I spent a lot of time researching where to stay along this trip, but Omaha was a no brainier. As soon as I saw that there was a Kimpton property there, I booked it without question. You just can’t go wrong with Kimpton and the Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha was no exception.
The Cottonwood Hotel is a grand historic building off the main drag. While many people like to be right down in the Old Market, I liked being in a more quiet area. Plus parking in this city is easy and inexpensive wherever you go.
We pulled right up and valet was there to greet up and help us with our bags. It was $30 per night and while self parking is an option, it is only a few dollars cheaper.
Dappled sunlight filtered into the lobby feeding the leafy green plants that lined the walls. There was a lounge area with a fire flickering and wicker bistro sets so you could find a private look nook just about anywhere.
As we passed through the lobby, it was like being transported from Paris to South Beach. We cancelled half of the activities on our itinerary when we saw the pool area.
There was chill music playing and endless spots to cozy into. Lounge chairs surrounded the pool and there were even lounge chairs in a shallow area of the pool which was perfect to cool off on a hot day.
The weather in the midwest ranges so if you are there in cooler temps, head for the hot tub in the corner.
The cabana bar looks out over the pool with plenty of bar stool seating. Once Harry realized that he could get freeze pops at the bar and put it on my tab, we were done for.
Since the hotel is a historic building with nothing cookie cutter about it, each and every room is different. I loved the semi circle design over the beds.
Our room was immaculate. The comfortable bed paired with black out curtains were so dangerously effective that I could have accidentally slept until noon.
Dining options at the Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha
There are two restaurants at the Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha. The Committee is their fine dining experience. This classic steakhouse offers a custom Caesar Salad, made table-side to your taste.
Since I was traveling with my 8 year old son, we opted to eat at the more casual but still very classy Orleans Room. This was one our more memorable experiences on the trip. We asked to see their children’s menu and were told there wasn’t one. My son jokingly said “I would like to see your manager.”
We happened to be chatting with the chef himself and he offered to make Harry something off the menu. Dallas was so kind and whipped up something that made him happy and feeling special. Even when he asked for chocolate milk, the waitress said they didn’t have that only for it to appear on our table moments later.
It was such a great experience, that we came back the next night! According to history, the Reuben sandwich and butter brickle ice cream were not just invented in Omaha, but at this very hotel. You can try them both in The Orleans Room.
If you are traveling without children, check out The Cottonwood Bar, which has a giant tree growing out of the middle of it!
On our last morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Petit Orleans. It was the best avocado toast I have ever had.
Afterwards, we realized we had an hour before we had to leave. Even though we were all showered and ready to go, we looked at each other and both said in unison, ” hot tub?” So we got back in bathing suits and sat in the hot tub until they had to physically drag us out of the hotel.
The Kimpton is one of the most animal friendly hotels I have ever been to. Their saying is “If they can fit through the door, they can come.” So bring your pet along, as long as it is not an elephant.
There is also a free wine hour in the lobby every day. Need I say more?
I also wanted to mention how affordable luxury hotels are in the Midwest. It is amazing what you can get for the money. We paid about $150 a night for this hotel which is insane. That is the cost of a budget hotel in our area.
At the Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha, as with each and every Kimton property, you can expect a high level of style and cleanliness while knowing it will be unique experience you will find nowhere else.
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