Amenities Columns

$$ | Miles | Fit | Kit | I'net

$$

This column indicates the typical price range of this hotel. We use the following codes: E=Economy (under $50), M=Midrange ($50 to $100), U=Upscale ($100 to $150), L=Luxury (over $150). Please note that room rates fluctuate (seasonal popularity, special events in the area, etc.).

Miles

The approximate distance in miles from the exit to the hotel. These are calculations using GPS data. Distances along city streets will be somewhat different but this should give you a good idea of the distances to Discount Hotels near the cited Interstate exit.

Fit

Discount Hotels near I-80 in Omaha offering  'fitness' or exercise facilities are indicated with an F in this column. If the hotel also has a spa, it is so indicated by an S in this column. Most hotels define a 'spa' as a large hot tub with built in water jets. In a few cases, fitness facilities and spas may be off-premises (entry by pass issued by the hotel) in which case dressing rooms are also present for your convenience.

Kit

Discount Hotels near I-80 in Omaha offering a full kitchen or 'kitchenette' are indicated with an 'K' in this column. An 'M' in this column indicates microwave available. If the room also has a refrigerator, it is so indicated by an 'R' in this column. Many hotels have some rooms furnished with microwaves and small refrigerators but you have to request them. We list them only if there is not an additional charge (or so they have informed us).

I'net

Discount Hotels near I-80 in Omaha offering Internet access are indicated (with an M for dial-up and W for wideband) in the I'net column. Please note that 'wideband' facilities vary. In addition to a network port (usually installed in the docking station), we suggest you bring along cables and your Windows distribution CD (in case you are required to load a special network driver). For 'dial up dataports', you would only need a modem and an RJ-11 patch cord (which you should always have with you, anyway).

To check rates, amenities or make hotel reservations, just click on the hotel name.

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Omaha

Omaha is a large city and like many large cities it is busy with a lot of traffic worsened bt lot of construction. In addition to these usual 'big city' problems, we found it very difficult to find addresses. The Omaha Visitors' Center, however, is conveniently located at 1001 Farnam St (corner of South 10th Street). We suggest you stop by their visitors center, first, and get their help in finding things - or even determining what you'd like to visit. They are very helpful and if they don't have an instant answer they know who to call to get it.
  If eastbound on I-80, take exit 452 and head north on I-480 toward downtown Omaha. At exit 2C, I-480 makes a sweeping right turn (this is where I-580 splits off to go to the airport). Stay on I-480 and continue to exit 3A. Follow the off-ramp around to S. 14th Street and continue down 14th to Farnam Street. Turn left on Farnam and follow it almost 4 blocks to the Visitors' Center at 1001 Farnam (brown building on the corner of 10th Street).
  If westbound on I-80 - while still in Iowa - take the I-29 exit (exit 1A) and follow I-29 northbound to exit 53B. This is the east end of I-480. Follow I-480 over the Missouri River bridge into Omaha and exit 4 (just on the other side of the bridge). Exit and continue under the Interstate to S. 10th Street. Turn left, go 2 blocks to Farnam. Turn right. It is the brown building on the corner (1001 Farnam). Phone (toll-free): 1-866-937-6624.

Freedom Park
  Well hidden, on the Missouri River just northeast of 'downtown' Omaha, are two WW-II ships plus a submarine - all open to visitors. Also in the park are some planes and other military equipment - usually a thrill for the kids.
  The way we drove to Freedom Park is no longer traversable. So we phoned the folks at the Park and the instructions were, simply, take the Cuming Street exit (didn't know the exit number but it may not be numbered, yet). Turn right (east) and follow Cuming. It becomes Abbott Drive after the 2nd stop sign. Turn right, then left onto Freedom Park Drive. You should be next to the Missouri River. If you come up with better (or corrected?) directions, please let us know (editor@Wheatley.Libn.NC.US)
  There is a $5 admission fee to the park ($3 for ages 5 - 12) and it is open 9a - 6p (10a - 5p Sundays) April to October. For more information, or to review the directions, phone them at 1-402-345-1959.

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Henry Doorly Zoo
  We would be terribly amiss if we neglected to mention the Omaha Zoo. Here you can walk through an underwater, glass-walled tunnel in a huge tank in which a broad variety of marine life is resident.
  Or take a stroll in the world's largest, indoor rain forest complete with waterfalls/ Here you can view birds and reptiles plus the ever so popular monkeys.
  Then, for a quick change in environment, enter their Desert Dome complete with the denizens of the desert.
  If you still have time you can stop by the African Veldt in which (we were told) is one of the largest collection of felines in the world. Watch polar bears play - under water - from a unique underwater viewing area. Visit a special 'petting zoo' where the kids can get up close (safely).
  Some things can't be brought to Omaha. No problem. They also have an IMAX theater (these are the theatres with the super-sized screens and all-around sound) where you can experience thrilling adventures almost as though you were there.
  From I-80 take the first off ramp at exit 454, go south on South 13th Street to Deer Park Blvd. Turn left and go to the end of Deer Park. Turn right on South 10th to the entrance and parking area. Admission $8.50; $4.75 kids 5 - 11. Hours are 9:30a - 5p.