The Farnam, Autograph Collection, is one of the more upscale hotel choices in downtown Omaha. Autograph Collection is a Marriott group of independent-minded hotels, each meant to have its own personality rather than follow a template. That makes it a good fit for travelers who want the reliability of a large hotel company together with the distinct feel of a boutique stay. In a city where many downtown hotels belong to familiar chains, this one stands out for its higher level of design and service. Expect rooms with quality bedding, thoughtful lighting and a modern bathroom, along with a work area for those on business. Public spaces typically include a restaurant and bar that serve guests and locals, and a lobby with a more refined mood than the casual brands. Because each Autograph hotel is individual, the specific details of the decor, the dining and the extras are best checked when you book, as room categories and facilities change over time. The downtown address puts you near the Old Market, the riverfront parks, the arena and the performing arts venues, with restaurants and bars within a short walk. The city is easy to explore without a car at this end, and an evening out can begin and end within a few blocks. If you are in Omaha for a wedding, a concert, a business trip or a romantic weekend, the hotel is a stylish, central base.
This hotel suits couples, business travelers, small groups and anyone treating themselves. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere is more grown-up than at the value hotels, and travelers who want a pool or a kitchen may prefer a different type of property. The trade-off for the polish is price: expect higher rates than at the mid-range hotels nearby, particularly on event weekends.
Plan around the city calendar. The College World Series in June, the shareholder weekend in spring, big concerts and conventions fill downtown rooms and push up prices. Midweek stays outside those windows can be much cheaper. Compare flexible and non-refundable rates, ask about packages that include dining or parking, and confirm what the rate includes when you book.
A good plan for a weekend is to spend the first day in the Old Market and along the riverfront, with a long lunch and an afternoon at a gallery or museum. Save the second day for the Joslyn Art Museum or the zoo, and finish with a dinner downtown. The hotel restaurant and bar make a convenient choice on a tired evening, and a nightcap in the lobby is a pleasant way to end a day.
Practical tips
Ask for a higher floor and a quieter room, check the parking arrangement and cost, and confirm check-in and check-out times if you have an early flight or a late event. If you are celebrating something, mention it when you book, as hotels of this level often add small touches. All told, this is a refined and central base for visitors who want comfort and character in downtown Omaha.
Why stay here
- ✓Downtown Omaha location
- ✓Autograph Collection hotel
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Close to the Old Market
- ✓Near the riverfront parks
- ✓Work area in rooms
- ✓Parking available
Good questions
Where is The Farnam?+
In downtown Omaha, near the Old Market, the riverfront and the arena. Check the map when you book.
What is the Autograph Collection?+
A group of independent-minded Marriott hotels, each with its own character and design.
Who is it best for?+
Couples, business travelers and anyone who wants an upscale, central hotel.
