Hotels in Omaha

Omaha's most historic hotel is the Magnolia, 1615 Howard St. (tel. 888/915-1110 or 402/341-2500; www.magnoliahotels.com), built in 1923 in a Renaissance Revival style that imitates a Florentine palace. Its 145 rooms ($129-$199 double), decorated in rich, warm colors, offer all the amenities you'd expect, complemented by free guest services such as breakfast in the morning, wine and beer at an evening reception, and cookies and milk before bed; and a 24-hour fitness center. Another good downtown choice is Embassy Suites, across from Old Market at 555 S. 10th St. (tel. 800/EMBASSY [362-2779] or 402/346-9000; www.embassysuitesomaha.com). Its seven-story, glass-topped atrium, filled with plants, waterfalls, and streams full of koi, is surrounded by 249 two-room suites ($149-$219, including breakfast) with fridge and microwave, making them a hit with families, who also like the indoor pool and fitness room.

Another good bet for families is Regency Lodge, west of downtown at 909 S. 107th St. (tel. 800/617-8310 or 402/397-8000; www.regencylodge.com). Decorated with natural stone, fixtures reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, and nature photography, it evokes the atmosphere of a mountain lodge but with all the creature comforts, including an indoor pool, fitness room, game room, laundry, and restaurant. In addition to standard rooms ($119-$159 double, including breakfast), all with fridge and microwave, there are suites ($200-$275) that boast a full kitchen and gas fireplace (some also with whirlpool tubs. Travelers on a budget can try Comfort Inn at the Zoo, 2920 S. 13th Court (tel. 877/395-3253 or 402/342-8000; www.comfortinn.com), 2 miles from downtown near the zoo, which offers an indoor pool, fitness room, and 79 rooms ($80-$150 double, including breakfast) with fridge, microwave, and free Wi-Fi.

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 B&B offers seven rooms ($85-$150 double), individually 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.