Lincoln hotels make travelers happy.

by Judy Shutts

“Staying fit and eating well on the road is important to a growing number of travelers, causing airports, hotels and spas to create better options for those seeking to integrate healthy habits into their journeys.”
                                            —Jason Clampet

Lincoln hotels are following suit and offering an even larger array of amenities that help guests stay healthy and rested as they travel. Whether you are in Lincoln for a weekend getaway, family vacation, or business conference, Lincoln hotels provide amenities along with the friendly service of a small town.

The Embassy Suites presents a relaxing place with its huge, open atrium. The soothing sound of a rippling waterfall and the lush, tropical backdrop of plants and flowers complete the peaceful scene.

To remain active during their stay guests work out in the fitness center or swim laps in the indoor pool. Unwind after a day of travel in the soothing whirlpool or let stress melt away in the sauna.

The complimentary, made-to-order breakfast each morning gives guests a healthy start to the day and the evening cocktail hour makes a relaxing finish.

The hotel is located in downtown Lincoln only two blocks south of Memorial Stadium and is home to the popular “Do the Dock” tailgate on football Saturdays. Its location makes it the perfect site for conferences, meetings and weddings.

For a nutritious start to the day, the Courtyard Marriott serves healthy choices in the Bistro café as well as the Market. Healthful breakfast dishes include various fruits, grains, and smoothies.

Melanie Maynard, director of sales, said the most popular healthy breakfast choices are their “Healthy Start” breakfast and an “Egg White Frittata.”

Guests who wish to stay fit during their travels use the temperature-controlled indoor pool, and a fitness center available for guests 24 hours a day. The fitness center features cardiovascular equipment, free weights, elliptical machines, treadmills and a bike. The whirlpool spa offers a place to relax after a workout.

The courtyard is a favorite place to work or relax. It has a new feature to keep guests cool—an outdoor misting system—and the fire pit adds warmth on chilly evenings.

The lobby greets guests with an open and flexible space that features media pods and a variety of seating arrangements. With media pods and free wi-fi, the space is ideal for one-on-meetings or groups. A large table or media booth complete with television can be reserved.

Maynard said guests appreciate the friendly staff. “Our staff members make the guests feel at home by providing that personal touch.”

A good night’s rest helps alleviate the stress of travel. Renovated within the last year, the Cornhusker Hotel helps its guests to a restful night by furnishing the rooms with plush down comforters and a choice of pillows. For exercise, guests head to the fitness center with its free weights and cardiovascular equipment as well as treadmills and elliptical machines.

The meeting spaces feature state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. A popular place for weddings, the hotel also offers a heated indoor pool and two dining choices: The Miller Time Pub & Grill or The Café at The Cornhusker.

The Cornhusker, a Marriott Hotel, is a landmark in Lincoln and has served the capital city for almost 90 years. Located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, it attracts both business and leisure travelers. It’s now pet-friendly, too.

The hotel set itself apart with its new Artist-in-Residence program. A working art gallery and studio will be created, most likely of glass, in the large hotel atrium. A board of artists and gallery owners will choose a Nebraska artist as the first artist-in-residence from April 2016 to April 2017.

The first of its kind in the area, the innovative program encourages guests and visitors to interact with the artist, while watching the creation of each piece. The program will provide a unique experience for visitors to the hotel. The artist will also create a legacy piece to go on permanent display in the hotel.

An ergonomic chair and desk await business travelers at the Hilton Garden. The ergonomic Mirra Chair by Herman Miller is good for the back and even better for work. Rooms are warm and inviting, yet equipped with the latest technology.

Guests can begin their day with a made-to-order breakfast and end their day relaxing by the fire pit on the outdoor patio.

The Hilton Garden is located in the center of activity at the Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Haymarket.

The Hyatt Place Hotel is a boutique hotel south of the Pinnacle Bank Arena. It is within walking distance of the Haymarket as well as theaters, art galleries, live music and shopping.

Both leisure and business travelers will find all the comforts of home, including larger than usual rooms with wi-fi, coffee maker and space to work.

The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms, a complimentary skillet breakfast and Hyatt Grand Beds®.

A new hotel in Lincoln is the TownePlace Suites by Marriott. TownePlace Suites is an extended-stay hotel aimed at people staying from a week to a month at a time.

The rooms are studios or one- or two-bedroom suites, with fully equipped kitchens that have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

Guests are welcome to us the indoor pool and 24-hour exercise room, plus free wi-fi, a meeting room, and on-site business services.

The hotel is location at 7353 Husker Circle, near I-80 and North 27th Street.

Chase Suites Hotel is a good choice for guests seeking a relaxing stay in a secluded setting. With its condo-like design and outdoor spaces, guests can relax by the fire or take a dip in the pool.

The suites range in size from 450 to 850 square feet for the Penthouse Suite. Two-bedroom suites with lofts are a good choice for families. The kitchenette comes with all the necessities and the terraces are perfect for dining al fresco.

Chase Suites is located at 200 South 68th Place, close to restaurants and shopping mall. Chase Suites can accommodate visitors for extended stays.

Settle Inn and Suites is reminiscent of a medieval castle and is located at I-80 and 27th Streets. You may be greeted by men in suits of armor, but you will also find amenities like the Free Kick Start Breakfast. Free wi-fi, a swimming pool, a Comfort Bedding Promise, and in-room whirlpools will help you relax during your stay.

The Quality Inn and Suites is located at 5353 North 27th Street near I-80 and just minutes from the Bob Devaney Sports Center, Memorial Stadium and the Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, free full breakfast and free wi-fi.

The on-site restaurant, Beacon Hills, features Maryland crab cakes as well as Nebraska prime rib. Their popular Sunday brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For visitors looking for the an intimate atmosphere of a bed and breakfast, here are a few of the choices:

The Rogers House at 2145 B Street has been an inn for 25 years. Guest rooms are appointed with antique furnishings and are located in the
Rogers House and the West House, next door at 2125 B Street.

Three guest rooms are tailored for business guests and wi-fi is provided at both houses.

The gourmet breakfast is served in the room or in the main floor dining room.

The Westview Bed and Breakfast at 7000 NW 27th Street bills itself as “Luxury Lodging in the Country.” The B&B is located on 10 acres only 8 minutes from downtown Lincoln. The Westview is also a popular site for both indoor and outdoor weddings.

Hawley Bed and Breakfast is at 545 North 25th Street. This English country style upper floor apartment is equipped for extended stays with a kitchenette, bedrooms and a sunroom.