Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: South Lincoln's Hidden Gem Hotel!
Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret? My Chaotic, Wonderful Stay at South Lincoln's Hidden Gem Hotel! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and probably some scattered crumbs) on my recent stay at what they’re calling “South Lincoln’s Hidden Gem Hotel.” Let me tell you, the "hidden" part might be accurate, because finding this place felt like a treasure hunt. But was it worth the effort? Let's dive in, warts and all. Because, let's be honest, perfect is boring.
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First Impressions (and a Little Panic): Accessibility and Getting There
Finding the hotel was the first adventure. GPS, naturally, tried to send me into a cornfield. Eventually, I stumbled upon a charming, if slightly unassuming, building. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the car park [free of charge] and, even better, car park [on-site]! Huge plus. The elevator was a godsend, especially because I'd packed like I was moving in for the apocalypse.
Now, I need to talk about accessibility. As someone who needs a bit of extra space, I was happy to see they had Facilities for disabled guests. (And, let's be honest, aren't we all a bit disabled on a Monday morning after too much coffee?). I'd requested a room suited to my needs, and though it wasn't perfectly what I envisioned (a bit of a tight squeeze around the bed), the bathroom was workable, and that's what mattered. The wheelchair accessible aspects were definitely there, but maybe not as flawlessly executed as some places I've stayed. Still, an A for effort, guys. And I’m all for giving the benefit of the doubt.
They also offered airport transfer, which I didn’t use, but knowing it's available is a bonus!
Room Sweet Room (or The Case of the Missing Slippers)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. My room, thankfully, had air conditioning, because Lord knows, Lincoln can get sweltering. The blackout curtains were a serious MVP, especially after a night of…well, let's just say I enjoyed the happy hour more than I should have. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend, although, confession: I had a minor meltdown trying to connect initially (my fault, technology is not my friend). They even had Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. Pretty high-tech!
Inside, the room had air conditioning, an alarm clock, bathrobes (snazzy!), a desk, a coffee/tea maker (essential), and a refrigerator perfect for midnight snacks. Free bottled water was a thoughtful touch. The bed was comfy, but I swear I couldn't find the slippers advertised in the room description! Minor detail, but I'm a slipper snob.
The bathroom? Separate shower/bathtub, which is always a win in my book. Toiletries were provided, and, thankfully, the hot water was consistent.
Dining, Drinking, and the Pretentious "Coffee/Tea"
Oh, the food! This is where things got interesting. The restaurants offered a selection. They had a buffet in restaurant, a breakfast [buffet], a vegetarian restaurant, plus Asian cuisine in restaurant and, yes, Western cuisine in restaurant. I tried the Asian breakfast one morning - a bold move, considering my stomach's propensity for rebellion. It was…okay. Let's just say I stuck to the Western breakfast after that.
The coffee/tea in restaurant? Honestly? Overpriced. Like, "pretentious barista in a tiny cup" overpriced. Give me a regular mug, people! They did have a bar, though, and the happy hour specials were a life-saver. The poolside bar was a nice touch, too, for those who like to sip something whilst looking at the Swimming pool [outdoor].
I also grabbed a quick salad in restaurant, and a soup in restaurant one chilly evening. Not bad, not amazing, but definitely edible. And the room service [24-hour] had a bottle of water with every delivery! I will say, though, I wished for a snack bar or something… I'm a snacker.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Fitness, and My Failed Body Wrap
This is where the "Gem" thing really came into play – the spa. O-M-G. Seriously. The Spa/sauna was amazing. I spent a glorious hour lounging in the sauna, contemplating the meaning of life, and generally feeling smug. They had a spa, a steamroom and a massage, plus a body scrub – I was in heaven. Then I tried the body wrap. Let’s just say I’m not cut out for being wrapped like a burrito. It was a whole experience in itself, and not so relaxing because I spent half the time feeling trapped and claustrophobic. Note to self: stick to massages!
They also offered a Fitness center and a gym/fitness, for those more inclined to sweat than to bliss out. I glanced in. It looked intimidating. I headed back to the pool with view and floated around instead. Priorities, people.
Cleanliness and Safety (and a Slightly Paranoid Moment)
Okay, this is important. The place was spotless. Seriously. They take this seriously. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, there was Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were definitely trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. Felt safe.
I did, however, catch myself staring at the CCTV in common areas a few times. It's the post-pandemic paranoia kicking in. I was happy to see a Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms in my room, and the constant presence of Security [24-hour] certainly added to the sense of security. They also had Safe dining setup and the Sterilizing equipment looked advanced. Glad that they have Individually-wrapped food options and Cashless payment service. Also I loved that I could choose to have Room sanitization opt-out available!
Services and Oddities: From Concierge to Cold Feet
The concierge was incredibly helpful, answering my endless questions with patience (bless them). There was a convenience store that was handy for forgotten toothbrush emergencies (guilty). They have dry cleaning and laundry service, which is great for those who like to travel lightly. They even had facilities for disabled guests, and this was a big plus.
I loved that they had Daily housekeeping, and the room was always sparkling clean. And, because this hotel has a flair for the quirky, there was a shrine - yep, a full-blown shrine – tucked away in a little corner, which was quite a surprise.
I had an unfortunate experience on my first night -- I think there was a doctor/nurse on call, I don't know for sure but I was suffering some bad cold, it was quite a miserable experience.
For the Kids and Families
I didn’t have kids with me, but this hotel seems to be Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service because I saw the sign. However, it was very difficult to find a Kids meal.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem? Maybe. Worth It? Absolutely.
Look, this hotel isn't perfect. There were a few bumps in the road, and, as I said, it could use some tweaking in the accessibility department. But for the price, the cleanliness, the spa, and the generally friendly vibe, it's a winner. Yes, it’s "hidden," but that’s part of its charm. While it has a lot of things for people to see, I’m not sure if it has a Couple's room or a Proposal spot.
Would I go back? Absolutely! I'll even try the body wrap again (maybe). South Lincoln's Hidden Gem Hotel? It's a maybe, a gem, and an experience I will not forget.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars (would have been 5, if they had better coffee). Highly recommended!
Escape to Paradise: Hilton Vacation Club Crescent's South Beach Oasis!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded travel agenda. This is me, wrestling with a Residence Inn in Lincoln, Nebraska, and everything that entails. Let's call it… "The Lincoln Lamentations."
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in the Nebraska Plains
3:00 PM - Arrival at Residence Inn Lincoln South. Okay, first impressions: it's… beige. A lot of beige. The kind of beige that suggests a commitment to blending in with the vast, undulating fields of corn. Check-in was a breeze. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, gave me the key, the wifi password, and a look that said, "You're here. Now what?" Truthfully, I was asking myself the same thing.
3:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance. Entering the room felt like walking into a purgatorial efficiency apartment. Functional, sure. Inspiring? Nah. The kitchen area is… well, it's there. I peeked in the fridge, and it appears to be mocking me with its emptiness. Alright, time to locate a grocery store.
4:30 PM - Grocery Store Adventure (or, the Quest for Snacks). This is where the "perfect travel plan" goes to die. I envisioned myself, effortlessly navigating the aisles, selecting artisan cheeses and imported olives. The reality? I wandered aimlessly through a Hy-Vee, overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of…everything. Ended up with a bag of Doritos, a questionable pre-made salad, and a carton of generic brand orange juice. Embrace the mess, right?
6:00 PM - Dinner (or, the Salad's Revenge). Eating solo in a hotel room, even with the full "kitchen" is depressing. I should have ordered takeout. The salad, unfortunately, tasted like sadness. Took a few minutes to appreciate the sunset over a cornfield, which, I have to admit, was kinda gorgeous.
7:00 PM - Netflix and the Unbearable Lightness of Being (Alone). The hotel wifi kept cutting out. Maybe I should have downloaded a movie after all. Scrolling aimlessly. Deciding against watching "The Notebook". This is fine. It's all fine.
9:00 PM - Sleep. (Hopefully). I'm praying the air conditioner holds its own, and that the Doritos don't haunt my dreams.
Day 2: Exploring Lincoln (or, My Lack of Enthusiasm, Personified)
7:00 AM - Breakfast (or, the Hotel Buffet Struggle). Okay, the free breakfast at Residence Inn is a thing. It's not bad, per se. It's just… a collection of lukewarm scrambled eggs, slightly rubbery sausage, and industrial-strength coffee. I took a blueberry muffin and stared intensely out the window. Is it really morning already?
8:00 AM - The Nebraska State Capitol (or, Architecture That Doesn't Quite Move Me). I wanted to feel a sense of awe, appreciation for the historical significance. But the Capitol? It was… a building. It's big, I'll give it that. I wandered around for about twenty minutes, took a few obligatory pictures, and felt… nothing. Sorry, Nebraska. It’s just, I’m not sure my heart is in it today. Maybe I should've taken notes from the tour guide. He seemed very enthusiastic about the mosaic murals…
10:00 AM - Sheldon Museum of Art (or, Attempting to Appear Cultured). This place was actually pretty cool. I found myself surprisingly captivated by the modern art displays. A beautiful sense of calm. A small victory for the day. I can’t quite explain what happened, but seeing the art gave me some emotional energy.
12:00 PM - Lunch (or, The Burger That Saved My Soul). I wandered into a local diner, "The Coffee House," and inhaled the juicy, greasy, perfect burger. It was the best thing I'd consumed. It also gave me some energy to continue the day.
1:00 PM - Exploring Downtown Lincoln (or, Finding a Reason to Live). I stumbled upon a charming street with local shops and boutiques. The city is doing okay. I found a local shop and bought a Nebraska-themed t-shirt, because, you know, tourist.
3:00 PM - The Lied Center for Performing Arts (or, Getting My Artsy Fix). Well, I was planning to check out a show. But, I ended up napping during the intermission.
7:00 PM - Dinner (or, The Taco Bell Redemption). Back at the hotel, a massive craving for something unhealthy, I ended up ordering Taco Bell and feeling absolutely zero shame. Food is fuel.
8:00 PM - Hotel Room Hibernation. Back to the room, where I spent the night watching mindless TV and avoiding all thoughts of returning home.
Day 3: Departure and the Ephemeral Nature of Adventure
7:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast (or, Reluctant Resumption of the Buffet). I ate a waffle, contemplating the meaning of life. I'm not sure I’m the right person for this task.
8:00 AM - Last Glimpse of Lincoln. I was just… done. I just wanted to go home.
9:00 AM - Departure. Driving away, I left the Residence Inn's beige embrace. Would I return? Maybe. Someday. Probably not.
South Lincoln's Hidden Gem Hotel: The (Mostly!) Uncensored Guide
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *really* a secret? Because my Google Maps skills are usually top-notch.
Alright, alright, you got me. "Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's more like... the kind of place that’s whispered about, you know? Like, "Oh, you HAVE to try that hole-in-the-wall taco place, but don't tell *everyone*." This hotel is the taco place of lodging. It's not *hidden* in the literal sense (it's near the highway!), but it flies under the radar of the big corporate hotel chains. You're not going to see flashing billboards. Trust me, I stumbled upon it whilst avoiding a truly awful chain. And honestly? The relief was *palpable*.
What's *actually* good about it, other than, you know, not being a soulless chain?
Okay, *deep breath*. Where do I even start? Let's see... the staff. They're not just "polite," they're *genuinely* friendly. Like, the kind of friendly where you feel comfortable asking for an extra blanket at 3 AM because you're convinced there's a polar vortex raging in your room (it was probably just the AC). And the rooms? They're... unique. In the BEST way. My room? Had a slightly wonky lampshade that added some character. I swear, I found out the owner, Mr. Henderson, made it himself! (Which, you know... a bit lopsided, but charming). And the breakfast! Forget those sad continental offerings. This place serves REAL food. I'm talking waffles that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. And the coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead. Trust me, I needed it.
Let's talk downsides. Because nothing's perfect, right? Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, okay. Here’s where I get real. It's not the Ritz. The decor? Let's call it... "eclectic." Think a slightly faded painting of a lighthouse next to a perfectly functional (but older) TV. And the Wi-Fi? Well, let's just say it’s reliable... *most* of the time. Sometimes, you'll hear the sounds of people moving around in the rooms. It's not completely sound proof. I once heard someone snoring across the hall! (Don't worry, I’m not sure the walls are particularly thin, could have been a particularly loud snorer!) Plus, the parking lot isn't huge. Sometimes you might have to park a tiny bit further than you'd like. And honestly? The coffee's not always *perfect*. One morning it was a little... weak. I, of course, mentioned that to Mr. Henderson. He went red in the face, and made another pot right away! Bless his heart. That was good though.
What about the location? Is it actually *convenient*?
Okay, the location is actually pretty sweet. Really close to the highway. Super easy to get to. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's right off the highway. There's stuff nearby, gas stations, restaurants, a few places to explore (though they're not gonna be on the front page of a Travel & Leisure magazine, you know?). But, yeah, it's also *close* to local businesses. If you want to visit downtown Lincoln, it's a quick drive, and there are tons of restaurants and shops there. Plus, the lack of city noise is a total bonus. It's quiet. Like, really, *really* quiet. Except for, you know, the occasional car driving by! But you can't hear much.
This is all sounding pretty good. How much does it *actually* cost? Because "hidden gem" screams "expensive" these days.
This is the best part. It’s... reasonable. Let's just say it won't make your wallet cry. The prices are much more competitive than those big chain hotels. Okay, I'm not going to give you the exact price as it can change, but I will say that it is often a LOT cheaper than the other options. I mean, you can usually snag a room for less than what you'd pay for a single night at a corporate hotel. Seriously. That's part of the charm, honestly. You feel like you're getting a much better deal than you deserve.
Okay, you mentioned something about a painting of a lighthouse... Is there anything *quirky* I should know about?
Oh, yes. Prepare yourself. This is where the "hidden gem" label *really* shines. Remember that lighthouse painting? Well, next to it was a framed cross-stitch that says, "Home Sweet Home." Then there's the fact that Mr. Henderson, the owner... has a pet ferret named Bartholomew who occasionally wanders the reception area. Bartholomew is quite the character! And the antique furniture in the breakfast area? It’s all a bit mismatched, but charming. You've got this odd collection of chairs that could be from different centuries! It’s all part of the experience. Then sometimes, Mr. Henderson will tell you stories about the hotel that are just... out there. He is a character. I think I walked in there and he started to talk about his childhood in the Amazon!
Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Look, it's not perfect. But it's *real*. And in a world of cookie-cutter hotels, that's a rare and precious thing. Plus, I kind of… *adore* Mr. Henderson. He's a bit of a kook, but he truly cares about the place and his guests. I mean, he even remembered my name the second time I came back! I swear, South Lincoln's Hidden Gem isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience. A slightly quirky, occasionally imperfect, and always memorable experience. So would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Just… don't tell *everyone*, okay? Let's keep it our little secret.
Okay, last question. Any *horror stories*? I've got a morbid curiosity.
Ah, you want dirt? Alright. Well, there was that *one* time… I'm going to level with you, it's kind of a mess. I don't even know where to *start*.
So, I was staying there, you know, enjoying the waffles and the general… *charm* of the place. Everything was going swimmingly! Until, oneFindelicious Hotels
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