The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is the most characterful place to stay in Omaha, because the building is the old Blackstone Hotel, one of the city's best-known landmarks. It stands on Farnam Street in the Blackstone District, a lively neighborhood of restaurants, bars and shops a couple of miles west of downtown, and after an extensive restoration it reopened under the Kimpton name. Omaha tradition holds that the Reuben sandwich was dreamed up here, in a long-ago card game, and the story still colors the hotel's food and drink. The Blackstone has a long record as the place where Omaha entertained its visitors, politicians and celebrities, and the restoration kept that sense of occasion. Kimpton is known for design-forward boutique hotels with a social lobby, and the Cottonwood follows that model. Expect rooms with a personal, residential feel, a bar and restaurant that draw locals as well as guests, and staff who lean toward warm and informal service. The Blackstone District around the hotel has its own energy, with a mix of neighborhood bars and restaurants, and it is considerably calmer and more residential than the Old Market.
The location is both the hotel's appeal and its trade-off. Staying in the Blackstone District gives you a neighborhood feel, a walkable restaurant scene and easy access to Midtown, the Joslyn Art Museum and Dundee. It is a short rideshare or drive to the Old Market and the RiverFront, so plan for transport if you want to be downtown in the evening. Many visitors enjoy having both: a day downtown, an evening in the Blackstone District.
Kimpton hotels typically welcome pets and offer perks such as a complimentary evening gathering or wellness amenities, but programs change, so check the details when you book. Parking arrangements and fees vary and should be confirmed before arrival. The hotel is a good choice for couples, solo travelers and groups who value character and nightlife over a standard business-hotel feel, and it makes a memorable base for a weekend of trolley tours and museums.
The building's history rewards a little curiosity. Ask at the front desk about the hotel's story and its role in Omaha life, and look for details in the lobby and public rooms. If you are traveling for an anniversary or a special weekend, this is the property most likely to feel like part of the trip rather than just a place to sleep. For a more conventional, walk-to-everything downtown stay, look at the Hilton or the Marriott instead, and for suites and a free breakfast near the Old Market consider the Embassy Suites.
One more tip
The Blackstone District comes alive in the evening, so wander the nearby streets and look in at local bars and restaurants before you settle in. Weekend nights can be lively, so request a quieter room if you prefer calm. If you are visiting in autumn, pair your stay with the haunted cemetery trolley and enjoy a late dinner nearby, then return to a hotel with its own stories.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic Blackstone Hotel building
- ✓Boutique Kimpton design
- ✓On-site bar and restaurant
- ✓Lively social lobby
- ✓Blackstone District dining nearby
- ✓Short drive to the Old Market
- ✓Pet-friendly brand policies
- ✓Central Midtown location
Good questions
Is the Kimpton Cottonwood in downtown Omaha?+
No. It is in the Blackstone District in Midtown, a short drive or rideshare west of downtown and the Old Market.
What is the history of the building?+
It is the restored Blackstone Hotel, a long-standing Omaha landmark linked to the local Reuben sandwich story.
Who is it best for?+
Couples, solo travelers and groups who prefer character and a neighborhood setting over a standard convention hotel.