Choosing the right hotel can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one, and finding a hotel that delivers a top-notch breakfast to kick-start your day is a key part of the equation. Whether you’re visiting Lincoln, Nebraska, for business or for family or for fun, there are several accommodations that not only provide comfortable stays, but also include complimentary breakfast, adding extra value to your visit.

This post aims to guide you through some of the best-rated hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska, that offer free breakfast. I’m a fan of free breakfasts because it frees up a little more spending money for activities or nicer meals later on. If you’re of the same mindset, read on. Let’s find that perfect hotel breakfast experience you’re looking for in Lincoln.
Why Lincoln, Nebraska?
Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, is the second-largest city in Nebraska, it offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and the charm of a small town. The city is well-known for its friendly locals, rich history, and thriving arts scene. It’s also known as the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which brings in droves of fans to watching sporting events as well as a ton of families who attend graduation each spring.
When it comes to attractions, Lincoln may surprise you. The city is home to the Nebraska State Capitol, a majestic architectural marvel with a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck. Tours of the building are free.

The Sunken Gardens, considered among the best public gardens in the U.S., provide a peaceful retreat amid lush landscapes. And like the capitol building, the gardens are free to visit. If you’re traveling with kids, pair a visit to the Sunken Gardens with the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, which is nearby.
For those interested in history and culture, the Sheldon Museum of Art and Morrill Hall are must-visit places (don’t miss the Elephant Hall on the second floor of Morrill Hall – you’ll see one of the world’s largest mammoth skeletons).
As mentioned earlier, the Huskers bring in sports enthusiasts on game day. Memorial Stadium, which becomes a “Sea of Red” on game days, making it the third-largest city in Nebraska! Personally, I like the “Sea of Red” seen at the Husker volleyball team games at Bob Devaney Sports Center.
Hotel ratings and reviews
I used a mix of personal experience and guest reviews to narrow down a list of hotels for this post. The type of breakfast, hotel location, and overall review of the hotel also factored into each ranking. I rank hotels in Downtown Lincoln or the Historic Haymarket District a little higher due to their proximity to so many attractions, restaurants and concert venues.

Downtown Lincoln is particularly easy for access to the city’s key attractions. What I like about the Historic Haymarket District is its old-world charm that blends nicely with awesome restaurants and shops. Alternatively, the Near South neighborhood offers beautiful historical homes and is a short distance from the buzz of downtown.
Top-rated hotels in Lincoln with free breakfast
Now that I’ve covered the perks of staying in Lincoln and the benefits of choosing a hotel that offers a free breakfast, it’s time to dive into the cream of the crop. Here is a list of hand-picked top-rated hotels in Lincoln, known not just for their superb accommodations and customer service, but also for their delectable breakfast offerings that add a generous sprinkle of luxury to your mornings.
Each of these hotels ensures that guests are fueled and ready for the day, whether it’s exploring the city’s historic sites, heading to a business meeting, or cheering on the Cornhuskers. So, let’s see where are the best places to stay and dine in the morning in Lincoln.
Best Lincoln Hotels With Free Breakfast
Embassy Suites Lincoln
Embassy Suites is a familiar hotel brand, especially for traveling families, since they offer larger rooms and a well-known complimentary breakfast buffet. The Embassy Suites in Lincoln is located in downtown area, within walking distance to Memorial Stadium, Lied Performing Arts Center, Pinnacle Bank Arena, and UNL's campus.
Other top amentities at the hotel include an indoor pool and hot tub, and the fact that it's pet-friendly.
Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown - Haymarket
Whenever I stay in Lincoln, I check hotel availability in the Historic Haymarket first. I love the atmosphere of Haymarket – there are great restaurants, cute shops, and it’s within walking distance to Pinnacle Bank Arena.
I highly recommend making reservations at The Oven, especially if you love Indian food. And vif you love books, Indigo Bridge in in the Haymarket.
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!
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn is a familiar brand, so you already know what to expect if you stay at one. This particular Holiday Inn has a great location in downtown Lincoln (and really near the edge of the Historic Haymarket). It's not as close to Memorial Stadium as other hotels, but it's still a walkable distance of about 15 minutes away.
Complimentary breakfast is offered daily, and if you're traveling with kids, you'll be glad to know there's an indoor pool.
Martha's Bed and Breakfast
Of course there's breakfast included with a stay at a Bed & Breakfast, but Martha's Bed and Breakfast stands out among the rest. It has an Exceptional rating on Expedia, with one past guest writing: "Each morning guests are served a wonderful breakfast with fresh coffee, fruit, and a variety of other choices. I would highly recommend Martha’s!" Continental breakfast is served daily and includes freshly-baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and yogurt.
The exquisite home is located in a historic neighborhood of Lincoln. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 1999.
Americinn by Wyndham Lincoln South
Americinn hotels tend to be easier on the budget, but still offering amenities travelrs want. The Lincoln South location boasts over 1,000 reviews with an average of 8.6 star ratings on Expedia, so it has a consistent reputation for excellence.
There is a free, homestyle breakfast included with the stay. It's also one of the rare hotels that are pet-friendly yet still located fairly close to downtown Lincoln. The hotel also has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Sleep Inn & Suites Lincoln University Area
Sleep Inn & Suites looks like a typical budget-friendly hotel that's a short drive from a college campus, but it has above-average ratings for one. In fact, it averages 9.4 stars on Expedia!
The hotel is a little more expensive than the typical budget hotel (probably due to being near the Haymarket), but clearly, guests don't mind. Along with a free hot breakfast, there's an indoor pool and hot tub, plus it's pet-friendly.
More than just a place to rest your head, choosing the right hotel in Lincoln can affect your overall experience. A complimentary breakfast offers convenience and savings. Each traveler’s taste and preference can vary, so maybe a free breakfast isn’t as important to you, though, so yes, do consider all factors before making your choice. I hope this guide to the best-rated hotels in Lincoln that offer free breakfast helps in planning your stay.
I would love to hear from you! If you’ve stayed at any great hotels in Lincoln that offer a complimentary breakfast, please share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below. Let’s create a community that helps every visitor make the most of their stay in Lincoln, Nebraska!