Lincoln Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts

Lincoln is the state capital and home to a major university, but it still has that welcoming, small-town spirit. Visitors from all over the world enjoy its friendly people, culture and lively nightlife—including the flowers and butterflies at the Sunken Gardens, the massive prehistoric fossils at Morrill Hall, the Haymarket’s bountiful farmers’ market, shops, bars and restaurants, and the wild, open prairie of its parks and trails. Fortunately, there are plenty of comfortable and hospitable hotels to accommodate every traveler’s needs.  

These are only a few of Lincolns’ hotels and bed and breakfasts. For a full list of the more than sixty hotels and motels in Lincoln, see page seven.

Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street

Between Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Embassy Suites is one of the most popular hotels in the city. Its nine-story atrium is lushly decorated with green plants, running water and a wide, open space for eating breakfast, enjoying a drink or chatting with other guests. 

The hotel hosts hundreds of events every year, including wedding ceremonies, parties and receptions. Embassy Lincoln’s Regents Ballroom is the largest in the city and can comfortably accommodate 1,500 people. The staff helps brides and grooms plan their rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties and more. 

The hotel’s variety of rooms and suites offer plenty of amenities, including suites with double rooms, wet bars, whirlpool tubs, executive desks and complimentary evening drinks. Embassy Suites now employs Hilton’s Clean Stay program, masks and social distancing to ensure your health and safety during your stay. See more at hilton.com/en/hotels/lnkeses-embassy-suites-lincoln/.

Hyatt Place, 600 Q Street

The Hyatt Place is a three-floor business hotel that’s especially popular for out-of-state visitors, and a favorite destination for travelers from
all over the world. In the heart of Lincoln’s Haymarket District, Hyatt Place is adjacent to Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hudl, a local sports technology company. 

The spot is perfect for visitors who want to experience the best of Lincoln’s nightlife—a short walk from some of its best bars and restaurants. The hotel itself hosts a bar, 24/7 gym, 24/7 dining, an on-site restaurant, a heated pool and business center. Three spacious business rooms are available to rent for conferences or meetings. The tasteful rooms with modern, minimalist decor are especially popular with people in town for Husker football, music concerts and local conventions. Go to Hyatt.com and search for Lincoln, NE to learn more.

Hilton Garden Inn, 801 R Street

The Hilton Garden has 104 rooms in the heart of the Haymarket. Rooms all include a microwave and refrigerator, plus wired and wireless Internet access. They have an onsite restaurant and bar, spa, and 24-hour gym. They even have a free shuttle to and from the Lincoln airport. At this time masks are required in all public areas.

Graduate Hotel, 141 N. Ninth Street

For those who prefer more unique retreats, The Graduate Hotel is a perfect place to spend a visit to the Cornhusker state. This vintage-themed hotel opened in 2017 and is the largest in a small chain of hotels in carefully selected university towns. Each hotel in the eight-location chain is lovingly personalized to its host city. Lincoln’s Graduate is a playful celebration of Nebraska itself, with each bit of the hotel’s design inspired by people, places and events unique to Nebraskan culture and history.  

Rooms are decorated with old maps of Nebraska, framed drawings and dutiful homages to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They boast wooden paneling, quirky corn cob curtains and nightstands disguised as ‘60s-style TVs. The Graduate’s amenities make it perfect for hosting parties and events. You can entertain guests on a private patio in one of the terrace suites, rent a luxury hitting bay for yourself and your golf gang, grab a tropical drink at John J’s Tiki Bar, and, after a long night of fun, wake up to the warm, familiar scent of fresh-brewed coffee at the Graduate’s very own Poindexter Café. 

Pet owners will find Lincoln’s Graduate especially hospitable; pets stay free of charge and are treated to a bowl, blanket and optional treat box upon request. Visit graduatehotels.com/lincoln.

Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
333 S. 13th Street

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel has been a local icon since 1923 and has housed historical figures including Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Herbert Hoover, as well as Lady Bird Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., and, more recently, Sir Paul McCartney, Pink and Jon Bon Jovi. Even Elvis Presley graced its distinguished halls for an autograph signing. 

The original building was demolished in 1982, and a new hotel opened in its place, decorated with delicate furnishings with gold, cream and sienna accents. A stunning grand staircase greets guests upon entry before they head up to rooms complete with room service and freshly steamed bathrobes. The hotel also includes an enormous grand ballroom, a library, a 24/7 fitness center, pool, bike rentals and 29 event rooms for any occasion. 

The Cornhusker is also a popular place for weddings; Marriott-certified planners will help brides and grooms design their dream weddings. Guests can eat delectable breakfasts at the in-house café and have lunch and dinner at the Miller Time Pub & Grill. With its luxurious amenities, mesmerizing architecture and rich history, staying at The Cornhusker will make any visit to Lincoln unforgettable. See more at marriott.com/hotels/travel/lnkfs-the-lincoln-marriott-cornhusker-hotel/.

Kindler Hotel, 216 N. 11th Street

New last year to downtown Lincoln is the Kindler Hotel, a 49-room boutique hotel blocks from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus and football stadium as well as the city’s nightlife scene both west to the Historic Haymarket District and east to the restaurants and bars along and just off of O Street. 

The hotel occupies the four-story neo-classical building that was once home to the Lincoln Commercial Club built in the early 1900s and now restored to its former glory. It is dedicated to the late Nebraska welder and industrial artist Ken Kindler, who shared his passion and copper sculptures.

The Kindler offers a fitness center, business center and event space. For more information, go to thekindlerhotel.com. 

The Scarlet Hotel, Innovation Campus

Lincoln’s newest hotel will open July of 2021. The 6-story, 154-room Scarlett Hotel is being built on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus at 2021 Transformation Drive.  

It’s 2,600-square-foot first floor will include education space, a student lounge, a conference room, faculty offices, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, a coffee shop and fitness center. It will also serve as a working lab for the University’s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program. Learn more at www.scarlethotelnebraska.com.

Roger’s House Bed and Breakfast, 2145 B Street

Busy hotels in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown, no matter how luxurious, aren’t for everyone—and Lincoln offers numerous bed and breakfast options. Closest to downtown is The Roger’s House, a beautiful vintage home in an old neighborhood with huge, swaying trees and yards spotted with bright flowers. 

A historic landmark, the elegant red-brick mansion was built in 1914 by N.C. Rogers as a retirement residence for him and his wife. 

The current owners bought the home in 1983 and restored it to its original glory with period lighting, rich mahogany furnishings, a parlor living room, a library, maid’s quarters and a third-floor ballroom.

Guests get an Edwardian-era treatment, with two-course breakfasts and complimentary beverages served in the dining room (or in one’s room upon request). The bed and breakfast is close to downtown Lincoln, too. See rogershouseinn.com for more information. 

Prairie Creek Inn, 2400 S. 148th Street, Walton, NE 

Seven minutes east of Lincoln, down a gravel road and past a thicket of tall trees, lies Prairie Creek Inn, featuring historic Leavitt House, a gorgeous bed and breakfast run by Bruce and Maureen Stahr. 

Due to COVID-19, Prairie Creek employs enhanced cleaning and food handling, or you can book an entire house for your exclusive use. The main house is a stone-faced structure with French tiling, built in 1911 by Burt W. Leavitt. After Leavitt died, his home was passed around to various owners and abandoned in 1980. The Stahrs, seeing a potential treasure, bought it in 2003 and moved it to its current location, a farm in Walton. 

Today, the home is fully restored, with period oak and walnut woodwork, and lighting and authentic antiques from the 1910s. Guests can also rent out Colonial House (the property’s original 100-year-old farm house) and Lakeside Cabin, a cedarwood home built in 2013. Colonial House is a separate two-suite building adjacent to Leavitt House for those who want additional privacy, and Lakeside Cabin rests alongside a secluded lake where guests can hike and fish. The thick veil of trees that surround the three homes make each property feel like a private getaway. 

The Stahrs greet each guest personally, provide genuine hospitality and serve homemade breakfasts year-round. “We harken back to the time when people spent time outside, visiting and looking at each other in the eyes,” Bruce Stahr said. 

The secluded location and warm hospitality make the bed and breakfast a popular spot for weddings, family reunions and romantic retreats. Visitors include those from China, Japan, Russia, Mexico, England, Norway, South Korea, Ireland and parts of Africa. Learn more at pcibnb.com.