The largest city in Nebraska, Omaha is also the cultural and economic center of the Cornhusker State. Unlike most of Nebraska, it's an entirely urban setting, making it an interesting place to visit. Located near the confluence of the Platte and Missouri Rivers, the surrounding area is full of serene plains, which is also home to a plethora of wildlife.
Native American tribes first settled the area around Omaha in the 17th century. It wasn't until the early 1800s that the vision for Omaha came together, thanks to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As more pioneers moved West during the latter half of the 19th century, Omaha became an important trading post and starting point for these travelers. During this time, Omaha also became known for its massive stockyards, which supplied some of the most famous steaks in the country. In the 1900s, Omaha developed into a finance, insurance, and tech center home to affluent businesspeople such as Warren Buffett and companies like LinkedIn.
Today, Omaha still features booming business, as well as a vibrant arts, music, and cultural scene. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, finding the right hotel to suit your needs is an important part of making your trip both fun and memorable.
When to Visit Omaha, NE
Omaha is often referred to as an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Consequently, summer is the optimal time to visit the Gateway to the West. During this time, temperatures stay consistently warm with a high of 85 degrees and a low of 74 degrees. Outdoor activities between June and August include hiking, biking, fishing, team sports, bird watching, and water sports. The summer is also the biggest part of the festival season, offering events such as the Omaha Solstice Reggae Fest, Bee Fest, and the delicious Omaha Beer and Bacon Festival. Hotels fill up quickly during this time, so don't forget to book a room early to get the hotel of your choice.
In the spring, Omaha is a major tourist destination as it hosts the College Baseball World Series. This annual tournament attracts visitors from all over the country, and it showcases the talents of some of the best up-and-coming players in the game. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which has over 1.1 million visitors a year, sees an influx of tourists during this time as the temperatures warm up from the frigid winter. The spring also ushers in the start of the season for Omaha's Old Market, which sells produce and meat from local farmers and vendors. Finding a hotel in the spring is a tricky prospect, requiring visitors to plan ahead to find proper accommodation.
During the winter, Omaha's temperatures and precipitation vary from year to year. From December to February, the area gets around 6 inches of snow a month, making it a hidden gem for skiing and snowboarding at resorts such as Mount Crescent and Snow Creek. There are also plenty of museums, shops, and restaurants to entertain you and keep you out of the cold. Demand for hotel rooms falls dramatically during this season, so finding a steal on a hotel room is a realistic expectation.
The fall is another superb option for visiting Omaha as temperatures get more mild. There are still plenty of intriguing festivals during this time such as the Omaha Ramen Festival, the Great Omaha Chocolate Festival, and Oktoberfest. In nearby Lincoln, fans flock from across the state to see the famous University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. If there isn't a major festival or a football game, hotels are easier to find. However, if something's going on, hotel bookings are essential.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Omaha, NE:
Omaha, NE: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Omaha, NE. Browse these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive months to book in Omaha for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Omaha, NE
4 Star Average Prices: $154.47
Finding a luxury hotel in Omaha at a quality price is easier than you think. Whether you love to relax in a hotel room during your vacation or you just want to some place to unwind after a day full of business meetings, Omaha's luxury hotel scene has you covered. Perhaps the most opulent choice is the downtown Hilton Omaha, which has over 600 rooms to choose from. This location is ideal for both tourists and businesspeople as it's close to the CenturyLink Omaha Convention Center, TD Ameritrade Park, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market, and the Children's Museum. The hotel has plenty of great amenities such as access to a health club and spa, a fitness center, a concierge service, an indoor pool, and a bar and lounge. In addition, each room offers comfortable, ergonomic chairs with a work desk, a sofa sleeper, free wireless internet and a 32-inch, flat-screen television.
Budget Hotel Options in Omaha, Nebraska
3 Star Average Prices: $103.45
If you want to experience Omaha without breaking the bank, the city has many affordable options. Situated across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the Days Inn & Suites Omaha is a bargain option that's less than 2 miles from downtown Omaha. Here you'll have access to a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and shopping, dining, and night life in both Council Bluffs and Omaha. In-room amenities include a work desk, a coffeemaker, and a television with cable programming. Once you've settled in, the Days Inn is right near popular attractions such as Harrah's Casino, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, Creighton University, and the Lauritzen Gardens.
If you're looking for something on the Nebraska side of the river, give the Baymont Inn & Suites a try. Located just to the southwest of downtown, this hotel is still close to the action with museums, gardens, and dining all less than 5 miles away. In-room features include complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers, and a work desk. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, you can even opt for a suite with a full hot tub included. You'll also love their free hot breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and free coffee and tea around the clock. Plus, you're only a short jaunt from casinos, shopping, the Elmwood Park Golf Course, and the University of Nebraska Omaha.
2 Star Average Prices: $76.68
Best Discounts in Omaha, Nebraska
To get the best value on your trip, it's worth your while to seek out various discounts. At the Sheraton Hotel, you'll receive sizable discounts on a king-bed room when you show your AAA card. Located in northwest Omaha, the Sheraton is conveniently situated near the local arboretum, Maplewood Lanes, and the Miracle Hill Golf and Tennis Center. When you check-in at their 24-hour desk, you'll immediately notice amenities throughout the hotel such as a 24-hour business center, a large indoor pool, a fitness center, and the Club Lounge, where you can catch your favorite show or the big game. Each room also has some awesome attributes such as complimentary Wi-Fi; a 37-inch, LCD television with access to cable programming and the MLB Network; an in-room safe; deluxe toiletries; and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bed.
Best Value Options in Omaha, NE
Whether you're someone who doesn't spend much time in a hotel or you don't want to spend your savings on a hotel room, Omaha has numerous midrange hotel options. One of these hotels is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in West Omaha. Although it's on the outskirts of town, just about 13 miles from downtown Omaha, you won't have to deal with excessive traffic or noise during your stay. In the nearby Shops of Legacy, you'll have several shopping and dining options within a short drive. However, this hotel is probably the best choice for corporate travelers, as it's located right near corporate offices for Yahoo, TD Ameritrade, PayPal, Mutual of Omaha, and First National Bank.
When your long day is finally over, you can retire to your room or suite and enjoy the benefits of a king bed with cozy sheets, a television with satellite programming, a refrigerator, a Keurig, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a hair dryer. The hotel also offers extras such as a health and fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a dry cleaning and laundry valet.
Top Destinations in Omaha, Nebraska
There are so many things to do in Omaha that it's hard to narrow it down to a few. For the sports enthusiast, the College Baseball World Series, which takes place each June, is one of the most competitive and exciting competitions in college athletics. There's also the Triple-A minor league Omaha Storm Chasers, which is another baseball option for the diehard fan.
If sports aren't your thing, don't worry. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the world, showcasing animals from around the globe. The most alluring structure at the zoo is the Desert Dome, which is the world's largest indoor desert. Other exhibits include the African Grasslands, the Alaskan Adventure, and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley, just to name a few.
Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel downtown with close distance to sporting events or the convention center, or a more modestly priced option near the airport or in the suburbs, you can definitely find the perfect hotel to meet your needs.
'It's your life. Only you can choose what you make with it, whether it's chicken salad or chicken shit., • Carlos Wallace
Those were the famous words of the New York Times best-selling author, revealing how an exquisite getaway like Omaha can act as the right stress buster. Placed in the heart of Midwestern United States, the city is known to be the artistic and cultural hub of the country. It has unassumingly placed itself as one of the greatest travel spotlights and best family friendly holiday destination on the global map. The article elucidates some of the luxurious and cheap hotels, so you can get a dose of the local dramatic views in the city.
Budget Hotels in Omaha
If you are looking for a vacation in Omaha, but unable to stretch your budget to pay exorbitant bills, there are lots of clean, affordable, and comfortable accommodations available all over the city. Carol Hotel Omaha, Best Western Old Mill Inn, Regency Lodge, Comfort Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, and Courtyard Omaha Aksarben Village are all excellent choices. Positioned in the central location of the city, these cheap hotels are easy on pocket and go the extra mile to offer a pleasant stay to their guests. Whether you are here for a vacation or halting for just the night, the properties will surely fill your stay with unforgettable memories, without a doubt.
Best Luxury Hotels in Omaha
Make the most of your vacation with Hilton Omaha hotel. Located right in the middle of the city, this is one of the lavish Omaha hotels, ideal for travelers looking to stay nearby the Eppley Airfield Airport and Old Market Entertainment District. Every room features cosy and comfy sofas, ergonomically designed work desk, and oversized living space • perfectly complimenting both family and corporate visits. Besides, the hotel has a plenty of flexible space and amenities to plan a social gathering or wedding in its luxurious Blackstone and Grand Central ballrooms. Another great choice is the grandeur Hotel Deco XV. This is the single Four-Diamond AAA rated property in Nebraska. Designed to efficiently serve the most distinguished, elite and prestigious guests, the hotel indubitably offer personalized and exceptional services to ensure maximum comfort and delight of its guests.
What to Do/See in Omaha?
Omaha is a wonderful place to visit. The city chose its name after an Indo-American Tribe called Omaha, connoting the ones following rituals against the current or wind. The place, even today, proudly continues to live up to its name. Paying homage to some of the extraordinary and mesmeric zoos worldwide, the region dots myriad interesting attraction spots, including the inimitable Joslyn Art Museum, panoramic Mount Vernon Gardens, remarkable Hot Shops Art Center, and Gene Leahy Mall, to name a few. Above and beyond, the historical significance of the city features over 40 sculptures drawing inspiration from the 13th century Venice carnival, creative public art, and some of the majestic Omaha hotels sprinkles the city with its lively demeanor.
FAQs about hotels in Omaha
How much does a cheap hotel in Omaha cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Omaha can be as cheap as $76.68 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Omaha cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Omaha has been $103.45 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Omaha cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Omaha has been $154.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)