Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Deco XV

When the Redick Tower in downtown Omaha was built in 1930, its forward-thinking architects envisioned a structure that balanced artistry with modern machinery. The result was a grand art-deco hotel with novel features such as indoor parking—a rarity at the time. With its distinctive tiered façade of brick and terra cotta, the 14-story building has earned a designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it houses the AAA Four Diamond–rated Hotel Deco XV, whose owners have preserved the building’s original glamour while adding modern indulgences and luxurious touches.

• Belly up to the bar at the Encore Lounge, which serves classic cocktails in a chic setting.
• Guest rooms exude elegance through glossy hardwood flooring, custom draperies, and a black-and-white color scheme. Each is equipped with an iPod docking station, 37-inch flat-screen TV, and refrigerator.
• Complimentary perks include an overnight shoeshine and a copy of the Wall Street Journal.
• Explore downtown Omaha with a free shuttle that travels within a 3-mile radius of the hotel and to Omaha International Airport.

Omaha, Nebraska: Historical Downtown with Vibrant Arts Scene

Bordering the hotel, downtown Omaha’s Old Market historical district features cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and turn-of-the-century mansions. There’s also a lively cultural scene: crowds fill the Orpheum Theater for plays and concerts, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts showcases pottery and glassworks.

Housed in Omaha’s former Union Station—a beautiful art-deco building built in 1931—the Durham Museum displays exhibits highlighting the region’s history. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum is the place to browse photography from America’s heartland, explore vintage train cars, and imbibe an old-fashioned phosphate from the authentic 1931 soda fountain.

To the northeast, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge stretches 3,000 feet across the Missouri River to Iowa. During the area’s crisp, mostly snow-free winters and hot, humid summers, people can walk or bike across the border or find the official state boundary line drawn in ballpoint pen.

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