Where to Stay in Omaha, Nebraska: The Best Hotels & Areas

Known for its friendliness, musical influence, and breweries, Omaha is jam-packed with interesting areas and neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and vibe. That’s why choosing where to stay in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the most important decisions you will make while planning your vacation.

From gorgeous historic districts with a quiet atmosphere to exciting downtown blocks with neon lights and nights that never end, Omaha has a range of neighborhoods that’ll appeal to every type of traveler.

Many of the city’s top hotels lie around Downtown Omaha and The Old Market. But if centrality isn’t important, you’ll also find an array of great accommodations at lower prices in areas outside the city center like Midtown, Aksarben/Elmwood Park, and just across the state border in Council Bluffs, IA.

Struggling to figure out which area suits your needs? This comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Omaha, NE, breaks down each neighborhood’s vibe and the hottest hotels that need to be on your radar!

Best places to stay in Omaha, NE

With cool areas and neighborhoods to suit every budget and travel style, choosing where to base yourself in Omaha isn’t as difficult as it may seem at first.

If you want to take advantage of the urban lifestyle, set your sights on energetic areas like Downtown Omaha or The Old Market. In these neighborhoods, you won’t need to waste tons of time hailing taxis or riding public transportation between attractions.

Joslyn Art Museum

For a more chilled-out pace, a more residential neighborhood like Aksarben/Elmwood Park or Council Bluffs might fit the bill better. For a little mix of both, Midtown is a good option, just a 5-minute drive west of downtown.

The best areas to stay in Omaha, NE, are:

Downtown Omaha

✓ The ideal district in Omaha for the busy-bee tourists

If you like to keep busy from the time your plane lands to the time your plane leaves, set your sights on Downtown Omaha. As the heart of the city, this area showcases all of Omaha’s highlights, from top-notch attractions to superb places to eat & drink.

Downtown

Spend your day perusing Omaha’s top tourist attractions, like Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, or top-notch Omaha museums, like The Durham Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum. At night, crawl the streets of Downtown Omaha in search of the city’s tastiest food & drink at the wide array of trendy restaurants and bars.

Downtown Omaha offers plenty of large chain hotels that’ll satisfy your needs, but its main accommodation niche is superb boutique hotels. From quirky hotels full of pep to sepia-toned, spa-inspired stays, you’re sure to find something unique in this city center area.

EVEN Hotel

EVEN Hotel Omaha Downtown – Old Market, an IHG Hotel

The EVEN Hotel Omaha Downtown Old Market is centered around wellness. Each room has a fitness area with on-demand personal training videos and exercise equipment so you can keep up with your health goals in your own private space. If you want something a little more intense, you can also access the full athletics studio with everything from cycling classes to yoga. Of course, don’t forget to eat the most important meal of the day at the hotel’s healthy restaurant before grabbing the shuttle bus to several of the city’s top attractions.

Magnolia Hotel

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

The Magnolia Hotel is a boutique destination that makes an ultra-luxurious home away from home. Choose from a stylish double guest room or a multi-floor suite with direct access to the courtyard. No matter which you pick, upon arrival, you’ll take advantage of valet parking and a foodie-approved farm-to-table menu. The cherry on top? The Magnolia is 100% dog-friendly, with no size or breed restrictions and no crazy pet fees.

Hotel Deco

Hotel Deco

Hotel Deco is Omaha’s top accommodation destination for dreamers and artists, beloved for its Art Deco design. Whether you’re sitting in your in-suite lounge area, dining at your private table, climbing into your plush bedding, or jotting down your innermost thoughts by desk light, this hotel is sure to inspire. Start your vacation off on the right foot by arranging a head-to-toe pampering. You can book in-room massages for a relaxing #spaday or a romantic couples escape.

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo – Omaha Downtown, an IHG Hotel

Dating back to 1915, the Hotel Indigo Omaha Downtown is one of the most striking historic buildings in town. With velvet couches, doorway arches, and a golden hat tree in the entryway, this hotel is the perfect blend of old and new. There’s even exposed brick in the fitness center! Don’t forget to plan an evening at Anna’s Place Speakeasy, where you’ll indulge in prohibition-inspired cocktails and eats until the wee hours of the morning.

The Peregrine Curio Collection By Hilton

The Peregrine Omaha Downtown Curio Collection By Hilton

The Peregrine Omaha Downtown Curio Collection By Hilton fuses historic and contemporary vibes. A nod to the hotel’s name, Peregrine-inspired art hangs on the guest room walls, accented by velvet ribbed headboards and window-side chaise loungers. Not to mention, the bathroom’s self-lit mirrors make getting ready a treat. For some epic snaps for your social, be sure to take an iconic selfie in the swinging lobby bar egg chair and posing in front of the courtyard mural.

The Old Market

✓ The top choice area to stay in Omaha for foodies

In the historic heart of Omaha, the Old Market is a buzzing little neighborhood with an affinity for good food and good music. Although it only spans a couple of blocks in each direction, the area is jam-packed with excellent restaurants, cafes, bars, craft breweries, and vintage shops.

One of the most popular activities in Old Market is to chow down at some of the city’s most innovative restaurants, followed up by long nights spent watching live music or sipping craft beers.

The Old Market

Check out Spaghetti Works for stick-to-your-ribs Italian or Blue Sushi Sake Grill to surprise your palate with some Japanese flair. Or seek out your ultimate tipple at the Brickway Brewing & Distillery or the Upstream Brewing Company.

The hotel offerings in The Old Market are limited but cover all the bases, from chain hotels to more boutique-style lodgings. Whether you want something simple and understated or want to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel here.

Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place Omaha/Downtown-Old Market

Are you a traveler who’s always (at least a little bit) hungry? You can always find a snack at The Hyatt Place Omaha/Downtown-Old Market. With 24-hour dining outlets, you’re covered whether you want to sit down and enjoy a meal, grab something to go, or nibble on a sweet treat while you wait for your taxi. Though this is one of the hotel’s most interesting features, it’s certainly not all it has to offer. The Hyatt Place also has a spa-inspired indoor pool, and every room comes with a sleeper sofa, making sharing rooms easier than ever.

Residence Inn by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown Old Market Area

The Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown Old Market Area offers guests a few extra perks that set it apart from the pack. No matter the length of your stay, you can take advantage of concierge-coordinated grocery delivery services and travel around town in the complimentary shuttle that seats up to 11 passengers; even if you’re traveling with a larger crew, you’ll be able to carpool and save a few bucks.

Not really a night owl? Nightime entertainment doesn’t have to mean hitting the local bars; instead, you can curl up by the fire on the patio and order bar service, all in the comfort of this top-notch hotel.

Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites Omaha – Downtown/Old Market

Embassy Suites Omaha – Downtown/Old Market is another hotel that’s focused on making sure all your foodie needs are taken care of, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or satisfy a craving, this hotel’s nightly receptions are always a hit. Other food-centered amenities include complimentary made-to-order breakfast and a specially curated late-night snack menu if you want to order room service on a cozy night in.

The Farnam, Autograph Collection

The Farnam, Autograph Collection

If you want to impress your travel buddy, book a night at The Farnam, Autograph Collection. With an outdoor fireplace lounge, art-forward lobby spaces, and panoramic windows, the design of this hotel is sure to win any traveler over. When getting ready for a night out on the town, you’ll appreciate the modern bathroom design with two XL mirrors and tons of natural light; when you’d prefer to stay in, you’ll have your pick of the rooftop bar, a woodfire grill, and a coffee house.

Midtown

✓ The best place to stay in Omaha for art lovers

Located just west of Downtown Omaha, Midtown is a great place for creatives to hang out, especially since so many of the area’s tourism activities center around the arts.

Staying in Midtown, you’ll have small art galleries like Modern Arts Midtown and Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery right at your doorstep. History and architecture buffs will love touring Joslyn Castle & Gardens. Built in 1903, the estate is one of the most stunning landmarks around Omaha. By night, keep things light and fun at the area’s crafty cocktail bars or trendy bistros.

The hotels in Midtown mostly fall within the mid-range but offer excellent value compared to properties in the city center. Some show off a more boutique-style approach, while others offer apartment-style suites.

Home2 Suites By Hilton

Home2 Suites By Hilton Omaha Un Medical Ctr Area

The Midtown Home2 Suites By Hilton is well-reviewed for its cheerful, apartment-style accommodations ranging from studio spaces to two-bedroom suites. The hotel even has pet-friendly rooms that accommodate dogs up to 75 pounds, a much higher limit than many of their competitors.

The suites come equipped with full-size kitchens and dining tables, perfect for self-catering family dinners full of chatter and laughter. Don’t feel like cooking three meals a day? A full hot breakfast is supplied by the hotel each morning.

Element Hotel

Element Omaha Midtown Crossing

Element Omaha Midtown Crossing is a gorgeous, high-design eco-friendly hotel renowned for its sustainability efforts, not the least of which is a prestigious LEED certification. The hotel is committed to low carbon and water footprints with full transparency. (You can even track it on their website!) Wondering how it’s possible? One of the ways the hotel helps to reduce its (and its guests’) emissions is by offering free rental bikes and a complimentary airport shuttle to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, an IHG Hotel

A night at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is the ultimate boutique hotel experience. With a mix of contemporary and mid-century design culminating in an old-world, tropical feel, this hotel gives off major vacation vibes. The communal spaces are drenched in bold, rich colors with oodles of houseplants in contrast to the serene neutral tones in the guest rooms. What do all of these spaces have in common? Statement rattan furniture.

Council Bluffs

✓ The perfect neighborhood in (sorta!) Omaha for history buffs

Okay, okay: So, Council Bluffs isn’t actually part of Omaha. In fact, the city’s not even in Nebraska; rather, it’s just across the state line in Iowa. That said, this Omaha suburb on the east bank of the Missouri River has major appeal, from its historic charm to sprawling green spaces.

Council Bluffs

History enthusiasts should check out the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House. These premier Council Bluffs attractions are sure to catch your attention before you even have a chance to explore the nearby hotels.

If you want to get your money’s worth in terms of amenities but don’t want to splurge on extra fluff or a central location, the accommodations in Council Bluffs should fit the bill. The area offers plenty of low to mid-range hotels that are all about the guest experience and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s also a great spot to launch into popular Omaha day trips in Iowa, including to the Iowan capital of Des Moines.

My Place Hotel

My Place Hotel-Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA

My Place Hotel-Council Bluffs/Omaha East has all your foodie needs on lock. Each guest room has a full-size kitchen, and the lobby has a “My Store” convenience outlet where you stock up on basic snacks and food, so you don’t need to make last-minute trips to the grocery store to prepare your own meals. Want to be a little extra indulgent? Arrange for breakfast in bed. Simply make your selections at check-in, and a little picnic bundle will be delivered in the morning.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs – Convention Center Area, an IHG Hotel

For top value, choose the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs Convention Center Area. Self-parking is complimentary, and there’s a twice-a-week reception with snacks and beverages in the lobby. Better yet? Kids eat free every day of the week. One of the top reasons travelers love this hotel is its wide range of accessible features. Hearing, vision, and physical impairments have all been well accounted for (including an accessible pool), and they also boast a bilingual staff.

Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA

The Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs will help you take transportation off of your to-do list and stop it from eating up your budget. A free shuttle will take you anywhere you want to go within a five-mile radius of the hotel. The hotel also offers an American bistro that’s open from the wee hours of the morning to 10 pm, so you’ll never have to leave your tummy grumbling or dash out for a quick bite.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Omaha East, Council Bluffs, IA

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Omaha East Council Bluffs is the recipient of the TripAdvisor traveller’s choice award—and it’s easy to see why. The hotel’s prime location and BBQ facilities for summertime dining outdoors are among past guests’ favorite amenities. Add to that the gym, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that are frosted for privacy but beaming in plenty of light and a city skyline silhouette.

Aksarben/Elmwood Park

✓ Omaha’s top destination for travelers with kids

Aksarben/Elmwood Park is all about family-friendly entertainment. With frequent festivals and live music events, plus a permanent selection of nightlife options for adults, you’ll never find yourself bored after the sun sets in this neighborhood.

Catching a flick at the Aksarben Cinema is an absolute must—not to mention suitable for all ages. There’s also an arcade, climbing, gym, escape rooms, and more to keep you on your toes.

The vibe of Aksarben/Elmwood Park’s accommodations is quite similar to that of Council Bluffs, with amenity-forward, affordable hotels ruling the roost.

Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn Omaha Midtown-Aksarben

The Hampton Inn Omaha Midtown-Aksarben offers everything you need for a comfortable guest experience without inflating the price tag with unnecessary bells and whistles. At the end of the day, it comes down to good value. Included in this classic hotel, you’ll get access to an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, a well-equipped gym, and a hot tub without sacrificing your wallet.

Courtyard by Marriott Aksarben Village

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Aksarben Village

The Courtyard by Marriott Aksarben Village’s communal lounge spaces are top-notch, from little tables with privacy walls and personal TVs to a more traditional living-room style space with couches and cozy bookshelves. The hotel is well situated within walking distance of the neighborhood’s top restaurants. If you’d rather not wander around in search of some grub, there’s a lovely breakfast bistro on site where you can choose from an a la carte menu and get your Starbucks coffee fix without rushing out of the hotel first thing in the morning.

Aloft

Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village

Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village knows that there’s no one way to spend the perfect day on vacation. That’s why they provide guests with so many options. Whether you want to challenge your roommates to a round of pool in the games room or head down to the orange Sunkist pool room for a quick plunge, you’re guaranteed a good time here.

Need a refresher? Visit the WXYZ bar and restaurant for all your happy hour needs. Want to explore the neighborhood? Take advantage of the free bike rental and tour around town. They’ve truly thought of it all!

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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