Welcome to my home state, Nebraska! Exploring the state, you’ll find miles of serene prairies and Sandhills, as well as thriving cities and towns. In all corners of the state, you’ll find an array of hotels. There’s one particular perk that stands out to any budget-savvy traveler: A tasty, complimentary breakfast. Nothing quite starts the day right like a hearty meal, and in the hospitality scene of Nebraska, many establishments recognize and honor this. Whether you’re an early bird looking to fuel your day’s adventures or a leisure traveler seeking the comfort of a late-morning breakfast, this guide will navigate you through Nebraska’s best hotels offering free breakfast.
Staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast when traveling brings a multitude of advantages. Primarily, it provides a convenient and time-saving option for kickstarting your day. Rather than searching for a local café or restaurant each morning, which can be especially challenging in unfamiliar places, you can simply head downstairs and enjoy a meal. It also helps manage your travel budget more effectively as meals are a significant part of travel expenses. The cost of breakfast over several days can quickly add up, so having this included in your hotel rate can save you a substantial amount of money.
Highest-Rated Hotels In Nebraska With Free Breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Blair, an IHG Hotel
1933 Holly Street, Blair, Neb.
This particular Holiday Inn Express ranks high (and sometimes, the highest) in several hotel review sites. On Exepdia, visitors on average give it 9.8 stars. Besides the standard room options of a King size bed or two Queen beds, the hotel has suites available. This Holiday Inn has an indoor pool, and of course, a free continental breakfast is offered daily.
If you’re lucky and your stay is coincides with annual migration patterns, huge amounts of migrating birds stop at nearby Desoto National Wildlife Refuge each spring.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Omaha I-80, an IHG Hotel
16175 Stevens Point, Gretna, Neb.
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80**
Located just outside of Omaha (I considers this area to be part of "Greater Omaha"), this Holiday Inn fits the bill for most travelers’ needs: Complimentary hot buffet breakfast, indoor pool, and it’s pet-friendly. The closest area attractions are Werner Park and Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, though it’s an easy drive eastward on Interstate 80 to Omaha’s zoo, too.
Norfolk Lodge & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
4200 Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, Neb.
Looking for a big breakfast? Norfolk Lodge & Suites’ complimentary breakfast is a buffet. Thanks to an abundance of amenities, the lodge has an Exceptional rating on Expedia, so I’m guessing it’s more than the big breakfast that visitors like. There’s an indoor pool and hot tub, plus miniature golf. Location-wise, it’s right off of Highway 275 and near the Norfolk Arts Center and AquaVenture, an outdoor water park.
Tru by Hilton North Platte
2400 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Neb.
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80**
Just a quick hop off the interstate, Tru is one of the highest-rated hotels in North Platte. More than 1,000 guests have rated it an average 9.2 stars. The hotel offers a free breakfast, and if that’s not what you’re hungry for, there’s also a cafe/coffee shop on-site to purchase food. If you’re traveling with a pet, this is also a good place to stay. Tru is located near one of my favorite souvenir shops, Fort Cody Trading Post.
Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown - Haymarket
600 Q St., Lincoln, Neb.
Whenever I stay in Lincoln, I always stay in the Haymarket. I love the atmosphere there – it’s got great restaurants, cute shops, and it’s within walking distance to Pinnacle Bank Arena. Hyatt Place is on the edge of the Haymarket, but I’ve stayed there and you can easily walk wherever you want to go. Plus, they offer free breakfast, so bonus! With more than 1,000 reviews on Expedia, the Hyatt Place boasts a 9 star average.
Tip: I stayed there in the spring. The hotel was nearly full because of all the families in town for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's graduation. Make reservations early if you're staying there in April or May.
Hampton Inn Kearney
507 Talmadge St., Kearney, Neb.
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80**
Kearney attracts a lot of crowds, most newsworthy are the Sandhill cranes but it’s also a big draw for conferences. There is no shortage of hotels along the I-80 corridor in Kearney for those conference-goers, and that includes Hampton Inn. What the hotel does to distinguish itself includes a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, and it’s pet-friendly. I stayed there for a conference at the Younes Conference Center South (so close I walked to it) and could not find any faults in the 9.4 hotel.
Comstock Premier Lodge
81785 Road 457, Sargent, Neb.
Comstock Premier Lodge is more like a giant B&B than a hotel, but it has so many amenities that we’re going to count it here. Unlike hotels, though, guests access their rooms through a private entrance. Reviews are good, and it has a 9.4 star review average on Expedia. The lodge has a restaurant on site, and breakfast is included with your stay. Breakfast features local cuisine, too. On-site activities include archery, hunting and ecotours, plus nearby trails for hiking and biking.
Arrow Hotel
509 S. Ninth Ave., Broken Bow, Neb.
Arrow Hotel has been a hotel, more or less, for nearly 100 years. But since it was briefly an apartment building, each room is large and all have kitchens. Parents will like the small town atmosphere and the small town prices for all of that space. Everyone will like the delicious home-style breakfast.
The hotel can't compete with the modern amenities you'll find at newer hotel chains, but that hasn't affected its reviews. Most guests have rated this little hotel an average 9.4 stars.
Across the street, there is a wonderful playground and the Custer County Museum. The hotel is right on the town square which has numerous local shops. The hotel also has its own restaurant, which has a separate pub area.
Comfort Inn & Suites Sidney I-80
825 Hoffies Drive, Sidney, Neb.
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80**
Located just off Interstate 80, Comfort Inn & Suites is a budget-friendly option that has an indoor pool and, of course, a full, complimentary breakfast. More than 550 reviews have rated the property, giving it an impressive 9.2 star rating. Given its location, it’s a smart choice for road trippers needing an overnight stop before crossing the Colorado border. If you’re not in a hurry, though, the hotel is near the Pony Express Monument and Cabela's.
Related post: 15 Unique Places To Stay In Nebraska
These nine Nebraska hotels not only offer a promise of a good night’s sleep but also the lure of a delightful morning meal. Whether it’s the urban elegance, rustic charm, or something in between that you seek, each hotel on this list offers a free breakfast that sets the perfect tone for your day. As you plan your trip across the Cornhusker State, consider these top-notch options.