Where to Stay in Lincoln

Where to Stay in Lincoln

Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types

Lincoln spreads across seven distinct districts, from the red-brick warehouses of the Haymarket to the elm-lined avenues of the University Place neighborhood. Downtown packs boutique hotels within an easy walk of the State Capitol's gold dome. The Historic Haymarket delivers loft conversions above jazz clubs and farm-to-table restaurants. South of campus, College View blends vintage motels with modern apartments where the scent of fresh-baked kolaches drifts from neighborhood bakeries. A comfortable mid-range room runs mid-range pricing across most neighborhoods. The Haymarket charges splurge-level rates during football weekends when scarlet-clad fans crowd the brick streets. Budget motels line O Street, while luxury properties overlook Centennial Mall.

Where to Stay in Lincoln

Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for every visitor.

Our Top Picks

The highest-rated hotel in each price range, selected from all neighborhoods.

Top Pick — Haymarket District
9.2/10 101 reviews
From $73/night

"Stayed at a hotel near Lincoln Airport. The ice maker, etc., which are basic in…"

Public parking Gym Luggage storage Wake-up call
Haymarket District Check prices on Trip.com →
Top Pick — Haymarket District
10.0/10 2 reviews
From $96/night
Gym Luggage storage Smoking area Fax/copying service
Haymarket District Check prices on Trip.com →

Best Areas to Stay

Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.

Hotel recommendations verified

Haymarket District
splurge

Cobblestone streets and 1880s warehouses converted into loft apartments above craft breweries. The air carries notes of caramelized onions from street vendors and the distant whistle of passing trains. Weekend farmers' markets fill the plaza with the scent of fresh kettle corn.

Football fans Food lovers Nightlife seekers
  • Three-minute walk to Pinnacle Bank Arena
  • Over 20 restaurants within four blocks
  • Original brick architecture with iron fire escapes
  • Free weekend trolley connects to campus
  • Train horns at 2 AM and 6 AM daily
  • Street parking costs $2 per hour until 11 PM
Recommended places to stay in Haymarket District
9.2/10 101 reviews
From $73/night

"Stayed at a hotel near Lincoln Airport. The ice maker, etc., which are basic in…"

Public parking Gym Luggage storage Wake-up call
10.0/10 2 reviews
From $96/night
Gym Luggage storage Smoking area Fax/copying service
Mid Range The Kindler Hotel
9.6/10 98 reviews
From $171/night

"It's very good. It's worth recommending. It's very good. My friends like it very…"

Gym Public parking Luggage storage Bar
9.5/10 29 reviews
From $118/night
Golf course Parking Conference room Multi-function room
Mid Range Annabell Gardens
9.4/10 98 reviews
From $127/night
Golf course Outdoor swimming pool Gym Private parking
Downtown Lincoln
mid-range

Modern glass towers reflect the golden Capitol dome while street musicians play saxophone under honey locust trees. The aroma of roasting coffee drifts from Mill Coffee on 13th Street where locals queue for Ethiopian single-origin beans.

Business travelers Government workers Architecture enthusiasts
  • Five blocks to Nebraska State Capitol
  • Free StarTran bus loops every 15 minutes
  • Elevated walkways connect 12 buildings downtown
  • Quiet Sundays when offices close
  • Limited restaurant options after 9 PM weekdays
  • Construction noise from new high-rise projects
Recommended places to stay in Downtown Lincoln
7.5/10 121 reviews
From $45/night

"The staff is amazing! The housekeeper noticed a spider in a corner and right awa…"

Private parking Wake-up call Wi-Fi in public areas Golf course
9.3/10 96 reviews
From $96/night

"When I booked the hotel, I chose to bring breakfast. The next day, I took out th…"

Golf course Gym Public parking Airport pick-up
9.2/10 98 reviews
From $93/night

"It was great. The hotel was clean, the location is great, closer to highway and…"

Private parking Gym Luggage storage Wake-up call
9.1/10 104 reviews
From $100/night

"Nice hotel, great location. Breakfast at 6am is nice and loved coffee and tea 24…"

Private parking Gym Billiards room Smoking area
9.1/10 101 reviews
From $135/night

"Perfect location for downtown activities, great breakfast options, I loved that…"

Golf course Indoor swimming pool Hiking Gym
University Place
mid-range

Tree-lined streets where red maples arch over brick mansions converted to bed and breakfasts. Morning air carries the scent of fresh-cut grass from expansive lawns while church bells chime from nearby St. Mark's Episcopal.

Academic visitors Families Long-term stays
  • 10-minute walk to UNL campus
  • Free parking on residential streets
  • Historic homes with wraparound porches
  • Three grocery stores within six blocks
  • No restaurants open past 10 PM
  • Friday night fraternity parties on nearby streets
Recommended places to stay in University Place
9.1/10 96 reviews
From $74/night

"Good hotel. Tasty breakfast. The room has everything you need, including a refri…"

Public parking Gym Luggage storage Wi-Fi in public areas
9.0/10 93 reviews
From $115/night

"The location is good, the east side is the expressway, the traffic lights and br…"

Indoor swimming pool Gym Public parking Bar
9.0/10 77 reviews
From $91/night
Golf course Indoor swimming pool Spa Gym
9.0/10 2 reviews
From $127/night

"The hotel was clean and very near to pinnacle bank which was where my family mem…"

Gym Luggage storage Wi-Fi in public areas
8.9/10 74 reviews
From $84/night

"The room was very large and comfortable thanks to the corner room. However, I ma…"

Public parking Gym Wake-up call Wi-Fi in public areas
College View
budget-friendly

Vintage neon signs flicker above 1950s motels while the sweet aroma of glazed donuts drifts from Petrow's Restaurant where locals have gathered since 1956. The area hums with student energy from nearby Union College.

Budget travelers Students Retro enthusiasts
  • Cheapest accommodation in Lincoln
  • 24-hour diner across from most motels
  • Vintage signage and Route 6 architecture
  • 15-minute bike ride to downtown via trail
  • Train tracks run parallel to main street
  • Basic amenities without frills
Recommended places to stay in College View
8.8/10 95 reviews
From $75/night

"The location was great as were amenities. Cleanliness could have been a little…"

Public parking Gym Wake-up call Wi-Fi in public areas
8.8/10 99 reviews
From $102/night

"The equipment is very complete, the things are relatively complete, basically re…"

Private parking Gym Luggage storage Wi-Fi in public areas
8.8/10 94 reviews
From $115/night
Indoor swimming pool Sauna Gym Public parking
8.8/10 94 reviews
From $96/night

"Although breakfast is almost the same every day, it is relatively monotonous com…"

Public parking Gym Luggage storage Restaurant
8.8/10 92 reviews
From $92/night
Public parking Gym Luggage storage Wi-Fi in public areas
Gateway Mall Area
mid-range

Modern business district where glass office towers reflect Nebraska sunsets. The smell of stir-fry wafts from the food court while shoppers navigate between national retailers and local boutiques.

Business travelers Shoppers Convention attendees
  • Connected to 100+ stores via skybridge
  • Free parking at all hotels
  • 15 restaurants within mall complex
  • Quick highway access to Interstate 80
  • Chain restaurants dominate the area
  • Traffic congestion during mall hours
Recommended places to stay in Gateway Mall Area
8.6/10 96 reviews
From $68/night
Public parking Gym Wake-up call Wi-Fi in public areas
8.6/10 98 reviews
From $129/night

"The hotel is located in the city centre and there are many attractions nearby. T…"

Indoor swimming pool Gym Public parking Airport pick-up
8.6/10 98 reviews
From $90/night

"Had a great time. The pool is great and even though it was supposed to close at…"

Public parking Gym Luggage storage Airport pick-up
8.6/10 97 reviews
From $141/night

"The room I booked is larger and the breakfast is more abundant. The hotel is in…"

Golf course Pool Gym Parking
8.3/10 104 reviews
From $127/night

"There is a parking lot, parking is $15 per day, there is a discount, we stopped…"

Indoor swimming pool Gym Private parking Airport pick-up
North Lincoln
mid-range

Quiet residential area where cottonwood trees line the bike path along the Salt Creek. Morning fog rises from the water while geese honk overhead on their way to nearby Holmes Lake.

Families Extended stays Pet owners
  • Holmes Lake Park within 5 minutes
  • Quiet neighborhoods with mature trees
  • All-suite properties with full kitchens
  • Easy access to Lincoln Children's Zoo via bike trail
  • 10-minute drive to downtown restaurants
  • Limited public transportation options
Recommended places to stay in North Lincoln
7.1/10 98 reviews
From $56/night

"This is one of 2 places we stay for our annual Christmas shopping trip so we've…"

Indoor swimming pool Gym Private parking Conference room
7.8/10 95 reviews
From $83/night

"Very humble hotel, close to a motel."

Indoor swimming pool Gym Public parking Bar
7.7/10 99 reviews
From $82/night

"Nice, polite staff Clean & comfortable rooms Worth the money"

Golf course Indoor swimming pool Gym Public parking
6.9/10 100 reviews
From $62/night

"Staff is excellent and gives exceptional service going above expectations."

Indoor swimming pool Private parking Conference room Business center
5.0/10 97 reviews
From $40/night

"Check in was quick and easy. The room appeared clean. The bathtub was speckled w…"

Private parking Gym Wi-Fi in public areas Smoking area

Find Hotels in Lincoln

Compare prices and book your perfect stay

Search Hotels

Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.

Accommodation Types

From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.

Hotels
mid-range to splurge

Full-service properties from historic downtown landmarks to modern highway hotels. Expect consistent amenities including pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants serving Nebraska beef.

Best for: Travelers wanting daily housekeeping, room service, and loyalty points

Compare a comparison sites directly, Lincoln properties frequently offer 15% lower rates than third-party sites
Motels
budget-friendly to mid-range

Classic roadside properties along O Street and Cornhusker Highway. Many retain original neon signs and offer basic but clean rooms with exterior corridors.

Best for: Road trippers, budget-conscious travelers, and those arriving late by car

Call directly for last-minute football weekends when online inventory shows sold out
Extended Stay
mid-range

Suite-style properties clustered near I-80 and south Lincoln. Full kitchens and weekly housekeeping cater to visiting professors and relocating families.

Best for: Long-term visitors, families with children, business relocations

Weekly rates drop 25% after seven nights, monthly rates after 30 nights

Booking Tips

Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.

Football weekends book 6 months ahead

Memorial Stadium fills 85,000 seats, reserve before May for September-November Saturdays. Rates triple in the Haymarket, double everywhere else.

State Fair creates second peak season

Late August brings 400,000 visitors. Hotels near the fairgrounds sell out while downtown maintains normal rates.

Summer weekdays offer best value

June-July Sundays through Thursdays run 40% cheaper than weekends when families visit Lincoln Children's Zoo and museums.

Search Hotels →

When to Book

Timing matters for both price and availability.

High Season

Book 6 months ahead for football Saturdays, 3 months for graduation weekends in May

Shoulder Season

April and October offer mild weather with 25% lower rates, book 2-4 weeks ahead

Low Season

January-February brings deep discounts and walk-in availability except during legislative sessions

Two weeks covers most situations. Football and graduation require six months

Good to Know

Local customs and practical information.

Check-in / Check-out
Standard 15:00 check-in, 11:00 check-out. Most properties accommodate 14:00 arrival when rooms are ready
Tipping
$2-5 per night for housekeeping, 15-20% for valet parking, $1 per bag for bellhop
Payment
All major cards accepted. Some historic properties add 3% credit card surcharge
Safety
Very safe city. Parking garages downtown well-lit. Normal precautions apply near campus bars at closing time

After You Book: Activities in Lincoln

Once your accommodation is sorted, explore these activities

Didn't see anything interesting yet?

Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Lincoln.

See All Lincoln Tours on Viator