Omaha Staycation There is a new trend in the travel industry postcoronavirus: staycations. This is good news for people living in and around Omaha and Lincoln because there are so many amazing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment districts in the area, all of which have taken the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and fun experience!
Lodging in Luxury
Towering 12 stories high, the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District delivers that luxury factor. The rooms are sleek with big window walls that give a nice view of the riverfront to the east and the Omaha city skyline to west. The lobby is pristine with its vaulted ceilings and high-end furniture—great backdrops for your next Instagram post! The checkin and parking process went very smoothly thanks to the large portes-cochère in front to unload our luggage and the attached garage we were able to easily get in and out of with our room key. There is just something about staying at a hotel that makes you feel a little bit like royalty, especially when the staff is professional, courteous, and willing to go above and beyond to make sure your stay is fabulous with personalized concierge service. Call (402) 807-8000 or visit www.marriott.com/OMADM to book a room.
Swanky Dining
Fancying fresh seafood and crustaceans or exclusively aged USDA Prime grade beef, all unmatched in quality and presentation? 801 Chophouse at the Paxton has earned the rank. Before filling our bellies, we decided to wet our whistles with selections from the seasonal House Crafted cocktail menu. We dubbed the Jackie O's a perfect pre-dinner sip for its bubbly character and use of homemade elderberry syrup. It's a lively spin on the classic French 75. The Nearest and Dearest has a bit more complexity to it thanks to the herbaceous hints from the green chartreuse mixed in with notes of chocolate bitters. The drink gets its name from the Uncle Nearest 1884 Whisky, and it gets two thumbs up from our party. Onto the food, we couldn't resist starting off with
the Baked Escargot—a true delicacy. Our wonderful server, Emily, recommended the Seafood Tower for a healthy array of crab legs, lobster, and raw shrimp and oysters. 801 has their own lobster tank in the back, so there is no denying the level of freshness. For beef, we recommend the bone-in filet, which exceeded all expectations in flavor and tenderness. 801 also offers various preparation options. Our favorite, and a classic, is the Oscar Style—Deshelled Alaskan King Crab, béarnaise sauce, and broiled asparagus spears—an absolute dream combination. In addition, we really 'oohed' and 'aahed' over the Fried Lobster Bites, which were served in the lobster tail to add a little flare to the presentation and they were very easy to share. The Scalloped Potatoes were nothing short of magical, and we were impressed by how sophisticated the Creamed Corn and Caramelized Baby Carrots were prepared. Beyond what graced our table, our group was mesmerized by the 1920s nostalgia found in the wooden architecture, romantic lighting, and grand back bar. Call (402) 341-1222 to make a reservation.
Party Igloos
There is a new craze sweeping entertainment districts across the country that is not only fitting for the winter season, but also for COVID season: igloos! Now in the Capitol District, you and a small group of friends can reserve your own private igloo for the evening. Each one has comfy chairs, a center table, electric fireplace, and esthetic decorations and lights. Upon check-in in the botanical Ice Lounge, which is located indoors underneath Beer Can Alley, your group can check out complimentary blankets, board games, small televisions with DVD players, holiday favorites, and pillows. There are restaurants and bars in the district that are ready to provide you with their exclusive igloo menu items featuring special deals on apps to share and festive beverages. Annie’s Irish Pub does a $4 YOUCALL-IT, which includes any beer, well, or call mixed drink. We really did feel like we had privacy, especially because the area is blocked off so there is no pedestrian traffic passing by. If you're trying to avoid cold winds and the risk of being exposed to COVID, but you're still wanting to get out of the house, this is it! Each reservation is good for two and a half hours. Call (402) 200-3039 to book your igloo!
Be sure to check out our extended version of our Travel Story with additional photos and details regarding our
#PrintProudDigitalSmart DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business Omaha experience! You can find the extended version online at www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com.
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