Lincoln Hotels, Bed& Breakfasts

by Cynthia S. Peterson

Lincoln is the state capital and home to a Big 10 university, the well-respected Nebraska Wesleyan University, and smaller universities and colleges. It’s also a hub for insurance and financial services, manufacturing and other large or forward-thinking businesses. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place. When you walk down a street and say ‘hello’ to someone, chances are they are going to smile and say ‘hi’ right back. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Lincoln’s friendly people, lifestyle, culture and lively nightlife—including the flowers and butterflies at the magical Sunken Gardens, the massive prehistoric fossils at Morrill Hall, public art, the city’s bountiful farmers’ markets, shops, bars and restaurants, and the wild, open spaces of its many parks and trails. There are plenty of reasons to visit and plenty of comfortable lodging to accommodate every traveler’s needs.  

The Scarlet Hotel 
2101 Transformation Drive

One of Lincoln’s newest hotels, The Scarlet opened in October 2021. The 6-story boutique hotel with 154 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, is on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus, right next to a historic building repurposed into the NIC Conference Center. Each of its guest rooms and suites pay tribute to towns and cities from across the state. The hotel is truly a celebration of all things Nebraska.  

A Tribute Portfolio property under the Marriott International banner, The Scarlet’s features include a fitness center and dedicated yoga room, 1,184 square feet of flexible event and meeting space, coffee shop, Well & Good Restaurant, and The Barred Owl Rooftop Bar (the view is spectacular). 

The Scarlet also serves as a working lab for the University’s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program and some technology programs. Learn more at www.scarlethotelnebraska.com. It’s pet friendly, too. Self-service onsite or valet parking is available.  

Embassy Suites by Hilton 
1040 P Street

Located three blocks from Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District and a half-mile to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Lincoln is one of the city’s most popular hotels. Its nine-story atrium is lush with vegetation and the murmur of running water, with a wide, open space where guests can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast and evening reception, or cocktails and conversation with friends or other guests. There’s a restaurant, too, featuring casual American cuisine.

The hotel usually hosts hundreds of events every year, including conventions, wedding ceremonies, parties and receptions. Their Regent’s Ballroom is the largest in the city and can comfortably accommodate 1,500 people. The staff often helps brides and grooms plan the activities surround their big days including rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties. 

The hotel offers plenty of amenities like a business center, sauna, indoor pool and fitness center. Accommodations (some are pet-friendly) include suites with double rooms, wet bars, whirlpool tubs and executive desks. Both valet and self-serve parking is nearby for a cost. Embassy Suites by Hilton employs Hilton’s Clean Stay program to ensure your health and safety during your stay. See more at www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lnkeses-embassy-suites-lincoln/.

Hilton Garden Inn 
Downtown/Haymarket, 801 R Street

The Hilton Garden Inn has 104 guest rooms and three meeting rooms in the heart of the Haymarket. It’s just a short walk to Memorial Stadium at the University, and Pinnacle Bank Arena. Rooms all include a microwave and refrigerator, plus free Wi-Fi. Onsite is the Garden Grill and Bar, spa, indoor pool and 24-hour gym. There’s even a free shuttle from and to the Lincoln airport. Parking is available for $. Go to Hilton.com and search for Lincoln, Nebraska for more information.

Hyatt Place  600 Q Street

The Hyatt Place is a three-floor hotel with 111 rooms, especially popular with out-of-state visitors, as well as travelers from across the globe. Located in the heart of Lincoln’s revitalized Haymarket District, Hyatt Place is adjacent to Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hudl, a nationally recognized sports technology company. The hotel takes pride in Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. 

This home-away-from-home is perfect for visitors who want to experience some of the best of Lincoln—just steps from numerous restaurants, live theater, art galleries, shops, bars and music venues. The hotel itself has a bar, 24/7 gym, heated pool and business center. Three spacious rooms are available to rent for conferences or meetings. Its tasteful rooms with modern, minimalist decor are especially popular with people in town for sporting events, music concerts and conventions. Go to Hyatt.com and search for Lincoln, Nebr. to learn more.

Graduate Hotel  141 N. 9th Street

For those who prefer some place more unique, The Graduate Hotel is the perfect place from which visit to the Heartland. 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 chain is lovingly personalized to its host city. Lincoln’s Graduate is a playful celebration of Nebraska itself, with the hotel’s overall design inspired by people, places and events unique to Nebraska’s culture and history.  

Rooms are decorated with old maps of the state, framed drawings and dutiful tributes to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They boast wooden paneling, quirky corn cob curtains and nightstands disguised as 1960s-style TVs. The Graduate’s amenities make it perfect for hosting parties and events. They feature Malin + Goetz personal care products, too. The Topgolf^® Swing Suite^® is an immersive golf experience and the perfect spot for a work or social gathering. You can also entertain guests on a private patio in one of the terrace suites, or have an excellent meal and some fine bourbon at Single Barrel where the chef serves up Prime Certified Angus Beef steaks and slow-smoked Nebraska BBQ, plus breakfast and lunch, too.  

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.

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
333 S. 13th Street

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel has been a local icon since 1923, housing historical figures including U.S. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon, as well as a former first lady, and Martin Luther King Jr.; more recently, Sir Paul McCartney, Pink and Jon Bon Jovi. Even Elvis Presley graced its distinguished halls for an autograph signing session. 

The original building was demolished in 1982, and a new full-service tastefully decorated hotel took its place. The hotel’s sweeping grand staircase greets guests upon entry before they head up to rooms. The hotel also includes a grand ballroom, library, a 24/7 fitness center, pool, bike rentals and 46,000 square feet of event space. Valet or self-service parking is available.

The Cornhusker is a popular place for weddings, and Marriott-certified planners will help the happy couple turn dreams to reality. 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 and rich history, staying at The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker will make any visit to Lincoln unforgettable. See more at www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lnkfs-the-lincoln-marriott-cornhusker-hotel/.

Kindler Hotel  216 N. 11th Street

New to Lincoln in 2019 is the Kindler Hotel, a 49-room boutique hotel just blocks from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus and football stadium, and centered between the city’s nightlife and dining scene to the west in the Haymarket District, and east to the clubs, restaurants and bars along and just off of O Street. Be sure to visit the hotel’s own beautiful Boitano’s Lounge for classic craft cocktails. The hotel prides itself in its impeccable service.

The hotel occupies a four-story neo-classical building built in the early 1900s and once home to the Lincoln Commercial Club. Now restored to its former glory with interior design was by Ross Vincent of West Hollywood, Calif., the hotel offers guests a first-class experience. The hotel is dedicated to the memory of Nebraska born-and-raised welder and industrial artist Ken Kindler, whose legacy includes remarkable sculptures in copper and one-of-a-kind windchimes.

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

Holiday Inn Express & Suites  Downtown, 905 O Street

Rising 6 floors on a corner lot is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, featuring 139 guest rooms and numerous amenities. Parking is valet only to a secured, underground lot. For more: hiexpress.com.

Particularly Notable B&Bs

Roger’s House Inn Bed and Breakfast  2145 B Street

Busy hotels in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown, aren’t for everyone—and Lincoln offers numerous bed and breakfast options. Closest to the heart of Lincoln is the Roger’s House, a beautiful home in an older neighborhood with huge, swaying trees and yards aglow with bright summer and fall foliage.  

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

The current owners bought the home in the 1980s and restored it to its original state with period lighting, rich mahogany furnishings, a parlor, library, maid’s quarters and third-floor ballroom.

Guests get Edwardian-era treatment, with two-course breakfasts featuring seasonal foods, and complimentary beverages served in the dining room (or in one’s room upon request). The B&B is close to downtown Lincoln, too. See www.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 the historic Leavitt House, this gorgeous bed and breakfast is run by innkeepers Bruce and Maureen Stahr. 

Prairie Creek features enhanced cleaning and food handling methods for the safety of all guests, or you can book the 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 passed through various owners, then was abandoned in 1980. Seeing the potential, the Stahrs bought it in 2003 and moved it to its current location, a farm near Lincoln.  

Today, the home is fully restored, with period oak and walnut woodwork, lighting, and authentic antiques from the 1910s. Guests can also rent out Colonial House (the property’s original 100-year-old farm house) and/or Lakeside Cabin, a cedarwood home built in 2013 alongside a secluded lake where guests can hike and fish. The veil of trees that surround each of the three homes make each feel like a private getaway. 

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

The secluded location and warm hospitality make the bed and breakfast a popular spot for weddings, family reunions and romantic retreats. Visitors have come from China, Japan, Russia, Mexico, England, Norway, South Korea, Ireland and African countries. Learn more at www.pcibnb.com. 

The Westview Bed & Breakfast  7000 NW 27th Street

Located is in the country, 8 minutes from downtown Lincoln, this B&B routinely receives 4+-star ratings. Breakfast is served in your room, on the balcony or in the commons area. It’s also a great wedding venue. The B&B has been under new ownership since February 2022. 

Each beautifully appointed room/suite has a fireplace, two-person whirlpool tub, flat screen TV, high quality pillow top mattresses, and plush bathrobes. There’s history here, too—for many decades starting in 1871, the property was the Lancaster County Poor Farm and Home. See: www.westviewbb.com.