City: Omaha, NE

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (402) 614-8080

Address: 3253 Dodge St.

Description: Westin’s first property in Omaha, the Element Omaha Midtown Crossing, opened in late 2010. The hotel is part of Westin’s new line of hotels in urban areas (in this case, Omaha’s thriving new Midtown Crossing development) with a focus on being environmentally friendly. The hotel’s airy, contemporary decorating in shades of brown, white, and green is carried through the lobby, breakfast bar, and 132 guest rooms. Element’s state-of-the-art fitness center and healthy food options at the Rise breakfast bar and Restore Gourmet pantry (for eating on the go) encourage healthy living. Open, airy public spaces are popular for business travelers for meetings and working, as well as socializing after the workday is done. Guest rooms have fully equipped kitchens and the chain’s signature Heavenly Bed. The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but loads of choices in Midtown Crossing and many more just a short jaunt away make this OK for travelers. The hotel has one large conference room and is fully equipped with audiovisual equipment and other technology, including free wireless, to cater to a more intimate business meeting.