As one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest, Lincoln, Nebraska offers a setting for everyone, from college sports fans to music lovers to vacationing families. When your travels point you to Nebraska, the Residence Inn Lincoln South is the perfect hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska, whether a one-night or extended stay. Travel writer Diana Rowe has the scoop on why this budget and family-friendly hotel will surprise you.
If you’ve been to Nebraska, likely you’re the traveler who passes through on I-80, because as the state’s tongue-in-cheek tag line says, “Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” However, for those who appreciate what this Midwestern state has to offer, you’ve also likely visited Lincoln, the capital and a university city with an active and vibrant atmosphere. Stop sifting through all the dozens of hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska, and put the Residence Inn Lincoln South on the top of your list.
Now that I have your attention, you might wonder why this travel writer who has traveled to bucket list destinations like Ireland, London, Thailand, Mexico, Walt Disney World, and more, even visited Lincoln? That’s an easy answer! My hubby is a huge college football fan, When we had the opportunity as Colorado University season ticket holders to road trip with our friends to Lincoln for the Nebraska vs CU game, we were all in even though we were (friendly) rivals.
To me, which hotel to choose is always important, but when traveling with friends, we also have to be considerate of each other’s budgets and traveling style. And of course, that choice becomes more complicated when descending on a college town like Lincoln during its nearly always sold out football games.
Although we considered staying at a hotel within talking distance to Memorial Stadium, the price was simply too inhibitive (game weekend $400 ++), so we expanded our search. My friend discovered a fantastic rate at Residence Inn Lincoln South, located just 9 miles from the stadium. With Uber or Lyft ride options, we were sold and booked our room at nearly half of the other hotels.
What’s to Love About Residence Inn Lincoln South
Let’s start with location. For road-trippers, exit off Interstate-80 and it’s short drive south to arrive at this Lincoln hotel. Even on late morning arrival of the game day, the traffic heading south was not as congested as I expected.
The hotel is located near the cross streets of Pine Lake Road & W. 56th Street but set back behind several businesses and a church. Even though GPS signaled we had arrived, it wasn’t until we turned onto Boboli Lane that we caught a glimpse of it.
Free parking is always a bonus, so we self-parked and entered the lobby of the Residence Inn Lincoln South. I have to say this was perhaps the best check-in I’d ever experienced. Why? The front desk staff were exceptionally helpful (even though my hubby and I wore our Colorado Buffalos football shirts in Nebraska…). Friendly, over-the-top accommodating.
We had arrived around noon-ish for a 4 pm check-in, but the staff knew that the game started before check-in. All went the extra mile to get us checked in early so that we could go to the game. They also gave us wonderful suggestions as to where to go. (We Ubered to the Haymarket area and then walked to the stadium per their suggestions.)
We also loved that this was a smaller hotel with 3 floors — and an all-suite hotel. Our King Suite was simply awesome. Beautifully designed, brightly yet, yet we could turn down the lights. TV viewable from both bedroom and living area. Kitchenette, but really larger than that. Perfect situation for those with extended stays.
Other perks included in your Residence Inn by Marriott stay are a delicious and free buffet breakfast, FREE WiFi (and signal was strong throughout this Residence Inn Lincoln South!), pool, and fitness center. This location also features a fire pit and outdoors lounging area.
Rates start at $107 but you can compare rates at any of the online booking agencies such as Expedia, or Hotels.com.
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Read why my fellow Hotel-Scoop writer Susan McKee also put another midwestern Residence Inn by Marriott in Decatur Forsyth on the must-stay list too.
Photo Credits: Diana Rowe & Residence Inn Lincoln South