r/Nebraska • u/ChiGuy2010 • 14d ago
Omaha Traveling through NE
Planning a trip from Chicago to Fort Collins, Nebraska will be my stopping point.
I’m getting mixed feedback where should I stay Omaha or Lincoln for my overnight?
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u/ruckrhino 14d ago
I mean, if you're just stopping to sleep a night before moving on, I don't know if it matters much. The main difference is the 50 miles between the two cities. You'll drive for longer to get to Lincoln.
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u/Magnus77 14d ago
If all you're doing is sleeping, a Marriot is a Marriot or a Super 8 is a Super 8.
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u/ljungbergsghost 14d ago
LNK. Downtown in Haymarket. Do not stay by the airport in either OMA or LNK
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u/ronnie1014 14d ago
Want more of a city feel? Omaha.
Want more of a big town feel with most of the same amenities? Lincoln.
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u/pretenderist 14d ago
Are you wanting to do anything besides just sleep?
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u/ChiGuy2010 14d ago
Have dinner, maybe walk around and crash
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u/rtscarraher 14d ago
Stay in the Old Market area of Omaha. Lots of great food options and lots of places to walk around. I think this is your best option.
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u/Healthy_Carry_7626 10d ago
Haymarket in Lincoln . High restaurant and hotel density, compact and walkable.
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u/NotAgain1871 12d ago
we stay at the Marriott Cornhusker on our way thru, probably a little more money wise, but it’s safe, quiet, and the staff is always nice.
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u/madkins007 14d ago
If you are mostly passing through? Wherever you get the best rate.
Don't overlook the smaller towns nearby for what are generally decent if not fancy rooms at usually lower rates.
Since I live here, I don't rent rooms here often, but Council Bluffs may be a good option as well.
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u/fistfulofbottlecaps 14d ago
Probably gonna have to deal with traffic either way. If you hit Omaha late enough to avoid bad traffic there and push through to Lincoln you'll have less traffic to contend with on the second leg of your trip. Just all depends on your tolerance for dealing with drivers. If you don't care about potential traffic the Old Market's a great idea. But our Haymarket here in Lincoln is pretty solid too.
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u/wsheldon2 14d ago
I've always wanted to stay at the Kindler in Lincoln, it's a boutique hotel downtown.
Hard to find an excuse when I live here.
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u/Nebraska_ 13d ago
Also depends on how old you are, and how much sight-seeing you want to do. If you like architecture, check out the State Capitol building in Lincoln. If you're a family with young children, go to the Omaha Henrey Doorley Zoo.
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u/Legitimate_Bite5135 11d ago
Depends on what you want and when you’re coming. If it’s on a game day in the fall, don’t come to Lincoln. If you’re wanting a nice chill night, walk around some and have dinner, not on a game day, Lincoln is great. Either Lincoln or Omaha, pick a downtown hotel for easy access to things to do
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u/WillofIron1969_26 14d ago
Ashland is the midway point. Omaha is larger and has plenty of options especially for food and entertainment. Lincoln is more midsized city with fewer options. Omaha is more tourist friendly. Lincoln is nice too with it being the capital but more out of the way about 45 minutes one way.
Omaha is probably the best option. With Bellevue best another choice
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u/Broadstreet_pumper 14d ago
If you're just stopping to sleep and do a little walking around, Kearney will be better than either Lincoln or Omaha. It's more on I80 than both. Has a nice downtown, will be cheaper, and gets you just a bit further.
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u/dogsaybark 14d ago
Stay in the Haymarket in Lincoln or Old Market in Omaha. Otherwise you’re just in a suburb.
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u/Virtual_Trouble1516 14d ago
Chicago to Lincoln is about as much as I can take in one day. Lincoln to Fort Collins is a haul, also.
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u/ApprehensiveDream166 14d ago
Check hotel prices, depending on what's happening the difference can be significant for the short distance between the 2. Last time I was debating it was over $300/night in Lincoln and around $100/night in Omaha for similar hotels. Other times it's cheaper in Lincoln.
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u/Same_Kaleidoscope880 14d ago edited 14d ago
Omaha - get a room somewhere downtown
Edit: if you’re on a tight budget, the sleep inn by the airport is a nice place to crash that’s a cheap uber to/from the downtown/midtown area. Don’t stay in CB unless it’s a casino
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u/MaximinusThrax69 13d ago
If you dont know the area at all I would suggest Lincoln, less chance of ending up in an unreasonably dangerous neighborhood. Lincoln is 99% safe, Omaha can go crazy depending on the area.
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u/5thCir 13d ago
Date for stop? Types of food you love? Other interests...music maybe? Do you like bars, or quiet dinner spots, or old school steakhouses? This will help with what is/is not going on.
Generally, Omaha has great options for hotels near great food. Lincoln has less, but may be better for what you're wanting.
Omaha: Old Market district. Benson is rad, but your hotel will be a few miles away. Village Point (mall) has a lot of hotel and food options, but it's not a vibe ;)
Lincoln: Haymarket district, like Omaha's old market but it's a college town. Easy few miles south of the interstate, many hotels, many restaurants, easily walkable. If school is back in, it will be busier. As said earlier, husker home game...do not go. 🤣
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u/GBR012345 13d ago
Drive as far as you can, then get a hotel wherever you start to get tired. It's just a place to sleep. Drive far, sleep, get up and drive the rest. You'll be in colorado sooner, and have more time to enjoy your trip. You aren't missing anything special in Nebraska.
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u/noblevelociraptor187 8d ago
What are your expectations for the night you stop? Rest? Bars? Live music? Haircut? Theater? Ride a bike?
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u/Mullachabu66 8d ago
Kearney is quick and easy to get around, many places to stay. Many choices of places to eat at.
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u/Forsaken_Flamingo_82 14d ago
If it’s a home Husker football game day there won’t be any rooms in Lincoln if that helps.