Omaha's most luxurious hotel is the Hilton Omaha, opened in 2004 and located next to the Qwest Center Omaha (a state-of-the-art convention center and 17,000-seat arena) and within easy walking distance of Old Market at 1001 Cass St. (tel. 800/HILTONS or 402/998-3400; www.omaha.hilton.com). With a striking contemporary design and adorned with art by regional artists, it's Omaha's only hotel with both doormen and bellmen and a full-service health club. Its 450 rooms ($179-$259 double), decorated in rich, earth-tone colors, offer all the amenities you'd expect. Another good downtown choice is Embassy Suites, located across from Old Market at 555 S. 10th St. (tel. 800/EMBASSY or 402/346-9000; www.embassysuitesomaha.com). Its seven-story, glass-topped atrium, filled with plants, waterfalls, and streams full of goldfish, is surrounded by 249 two-room suites ($149-$189) complete with fridge and microwave, making them a hit with families, who also like the indoor pool and fitness room.
Another good bet with families is the Regency Lodge, located west of downtown at 909 S. 107th St. (tel. 800/617-8310 or 402/397-8000; www.regencylodge.com). Decorated with natural stone and fixtures reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, it evokes the atmosphere of a rustic mountain lodge but with all the creature comforts, including an indoor pool, fitness room, game room, laundry facilities, and restaurant. In addition to standard rooms ($119-$140 double), all with fridge and microwave, there are suites ($200-$300) that boast a full kitchen and gas fireplace. Travelers on a budget can try Comfort Inn at the Zoo, 2920 S. 13th Court (tel. 800/4-CHOICE or 402/342-8000; www.choicehotels.com), 2 miles from downtown near the zoo and offering a glass-enclosed indoor pool, 79 basic rooms ($80-$100 double), and complimentary continental breakfast.
Couples searching for a romantic getaway might consider the Cornerstone Mansion, west of downtown at 140 N. 39th St. (tel. 888/883-7745 or 402/558-7600; www.cornerstonemansion.com). Built in 1894 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this bed-and-breakfast offers seven rooms ($85-$150 double), each one different but decorated with antiques and with private bathroom. There's also a sitting room with a piano, a library, and a pleasant patio lined with flowers.
