When your granddaughter asks you to drive 7 hours to her competitive softball games in Nebraska, you do just that, right? That’s what brought me to Omaha on spring break with a stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center. Yes, it’s a mouthful of a hotel name, but it packs a big punch, successfully catering to both business and leisure travelers. Add in its convenient location just north and west of downtown, and say hello to a family-friendly Omaha hotel.
I actually lived in Omaha for a couple years back in the 1980’s, so this road trip to Nebraska was a bit of a drive down memory lane. Even though I have friends in the area, this trip was all about the family, so we booked one of the softball team blocked rooms at Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha-Las Vista Hotel. The rate for the block was impressive at just $132/night + tax for double-queen (even more worth it due to the included hot breakfast).
Convenient Location to all things Omaha
I road tripped in from Denver, taking I-80 from west Nebraska. This La Vista / Omaha hotel was convenient at the Giles Road (Exit 442). It is only 20 minutes from downtown Omaha and 40 minutes from Lincoln, home of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Within a short drive, you have access to over 100 restaurants, shopping, and top-notch attractions (including the Henry Doorly Zoo). Bonus for our traveling softball team, we were just 10 minutes from the sports complex.
Within a short drive, you have access to over 100 restaurants, shopping, and top-notch attractions (including the Henry Doorly Zoo). In the same complex is the world-famous Cabela’s, a movie theater and restaurant, and some shops. Bonus for our traveling softball team, we were just 10 minutes from the sports complex.
Arrival
The Embassy Suites Omaha is part of a bigger conference complex (La Vista Conference Center) that includes another hotel option (Courtyard Omaha La Vista). The parking lot is massive with plenty of complimentary parking, although on weekends you’ll likely not see a lot of business travelers.
This is perhaps one of the largest Embassy Suites I’ve stayed in. Lots of public areas, including their usual atrium for dining and gathering. To the right of the entrance was the reception and lobby, while to the left was a coffee shop and farther down the hallway, their in-house restaurant.
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Accommodations at the Embassy Suites Omaha
I’ve been a long time fan of Embassy Suites brand as they just know families. (For business trips, I’d bring along my now adult children and always stay at Embassy Suites.) This Omaha hotel continues to set the stage for a fantastic budget-friendly family vacation with its roomy family-size 257 suites.
Each suite features one king bed or 2 queen beds with a fold-out queen-size sleeper in living room. Rooms with king bed have privacy door. Complimentary cribs are also available upon request. In between the bedroom and living area is a hallway with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and sink, as well as a good-sized bathroom.
We had the suite with 2 queen beds where my daughter’s family of 4 slept, while I camped out on the sleeper. And just like most fold-out beds, it wasn’t too comfortable, but the size of the suite was plenty of room for all 5 of us.
Oh and I should add – FREE WiFi! As usual, I had to log in to get work done. Tucked in the corner of the living room, the desk area gave me plenty of room, and the WiFi signal was strong.
Dining On-site
Seriously, the complimentary made-to-order daily breakfast makes the room rate even more attractive to those on a budget. We’re talking a full selection of fresh fruit, pastries, toast, eggs, bacon, made-to-order waffles AND omelets. Fresh coffee, tea, juice, milk, and soda round out this amazing and free breakfast. (Yeah, I ate too much…)
In addition, the complimentary evening reception includes free cocktails for adults (limited number based on your stay) and snacks for kids.
Other options for dining include the Caffeinas Marketplace Cafe and lunch and dinner at the La Vista Nines, as well as room service. The restaurant also included a bar area (seating up to 30) with TVs, a convenience I especially appreciate when traveling alone on business.
Other On-Site Amenities
If you’re taking the kids to a hotel, there had better be a pool, and once we’d all returned to the hotel, the softball team spent most of their time together at the indoor heated pool. Additional amenities at this property include coin-operated laundry facilities, a business center, and fitness room.
If you’re taking the family to Omaha, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center will be the perfect place to spread out and enjoy this midwestern city. The all-suite hotel, convenient location, complimentary breakfast and evening reception definitely make this Omaha hotel a budget-friendly option for families. You can make your reservation directly online with the hotel, or try a booking site such as Booking.com or Expedia.
Room Rates: start at $199
Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe & Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel
