The Hastings center is approximately the area of Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and the area of Hastings College.
The best time to visit this part of Nebraska is in the fall. Temperatures average in the 70s in August and fall to the 40s in November. You won't need a jacket in August, but mornings start getting chilly in September. Vibrant blue skies, blazing fall colors, and harvest season makes this a great time to enjoy outdoor festivals. Hotel rates don't change much in Hastings; autumn rates are typical and rooms don't fill too fast.
Winters in Hastings are often harsh. Average temperatures don't reach above the mid-30s from December through February and lows are below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Hastings faces blizzards and ice storms during winter months with each month racking up six inches of snow on average. Make sure to pack lots of layers and a heavy coat if you're looking to visit in winter for big savings on hotel rates.
Spring is a good time to visit since the heat and humidity of summer haven't arrived. From low 80s in March to mid-90s in May, spring temperatures are as perfect as the blooms on the trees. The rainiest month occurs in May. Hastings, like most midwestern cities, experiences severe weather in the spring, but that shouldn't deter you. Just keep an eye on the weather. Expect to see a small boost in hotel rates and occupancy when families start visiting Hastings College.
Summers in the area are hot and sticky. Average highs from June to August are around 90 degrees with high humidity. Like spring weather, summer storms are sometimes severe with high winds and hail. Expect a spike in hotel rates and bookings in August, when students arrive.
For extra savings and discounts for AAA members, seniors, and large groups, there are several choices. At Holiday Inn Express in Hastings, AAA members save almost 10 percent on rooms and suites. Take advantage of the hotel's eHost Online Concierge to help you with amenities, weather, car rental, or ticket assistance. Family travel is more enjoyable with adjoining rooms, an indoor pool, and an arcade center. While the kids are entertaining themselves, you can relax in the spa tub or check out the fitness center. In the morning, fill up on eggs, meat, omelets, and the chain's signature cinnamon rolls.
At the Hotel Grand Conference Center in Grand Island, seniors and AAA members save up to 15 percent. Stay entertained with free Wi-Fi or digital programming on an LCD TV while having a snack from the fridge. Pop some popcorn in the microwave before watching a movie. Indulge in a rejuvenating swim after a session in the fitness center. Enjoy a cocktail from Images Bar & Grill before a soak in the spa tub. The breakfast café serves a full buffet every morning. Groups can save up to 32 percent at this hotel.
At Days Inn in Grand Island, you'll enjoy a convenient location just off of I-80. As a AAA member, you save up to 15 percent on what travelers said are “very comfortable rooms.” All rooms feature LCD TVs with satellite programming, Wi-Fi, and desks. Save even more with free newspapers, free parking, and free breakfast every day.
For great lodging at a fair price, check out Quality Inn in Hastings. You'll be close to the college and downtown. Rooms boast flat screens with cable channels, fridges, and Wi-Fi. An indoor pool will keep the kids busy, and you'll save since kids under age 18 stay free in your room. Up to 10 kids can stay free! Save even more with complimentary breakfast buffets for all.
Fellow vacationers called Super 8 in Hastings a “good value for the money.” Enjoy separate but adjoining rooms on family trips and bring the dog too. Ask for a fridge and microwave, and make simple meals and snacks in your room. Business travelers will like laundry service, a 23-hour desk, and free parking. Relax on comfy beds with soft pillows while watching shows on cable channels or surfing free Wi-Fi.
At Boarders Inn & Suites in Grand Island, you'll enjoy modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, fridges, and microwaves. Watch the sunset from the indoor whirlpool while the kids play in the indoor pool nearby. Stay on track in the fitness center after catching up with world news on the free Wi-Fi.
Explore the past at the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The museum includes a 65-foot movie screen and huge planetarium, as well as dozens of native animals. Delve into the area's history from paleo-Indians to the story of how Kool-Aid became a household product.
Spend a day at the Children's Museum of Central Nebraska where the kids' imaginations run wild. Interactive exhibits include a construction zone, grocery store, pizzeria, vet's office, and hospital where children learn through play.
Immerse yourself in Nebraska's agriculture at Prairie Loft. Take a hands-on, active class while surrounded by pastures, fields, and forests. Activities include festivals, day camps, and a family outdoor club.
Whether you're visiting Hastings for the college or just stopping in on a long drive, you'll find lodging that ranges from budget friendly to more high-end. With HotelPlanner, you're sure to find the best deal on the right room.
Below are reviews of the city of Hastings, NE from an actual visitor's perspective.
We are state bowlers and we liked the bowling alley, also the restaurant El Puerto.
I stayed to take my son for surgery.
I can only speak to a few experiences of the rest home where my sister and brother-in-law reside, a restaurant, a church, and the space at the fairgrounds where our family gathered for Christmas celebration. All were wonderful and served me and my family well!
Nice small town atmosphere!
We liked the antique shops and SIN CITIES BURGERS!!!!
We stayed for state softball, the complex is amazing and the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame is right there. Also, we went to a store downtown called Small Town Famous that was worth the stop.
The staff was friendly and welcoming. Hotel was very clean. Seeing our grandson play baseball at the college.
The rooms were very clean, and the bed was comfortable. City excellent - location.
Everything you need is there and easily accessible.
Quiet, clean, older feeling town. Made me feel like where I grew up
Everything is good and not too busy.
WAS NICE. Haven't been there in 33 years. People were nice. Went there specifically for the JUNK JAUNT. Had a good time.
Nothing but Great Job.
The www.stuhrmuseum.org of Grand Island was a great time and the Blacksmith was amazing. Nice Movie Theater in Grand Island. And Raising Cane was a great place to eat.
I went to college there 20 years ago and loved it. I feel compared to other cities their size, it's not up to standards. Not much to offer and not taken care of.