If you're interested in the arts, Lincoln won't disappoint. The Sheldon Museum of Art offers an extensive collection of 20th century works. including pieces from Edward Hopper and Jackson Pollock, while the Ross Media Arts Center features documentary and independent films. Looking for something quainter? Check out the International Quilt Center. This destination offers hotels as diverse as its highlights so you can find the perfect room no matter who's in your party.
When to Visit Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska, offers four distinct seasons, so you can enjoy a dramatically different experience depending on the time of year. The busiest season for Nebraska tourism is from late May to early September, when traditional schools are on vacation. Summer events include Jazz in June, the International Thespian Festival, Uncle Sam Jam, Lancaster County Fair, and Lincoln ZombieFest.
Between mid-September and October, you'll enjoy a shoulder season with comfortable weather and a slight drop in crowds. Local events highlight the autumn weather with options like Boo at the Zoo and the Pumpkin Run.
The winter months between November and February represent Lincoln's lowest tourist season. Hotels are at their most affordable for visitors who are willing to brave the cold. Visit in winter and you can enjoy Shop the Blocks, when stores stay open late and offer special discounts just for holiday shoppers. If you're in town over the second Sunday in December, you can see the Nebraska State Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
March to mid-May is another shoulder season. You can enjoy activities that begin to pull you outside again during these spring months, such as Lincoln Earth Day and horse racing at the Lincoln Race Course.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lincoln, NE:
Lincoln, NE: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Lincoln, NE. Browse these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time to stay in Lincoln for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska
4 Star Average Prices: $141.42
Are you looking for a luxurious hotel where you'll feel pampered while you're in Lincoln? There are several choices available that offer added amenities so you can enjoy some extra elegance during your stay.
Embassy Suites Lincoln enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city. The hotel's suite accommodations feature separate living and sleeping areas. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and coffeemaker. Executive rooms include a dining table and larger work area. Each morning, a complimentary breakfast is cooked to order so you can start the day with your favorite flavors. Additional dining options are available at the Embassy Bar & Grille. Relax on-site with the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and sauna.
At the Courtyard by Marriott Lincoln Downtown, all your most important needs are taken care of on-site. You can grab breakfast and dinner at The Bistro and pick up any items that you forget at the hotel's convenience store. Thanks to its central location, this hotel also enjoys restaurant delivery from many nearby places. Rooms feature complimentary high-speed Internet access so you can stay connected. A mini-fridge in every room is an added convenience that ensures you can always have cold drinks on hand. For recreation, you can visit the indoor pool, whirlpool, or fitness center.
If you're looking for comfortable accommodations in the charming Historic Haymarket District, head to the Holiday Inn Downtown Lincoln. Ideal for special events, this hotel offers meeting rooms, a boardroom, and three ballrooms. Dine at the Red Onion Bistro and Bar, where you can enjoy locally grown produce, homemade pizza dough, and freshly baked breads. Don't miss the hotel's complimentary cocktail hour each day for an added touch of luxury.
Affordable Hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska
3 Star Average Prices: $118.46
Lincoln, Nebraska. offers several low-cost hotel options that are ideal for travelers on a budget. Stay at America's Best Value Inn Lincoln Airport and enjoy a free continental breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cable television with HBO and over 50 channels. Special weekly and monthly rates are available for long-term stays.
Knights Inn Lincoln Airport is another affordable option with a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi to add value to your stay. A refrigerator and microwave in each room make it easy to prepare snacks or meals so you can save even more money during your visit by avoiding an abundance of pricey restaurant meals.
Days Inn Lincoln has accommodations for every type of visitor. Standard rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Select rooms offer added relaxation with jetted hot tubs. Are you traveling with a furry friend? Pet-friendly accommodations are available as well.
If you're looking for an affordable hotel with added recreation on-site, the Travelodge Lincoln has a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. This hotel also serves up a complimentary Bear Bites breakfast. You can enjoy lunch and dinner on-site at the Lazlos Brewery and Grill.
2 Star Average Prices: $105.72
The Best Hotel Discounts in Lincoln, Nebraska
If you're looking for great hotel deals and discounts, your best option is typically to choose a preferred chain and stick with it as you travel. Fortunately, Lincoln has many of the most popular hotel chains in the country, so you have an excellent chance of finding a place to cash in or add to your loyalty points.
Stay at the Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket and build up your points twice as fast with double the rewards. Members of the IHG Rewards Club can get 1,000 bonus points for every night of their stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln-Roseville Area. This hotel also offers special packages for added value while you're in Lincoln, like the Gold Getaway Package with 18 holes of golf and lunch included in your stay, or the Spa Getaway Package featuring a certificate for a full body massage or facial.
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker offers special discounts for AAA members, CAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel and their families. Special packages available at this hotel include the Movie Night Package with tickets to the Marcus Lincoln Grand Cinema, and the Experience Romance Package with chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, and breakfast for two.
The Best Value Hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska
Value hotels abound in Lincoln, Nebraska. These popular destinations offer the perfect combination of affordability combined with standout amenities. If you want to make sure every dollar you spend in the city goes as far as possible, book a room at one of these destinations.
At the Hampton Inn & Suites Lincoln Northeast I 80, your stay includes a free hot breakfast, so you can immediately start padding your travel budget with the money you'll save on the most important meal of the day. Guest rooms are equipped for efficiency and convenience with both a work desk and a lap desk so you can take care of everything on your agenda. A microwave and refrigerator are available in every room, so you never have to let great leftovers go to waste while you're staying here. On-site amenities include a heated outdoor pool and fitness center.
There's plenty for guests to enjoy at the Hampton Inn South Heritage Park, thanks to its indoor pool, fitness center, and nearby walking and running trails. Your day here starts with a free hot breakfast and ends with a comfortable Hampton bed. Internet access is complimentary, so you never have to spend extra to check your email, share your vacation photos, or plan the details of your next exciting day.
If you need spacious accommodations with the comforts of home, choose Staybridge Suites Lincoln Northeast. Suites include a full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and dishwasher. You don't have to dine on paper here, with plates, glassware, silverware, and serving ware available in your room. In-room entertainment is easy with cable television and a DVD player on hand. Additional amenities include a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness room, and laundry facilities.
Getting Around Lincoln, Nebraska
Most of Lincoln's most popular highlights are available right downtown. If your hotel is conveniently located near the center of the city, you may find that you can get around on foot just fine. Consider the location of your accommodations carefully if you're visiting without a car to make things as easy as possible.
Bike rentals are another convenient option in Lincoln. Monkeywrench Cycles offers rental bikes. When cycling, you can cross the city in an hour or less, thanks to Lincoln's extensive trail system. If you prefer to take public transportation, the StarTran bus system runs until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6:55 p.m. Saturday (some routes go until 9 p.m. when the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is in session). Buses do not run on Sundays. If you're renting a car, be prepared for some significant traffic in Lincoln, particularly on football Sundays or during rush hour.
With so many hotel options on hand, you'll have no trouble booking the ideal stay for your trip to Lincoln, Nebraska. Whether you're in town for business or a family vacation, this city has something to make your visit worthwhile.
FAQs about hotels in Lincoln
How much does a cheap hotel in Lincoln cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Lincoln can be as cheap as $105.72 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Lincoln cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Lincoln has been $118.46 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Lincoln cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Lincoln has been $141.42 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Lincoln?
Below are reviews of the city of Lincoln, NE from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Location was great"
Score
5.0 / 5
Location was great. I loved being within walking distance of places to go.
Sarah M., from 07-Mar-2026
" Gastroenterology center on R street and that was the reason we came"
Score
5.0 / 5
We had to see a doctor or we would not have come to Lincoln we are old and the traffic is to much for us there are many places to eat town seemed more friendly than when we were there the last time really like gastroenterology center on R street and that was the reason we came
Donn M., from 03-Mar-2026
"Only doctor here"
Score
5.0 / 5
Glenna W., from 28-Feb-2026
"A lot of funny people"
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot of funny people More outgoing willing to interact with others I like it Lionel B.
Lionel B., from 24-Feb-2026
"Nice City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Mark K., from 21-Feb-2026
"It was nice for the hotel being so close to Haymarket"
Score
5.0 / 5
Robert S., from 20-Feb-2026
"City of Lincoln is great"
Score
4.0 / 5
Jeremy G., from 13-Feb-2026
"I recommend Tico's downtown for dinner"
Score
4.0 / 5
Gary A., from 12-Feb-2026
"Lincoln is a great place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Elizabeth F., from 31-Jan-2026
"Love Lincoln"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Lincoln. I'm a medical provider and travel there weekly for work.
Amy S., from 28-Jan-2026
"Huskers"
Score
4.0 / 5
Huskers, and good medical options.
Bobby K., from 28-Jan-2026
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots to do in the Hay Market area
Becky P., from 27-Jan-2026
"A lot of places to eat"
Score
5.0 / 5
Maynard B., from 25-Jan-2026
"Global center"
Score
4.0 / 5
Henrietta W., from 24-Jan-2026
"Great City"
Score
5.0 / 5
IT is a great city with lots to do, good restaurants and nice people.
Mary C., from 16-Jan-2026
"We will be back for other attractions"
Score
4.0 / 5
We will be back for other attractions as well as our Ninja Competitions.
Jonathan G., from 04-Jan-2026
"The Zoo Bar has music just about every night"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Zoo Bar has music just about every night, heavy on the blues. The Lied Center brings a variety of shows This entire area of Lincoln just has a groovy vibe - part college town, part Old San Francisco, part artsy-bohemian.
Carolyn O., from 04-Jan-2026
"Lincoln"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lincoln appears to be a clean modern growing city with many things to do and see.
Peggy D., from 23-Dec-2025
"Shopping is great"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping is great and many wonderful restaurants to pick from.
Jacquelyn Y., from 20-Dec-2025
"Easy to get in and out of"
Score
5.0 / 5
Bethany L., from 19-Dec-2025
"Big 10 restaurant was good"
Score
5.0 / 5
Big 10 restaurant was good. Walking around the town was nice.
Janet R., from 09-Dec-2025
"My husband got a new hip at St Elizabeth"
Score
5.0 / 5
My husband got a new hip at St Elizabeth! That went well.
Sue W., from 04-Dec-2025
"Lincoln Neb has beautiful fall colors"
Score
4.0 / 5
Maria K., from 29-Nov-2025
"Sam’s Club nearby"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sam's Club Nearby. Fuel was a bargain for a diesel truck!
Debra P., from 08-Nov-2025
"Family"
Score
4.0 / 5
My cousin lives here! Close to Cracker Barrel.
Gary G., from 04-Nov-2025
"Family"
Score
5.0 / 5
Relatives there, NE game festivities & game [ except loss to USC :( ]
Cheri B., from 04-Nov-2025
"Easy to get around"
Score
4.0 / 5
Debra M., from 26-Oct-2025
"Easy to get around"
Score
4.0 / 5
Debra M., from 26-Oct-2025
"Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping!
Paula V., from 14-Oct-2025
"FUN!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lincoln has a BUZZ that is contagious!!!! What fun we had. Also, Lincoln is so safe to visit.
Kathleen T., from 08-Oct-2025
"Awesome!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything wàs awesome and easily accessible.
Ken B., from 08-Oct-2025
"Clean City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean city
Daniel Q., from 08-Oct-2025
"Love Lincoln!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the city of Lincoln and coming down for football and volleyball games.
Todd L., from 05-Oct-2025
"Great Stopping Point!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great stopping point; easy on / off from I-80
Harvey O., from 05-Oct-2025
"Lincoln is my hometown"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lincoln is my hometown, it's always fun to come back to visit Lincoln and see longtime friends.
William B., from 04-Oct-2025
"Easy Driving"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's an easy city to drive in
Scott H., from 01-Oct-2025
"Close to restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Renae H., from 24-Sep-2025
"Great Service"
Score
4.0 / 5
Staff was very helpful with the Internet, very friendly
Lorie M., from 20-Sep-2025
"Near Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to shopping areas
Tom S., from 20-Sep-2025
"Good place to visit."
Score
5.0 / 5
We travelled to Lincoln for grandparents day at a school where our grandchildren attend. We visited one of our sons and his family, had meals in Lincoln and shopped at Sam's Club before leaving for home.
Theodore O., from 19-Sep-2025
"The downtown area"
Score
4.0 / 5
The downtown area
John L., from 16-Sep-2025
"I loved the 3 lane highway between Lincoln and Omaha."
Score
4.0 / 5
I loved the 3 lane highway between Lincoln and Omaha.
Kirk A., from 14-Sep-2025
"Ruby Tuesday!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ruby Tuesday was a great food stop. Thank you for the card.
Virginia A., from 10-Sep-2025
"Close to wedding venue."
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to wedding venue.
Craig S., from 07-Sep-2025
"Campus and market district!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Campus and market district!
John J., from 03-Sep-2025
"Pretty, bustling, City."
Score
4.0 / 5
Richard N., from 28-Aug-2025
"Lincoln is a fun atmosphere with the sea of red!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Todd S., from 26-Aug-2025
"Friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
Friendly service, clean and walkable to and from hotel and to Pinnacle.
Corinne J., from 24-Aug-2025
"Planning to move here"
Score
5.0 / 5
David M., from 23-Aug-2025
"City of Lincoln is very clean & has a lot of amenities."
Score
5.0 / 5
City of Lincoln is very clean & has a lot of amenities.
Rita H., from 20-Aug-2025
"Good restaurants and wineries."
Score
5.0 / 5
Good restaurant choices and wineries; easy to get around.
Judy V., from 20-Aug-2025
"Clean, street well lit, college grounds."
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean, street well lit, college grounds.
April M., from 19-Aug-2025
"Such a great atmosphere!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nichole C., from 19-Aug-2025
"Great Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great places to eat and very polite people.
Kory C., from 29-Jul-2025
"Friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
People are very friendly
Janet C., from 27-Jul-2025
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Right across the street from Misty's steakhouse.
Jeff P., from 08-Jul-2025
"Excellent Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great downtown area
Barbara B., from 28-Jun-2025
"Love Lincoln!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great zoo, Super shopping, Clean city! Wonderful Children's Museum!
Donna D., from 16-Jun-2025
"Easy to Get Around "
Score
5.0 / 5
So easy to get around
Douglas C., from 31-May-2025
"Clean town, easy to get around with good highways."
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean town, easy to get around with good highways.
Lavonne E., from 23-May-2025
"Super Cool Historic Downtown With Awesome Bars & Eateries!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Downtown Lincoln is awesome for bars and restaurants. Super cool historic vibe.
Lisa D., from 11-May-2025
"Plenty of things to do in Lincoln!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Plenty of things to do in Lincoln!
Janine G., from 07-May-2025
"Lincoln"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Lincoln! Come here all the time. Came for HS golf tournament. We've been to Husker sporting events, concerts, great shopping.
Toby T., from 07-May-2025
"The Blush Bridal experience was fantastic!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Blush Bridal experience was fantastic!
Paul H., from 27-Apr-2025
"Great Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I work in Lincoln. I enjoy the shopping.
Jude P., from 25-Apr-2025
"The Zoo Bar"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Zoo Bar
John M., from 22-Apr-2025
"Lots to do!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy to get around, lots of options for something to do.
Ross T., from 22-Apr-2025
"Good Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good hotel location.
Cynthia A., from 13-Apr-2025
"Near Capital Mall & The University"
Score
5.0 / 5
Near Capital Mall and the university.
Amy C., from 11-Apr-2025
"Great Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great town.
Joann J., from 31-Mar-2025
"Great Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great town.
Joann J., from 31-Mar-2025
"Great!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great!
Richard W., from 21-Mar-2025
"Local Knitting Store Event"
Score
4.0 / 5
Was in Lincoln for a knitting event at a local knitting store.
Lori C., from 18-Mar-2025
"A Great Visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved the boys HS finals, the city garden, the casino was clean. A great visit.
Jane B., from 17-Mar-2025
"Friendly!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Friendly people!
Rich H., from 18-Feb-2025
"Nice City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice city. Been there several times.
Larry S., from 13-Feb-2025
"Friendly Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lincoln is a friendly town.
Sue B., from 08-Feb-2025
"Great Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We have been to Lincoln many times and have always enjoyed the stores that we shop in.
Dennis B., from 07-Feb-2025
"I enjoyed eating at Toast restaurant!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I enjoyed eating at Toast restaurant!
Nivhole P., from 29-Jan-2025
"Lincoln is beautiful and has a great energy!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lincoln is beautiful and has a great energy!
Kathryn K., from 27-Jan-2025
"Great location"
Score
5.0 / 5
So many things to do
Keith P., from 25-Jan-2025
"Great location"
Score
4.0 / 5
We enjoyed the Husker VB games! The food at the restaurant attached to the hotel was great!
Michell M., from 21-Dec-2024
"Lots of restaurants to choose from!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We've been there several times. They have lots of restaurant choices.
Karen B., from 12-Dec-2024
"Lots of restaurant choices."
Score
4.0 / 5
We've been there several times. They have lots of restaurant choices.
Karen B., from 12-Dec-2024
"Love Lincoln!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love Lincoln!
Patrica M., from 07-Dec-2024
"Good location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Selection of restaurants is good. Cracker Barrel was great.
Bob G., from 02-Dec-2024
"Nice location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the Haymarket. Shopping is definitely geared towards Cornhusker fans. (Fine by me.) But also like some more artsy kind of shops. Most of the shops and restaurants are located up a few steps off the sidewalk but all accessed by ramps for wheelchair users. The city is easy to navigate by alphabetical street names. The Lincoln airport is a dream!! Small, very clean and updated. Parking, drop off and pickup areas are a breeze. Plus only short 15 minute drive into the downtown area.
Jane S., from 20-Nov-2024
"Nice town with many restaurants to choose from."
Score
4.0 / 5
It's a nice town. A lot of restaurant choices. Nice size of a town.
Carol S., from 18-Nov-2024
"Close to Big 10 Sports Bar"
Score
4.0 / 5
I was in Lincoln for a fraternity reunion and the place we had it (Big 10 Sports Bar) was very accommodating to all our needs. We had our own space, waitress and barmaid for our group. It was downtown near the hotel and other eating establishments which made it easier for us to get around. Since I am on a special diet, the places were able to adjust the menu for my needs and did not charge me for the changes that were made.
Rickey T., from 17-Nov-2024
"Great City!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great city!!
Richard W., from 01-Nov-2024
"Charming!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Charming!
Robert B., from 21-Oct-2024
"Clean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean!
Joan K., from 19-Oct-2024
"Lots to do in Lincoln!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots to do in Lincoln!
Tina F., from 13-Oct-2024
"Food options and Husker volleyball!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food options and Husker volleyball!
Kami J., from 12-Oct-2024
"Will always love it!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I grew up there. Will always love it!
Berniece W., from 04-Oct-2024
"Great music and wine at Deer Creek Winery!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Best thing was Deer Creek Winery east of town. Great music and wonderful wine.
Bruce G., from 19-Aug-2024
"Wonderful museums and wonderful food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sheldon Art Museum and Morrill Hall Museum. Loved Rutabagas, Ollie and Hobbes, and Cooks Cafe - wonderful food.
Kathleen L., from 18-Aug-2024
"Love the Lincoln Children's Zoo!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love the Lincoln Children's Zoo!
Traci H., from 17-Aug-2024
"Boxing Gym"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Boxing Gym and 24 hour McDonald's!
Krystal M., from 13-Aug-2024
"Bar & Restaurant Nearby"
Score
4.0 / 5
It has a bar and restaurant nearby.
Kevin A., from 04-Aug-2024
The average traveler rating of the city of Lincoln, NE shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 100 reviews