- Hilton Omaha: Every summer, fans of our national pastime flock to Omaha for the College Baseball World Series. It’s as much a tradition for these sports-craved fans as singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. Situated two blocks south of TD Ameritrade Park where the games are played, you won’t find a better hotel for the championship run than the Hilton. With almost 40,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly 17,000 square feet of ballroom space, the hotel is the perfect spot to hold you next business or social event too. You’ll enjoy full dining options, an indoor swimming pool, and chic, contemporary styling.
- Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel and Convention Center: A little further to the west of most of the downtown attractions, the Ramada Plaza is a bit of a destination in its own right. For starters, the attached 60,000 square foot convention facilities are augmented by 19 meeting rooms inside the actual hotel, allowing for events of all sizes. Guests enjoy access to CoCo Key Water Resort, a water park oasis to unwind after a long day on the convention floor. Impeccably styled, oversized guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, and spa-quality toiletries. And, with the on-site Castaways restaurant, Bluestem lounge, and Brewed Awakenings coffee bar, you won’t have to venture far for food, fun, or fuel.
Warren Buffett also wisely asserted that “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” When you use Travelocity to book your vacation, you’re sure to find a great value for a low price. Choose from a wide selection of rooms that includes cheap hotels near Omaha, upscale accommodations near Old Market, and luxurious resorts around downtown. You probably won’t save enough to become the richest person in the world, but you can shop like one of them.