The Kimpton Omaha Nebraska stands tall in the city’s lively Blackstone District, offering boutique accommodations with historical detailing, modern luxuries and a strong sense of place.
There’s a richness to it – the layers of designs that are both moody yet airy, trendy yet classic. You may be surprised to find such a Hollywood-worthy setting in Omaha, but it fits into the town perfectly.
Now called the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, it’s the 1920s for the 2020s – a draw for anyone who visits Omaha but especially those who wed here. Plus, it offers everything that out-of-town guests will appreciate: a location near the airport, pet-friendly accommodations, convenience and comfort at a competitive price point.
Ahead, we’ll explore the hotel’s most dazzling features, its many wedding options, and the vibrant neighborhood surrounding it.
All About This Boutique Hotel
The Kimpton Omaha Nebraska originally opened as the Blackstone Hotel in 1916. A beacon for midwestern travelers throughout the roaring 20s, it continued to draw attention throughout the century. John F Kennedy Jr and Jackie Kennedy celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary here, and it’s where Richard Nixon announced his presidential candidacy in 1967.
The hotel earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places but needed an update and restoration. So in 2020, it reopened as The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel.
With the new name came a new atmosphere. There are rooms you can wander through, local art at every turn, and distinct restaurants that bring people together to dine, socialize, and enjoy Omaha’s culture.
Some of the City’s Best Restaurants & Bars
The guest rooms are modern and comfortable, but it’s the public spaces that make the Kimpton Omaha Nebraska so special.
Few Blackstone hotspots will rival The Cottonwood Room Lounge. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar is brimming with personality thanks to its artful design and faux cottonwood tree anchoring the space.
The hotel also has its own steakhouse, the Committee Chophouse, along with The Pool Club, an exclusive indoor/outdoor spot with seasonal food and drinks.
Did you know that the Reuben sandwich originated right here at the Blackstone Hotel? Today’s Kimpton guests can enjoy the Omaha classic or other favorites at the Orleans Room and Petit Orleans. They offer breakfast, brunch, to-go lunches, and small bite dinner.
Beyond the hotel, the Blackstone District has so many options for shopping and dining. There are 30 places to shop, eat, or drink within a four-block radius of the Kimpton Omaha Nebraska. So you’ll never feel restricted to the hotel’s food offerings.
Other Hotel Amenities
A stay at the Omaha Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is more than food and drink; it’s an entire experience. Summertime guests will love the outdoor pool, which features luxe loungers, an incredible bar, and amazing views.
There’s also an onsite fitness center, gardens and terraces, and social rooms that you can sink into while taking in the hotel’s unique architecture and design.
And with 205 guestrooms and suites, the hotel offers the perfect balance of size — enough guests to support its thriving atmosphere, but small enough to maintain a boutique charm.
Weddings at The Kimpton Omaha Nebraska
There’s no better way to experience the full ambiance and glamor of the Omaha Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel than by hosting a wedding here.
Weddings at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel can range from 10-230 guests. You can have your entire wedding at the hotel or only your reception, and you can set up a room block for your group.
Enjoy the ease of marrying where you stay without settling for a run-of-the-mill hotel ballroom.
The Schimmel Ballroom has windows on three sides and features fine craftsmanship and a functional design. Groups will have direct access to the private rooftop garden, and you’ll have the option to rent out its entire floor, which includes six king rooms and the Presidential Suite.
The larger Gold Coast Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows and french doors leading to a private terrace. It’s also connected to an outdoor event lawn.
This means you’ll have indoor/outdoor options for your event here, so you can take advantage of the incredible grounds for your event and your photos.
As Nebraska wedding photographers, we are obsessed with this space. The natural light, outdoor gardens, bustling city scenes, indoor plants, artwork, and architecture – it all creates portraits that highlight the couple and this distinct place.
Enjoy easy planning with their all-inclusive wedding packages. Your guests will rave over the food and drink along with the ease of staying steps away from the celebrations. And since it’s so close to the airport, it will make traveling a breeze for out-of-town guests.
Blackstone & Beyond: Convenience and Fun in Omaha
Whether you’re a nearby Nebraskan or a far-off destination couple, The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel could be the ideal place to host your wedding. Guests can make a vacation (or staycation) out of your nuptials and enjoy all that Omaha offers.
If you have a lot of guests flying in for your wedding, a venue close to the airport will make things easier for everyone, including you. The Kimpton Omaha Nebraska is a breezy 12-15 minute drive from Eppley Airport and offers the luxury of a grand escape.
You’ll also be within walking distance of the trendy bars and restaurants within the Blackstone District. Nearby in Midtown are even more eateries, shops, and street fairs. And it will take you less than 10 minutes to reach the heart of Downtown.
Your guests will love the many things to do near the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, and you can stay a while to relax as a mini honeymoon too. Read on to discover just a few of the top attractions near this iconic place.
Top Things for Wedding Guests to Do in Omaha Nebraska
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Many families come to Omaha just to visit the city’s zoo. Repeatedly ranked among the nation’s top zoos, this is where you can see some grand, exotic, and cute creatures up close. (4.3 miles away from the hotel)
- Joslyn Art Museum – If you can’t get enough of the 1920s-inspired architecture of the Cottonwood hotel, head over to Joslyn Art Museum, which features incredible art deco design. (1.4 miles away)
- The Durham Museum – Located inside the city’s former Union Station, the Durham Museum offers incredible insight into the culture and history of the American west. Permanent and temporary exhibits will captivate visitors of all ages. (2.6 miles away)
- Nearby Casinos – You’ve hit the jackpot finding the love of your life; now it’s time to win big again. There are three large casinos near downtown Omaha: Horseshoe, Harrah’s, and Ameristar Casino Hotel. (5.2 to 7.7 miles away)
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center – This is where you’ll find all the history buffs and hiking enthusiasts, as it serves as a trailhead for the 4,900-mile trail that connects Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. (3.8 miles away)
The Best of Modern Luxury and Historic Charm at The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
We can’t stress enough how nice it is to host a wedding near a major airport, especially if you or your guests are flying in. And one of our favorite places to stay near any airport is The Kimpton Omaha Nebraska.
With a strong historic foothold, a bustling neighborhood around it, and troves of charm within its walls, this is a wonderful place to host a wedding.
Ready to discover more about hosting your wedding here and how to get it expertly photographed? Contact us today to learn about our Nebraska wedding photography packages.
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