Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

Why it is interesting

The Kimpton Cottonwood is the restored Blackstone Hotel, a 1916 Beaux-Arts landmark that was once the most prestigious hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. A $75M restoration reopened it in 2020 with 205 rooms and 31 suites, European-inspired interiors, and Kimpton’s characteristic independent spirit. The Blackstone District around the hotel has become Omaha’s most interesting neighbourhood for independent restaurants and bars.

Why it is good value

A $75M restoration of a century-old landmark at Midwestern pricing is a genuinely rare proposition - the kind of hotel that would be discussed as a discovery if it were in Europe.

Price notes

USD $135-$205/night; cheapest in February and November; avoid College World Series (June) - rates spike significantly.

Location and nearby sights

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - 20 minutes by rideshare; consistently ranked among the top 5 zoos in the world, with a 1.5-hectare indoor rainforest and the world’s largest indoor desert.

Joslyn Art Museum - 15 minutes; a 1931 Art Deco landmark housing a strong American West and European collection, free admission.

The Old Market District - 20 minutes on foot; Omaha’s original warehouse district with independent restaurants, galleries and a cobblestone streetscape that photographs well.

Food and things to do nearby

The Blackstone District around the hotel has become Omaha’s most interesting neighbourhood for independent restaurants and bars. The Old Market District is 20 minutes on foot.

Best time to book

Cheapest in February and November; avoid College World Series in June, when rates spike significantly.

Watch out for

Omaha is a difficult pitch for international readers with no pre-existing reason to visit Nebraska; the editorial page needs a strong destination hook (the zoo, Warren Buffett pilgrimage season, College World Series) to work. Overall Booking.com score not directly confirmed - editor should verify.

Verdict

Strong value. The 1916 hotel once considered the finest between Chicago and San Francisco - restored at $75M and priced like Nebraska.