The capital of Nebraska and the birthplace of Arbor Day, Lincoln, Nebraska, might not be number one on people’s vacation lists. But since a few of my favorite people live in Lincoln, I’m biased in my view that it’s well worth an adventure. You’ll also be surprised at the number of pet-friendly hotels; I know I was!
Luckily for visitors to the city, Lincoln hotels are relatively inexpensive compared to other major cities in the Midwest. Even accommodations in downtown Lincoln won’t break the bank, giving you plenty of extra cash to spend at one of the tasty eateries or the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Given that one of my best friends works at the zoo, I’m partial to it, but you really should pay it a visit. And, believe it or not, Lincoln has some terrific nightlife. I mean, it’s home to a university, so it has to have some late-night adventures, right?
If you’re looking for a good time, you should check out The Starlite Lounge, The Zoo Bar, or Alchemy Aqua Vitae. However, if you want a dance club kind of atmosphere, you can head over to Gravity.
Just passing through? Without further adieu, let’s help you find the best hotels in Lincoln!
TL;DR
| Hotel | Location | Average Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Lincoln | 141 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE | 4.5 | $$$ |
| The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel | 333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE | 4.1 | $$$ |
| Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket | 600 Q St, Lincoln, NE | 4.6 | $$ |
| Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket | 801 R St, Lincoln, NE | 4.3 | $$$ |
| Comfort Suites University | 4231 Industrial Ave, Lincoln, NE, 68504 | 4.4 | $$ |
Best Places to Stay in Lincoln, Nebraska
1. Comfort Suites University
Address: 4231 Industrial Ave, Lincoln, NE, 68504
At the all-suite Comfort Suites University, the whole family has plenty of room. There is a pool and fitness center on-site and a business center for business trip visitors.
Plus, it’s only ten minutes from the Lincoln Municipal Airport. There aren’t a lot of things to do within walking distance, though you aren’t far from the Lincoln city center.
All guest suites offer a seating area, microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. A daily continental breakfast is served. The hotel is pet-friendly, and guests can enjoy the fitness center and nearby attractions.
Pros:
- All spacious suites
- Easy access to the airport
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Fitness center
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
- International Quilt Study Center
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Nebraska State Capitol
- Nebraska History Museum
2. Graduate Lincoln
Address: 141 North 9th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508
An incredible example of modern retro chic, The Graduate Lincoln is a bright place to call home during your visit to the city. This is one of our favorite Lincoln hotels because it has amenities and aesthetics that are hard to beat. Plus, Graduate Hotels are known for being pet-friendly, which is a massive bonus for travelers like us who love road-tripping with our furry besties.
The Graduate Lincoln offers a restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, and fitness center. Single Barrel, the on-site restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with American cuisine on offer.
You can also walk to several attractions in central Lincoln from The Graduate as well. It’s a short distance to the Sheldon Museum, the Lincoln Children’s Museum, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and other top things to do in central Lincoln.
Pros:
- Indoor pool
- Convenient location near popular attractions
- Free wi-fi
- On-site restaurant
- Pet-friendly
Cons:
- Parking can be expensive
- Breakfast options may be limited
Things to Do Nearby:
- The Sheldon Museum
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- Lied Center for the Performing Arts
- Lincoln Children’s Zoo
- Governor’s Mansion
3. Horizon Inn Motel
Address: 2901 NW 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68521
If you need budget hotels in Lincoln, you should consider staying at the Horizon Inn Motel. Close to the Lincoln airport, the Horizon Inn is ideal for travelers with strict budget restrictions without sacrificing comfort.
Previous guests have commented that the rooms are remarkably quiet despite the location near potentially noisy neighbors like the train tracks. What this hotel lacks in amenities, it makes up for by being conveniently located.
There is free on-site parking, which is hard to come by for more central hotels in Lincoln. You’ll need to commute more to get around the city, but if you’re looking to save some cash, it’s well worth it.
Pros:
- Free wi-fi
- Budget-friendly
- Free parking
- Family rooms available
- Decor is simple, but nice
Cons:
- Some appliances are outdated
- Guests have commented on mattress discomfort
Things to Do Nearby:
See Related: Best Weekend Trips from Omaha, Nebraska This Year
4. Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Address: 333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Aptly named for the nearby University of Nebraska football team, The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is a comfy oasis centrally located in downtown Lincoln. The gorgeous hotel is reminiscent of Lincoln’s past while giving visitors the contemporary experience they expect of a Marriott hotel.
This is one of the best hotels in Lincoln in part because you can enjoy luxe amenities and walk to so much from the property. This pet-friendly Lincoln hotel has two restaurants, a pool, a free airport shuttle, and paid private parking.
You can also rent a bike to see the city on your own terms if you want. Lincoln is a very bike-friendly place with over 130 miles of trails zig-zagging around the city.
Pros:
- Pet-friendly
- Free airport shuttle
- On-site restaurants
- Private parking
- Laundry services
Cons:
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
- Frank H Woods Telpehone Museum
- Governor’s Mansion
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- Sheldon Art Museum
- Scooter’s Coffee
5. Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket
Address: 600 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Located in the historic Haymarket District, The Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket is practically next door to the Sheldon Art Museum. It’s also perfect for those traveling into Lincoln on the train as it’s close to train stations, making it ideal to venture out of the city.
In that way, it’s one of the best hotels for those wanting to travel on foot and avoid renting a car. Artsy folks who want to stay in the heart of Lincoln’s entertainment district should highly consider the Hyatt for their upcoming adventures.
This pet-friendly hotel has family rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, parking, and laundry services available. You can also score incredible city views from rooms at the Hyatt Place.
Pros:
- Pet-friendly
- Pool
- Laundry services
- On-site parking
- City views
Cons:
Things to Do Nearby:
- Sheldon Art Museum
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- Frank H Woods Telephone Museum
- Lincoln Train Station
- Hiro 88
See Related: Best Things to Do in Omaha, Nebraska
6. Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket
Address: 801 R St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Another of the hotels in Lincoln located in the heart of the Haymarket District is the Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket. Guests at the Hilton Garden Inn can enjoy the pool, restaurant, room service, and hot tub to soak away the adventures of the day.
What’s super about this particular Hilton hotel, in addition to its charming rooftop patio, is that it’s well within walking distance of the Lincoln University Area as well. It’s only a seven-minute walk to campus, after all. There’s also a free airport shuttle and on-site parking, which is ideal when you’re in the downtown area.
Pros:
- Pool
- On-site restaurant
- Good for business travelers
- Great location
- Flat screen TVs
Cons:
- Parking can be expensive
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
7. Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites
Address: 2201 Wildcat Cir, Lincoln, NE 68521
Further removed from the city center compared to other hotels in Lincoln we’ve mentioned so far, the Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites is among the city’s top cheap hotels. If you’re searching for the best hotel deals, the Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn often has some of the best prices out there without leaving the city proper or sacrificing creature comforts.
A mixture of regular rooms and suites, the Best Western is amenable to a range of party sizes. Families enjoy the pool and proximity to Memorial Stadium to catch a football game, and business travelers appreciate the free parking and business center. Despite being a cheap hotel, you can enjoy amenities beyond just having a bed to sleep in.
Pros:
- Pool
- Free parking
- Suites available
- Free breakfast
- On-site minimarket
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Rooms can be noisy
Things to Do Nearby:
- Memorial Stadium
- Lincoln Airport
- University of Nebraska State Museum
- Sheldon Art Museum
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
See Related: Best States to Visit in the USA
8. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln I – 80, an IHG Hotel
One of the hotels in Lincoln best suited for road trippers, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln I – 80, is accessibly located off of I-80. While you aren’t as close to attractions as the other best hotels on our list, you are right off the city’s main driving artery and surrounding area. Plus, you can quickly and easily get around from the Holiday Inn throughout your time in Lincoln.
The Holiday Inn Express offers regular guest rooms, suites, and family rooms. Free parking, a fitness center, a business center, and complimentary breakfast are available as well. You can pay for laundry services if needed, a perfect amenity for folks traveling for work.
Pros:
- Free parking
- Convenient location along I-80
- Complimentary breakfast
- Suites available
- 24/7 front desk
Cons:
- Not a central location
- Breakfast can lack options for dietary restrictions
Things to Do Nearby:
- Lincoln Airport
- University of Nebraska State Museum
- Mabel Lee Athletic Fields
- Sheldon Art Museum
- Frank H Woods Telephone Museum
9. The Scarlet, Lincoln, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 2101 Transformation Dr, Lincoln, NE 68508
One of the most chic Lincoln hotels, The Scarlet Hotel, makes herself known. These modern, elegant rooms are perfect for a romantic getaway or a restful stop on a road trip. This is definitely one of the best hotels in Lincoln for couples or folks who want dapper accommodations for a reasonable price.
Pets are more than welcome here, and there is even a free airport shuttle to whisk you away. There is private parking available as well as on-site electric vehicle charging stations for you to use.
With three eateries on site, (Well & Good, Barred Owl, and the Good Life Coffee Shop), you’re never far from a delicious meal. And although it’s not super walkable, there are several places nearby to enjoy, like the University of Nebraska State Museum.
Pros:
- Pet-friendly
- Helpful staff
- Clean rooms
- Fitness center
- Three on-site eateries
Cons:
- Parking fees
- No business center
Things to Do Nearby:
- University of Nebraska State Museum
- Sheldon Art Museum
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- Tia Lety’s
- Lincoln Children’s Zoo
10. Annabell Gardens
Address: 200 South 68th Street Place, Lincoln, NE 68510
Many hotels in Lincoln have pools, but none of them have a mermaid in them! At Annabell Gardens, the seashell-shaped pool is adorned with its own little mermaid – what’s not to like? We can see why this would be one of the popular hotels for families, especially in the summer months.
Breakfast is included for guests with a continental and buffet option. All rooms here are suites with their own kitchen areas, and some even have washers and dryers.
There are board games and baby gates available from the hotel, and even pets are allowed. Not to mention that parking is free at Annabell Gardens.
Pros:
- Seasonal pool
- Free breakfast
- Free parking
- Clean room
- Among pet-friendly hotels
Cons:
Things to Do Nearby:
- Scooter’s Coffee
- Lincoln Children’s Zoo
- University of Nebraska State Museum
- Frank H Woods Telephone Museum
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
Related Resources
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Amanda is a Chicago-based queer travel, arts, and lifestyle writer who is passionate about exploring the world. Her work has been featured in Newcity Stage, The Chicago Reader, Huffington Post, and Yahoo, as well as the November 2022 book, “Chicago Like a Local” and other travel journals available on Amazon. Amanda’s favorite destinations include Costa Rica, Prague, Dublin, Hong Kong, and every Disney park she’s visited.
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