The Magnolia Hotel in Omaha occupies the historic Aquila Court building, a 1923 design by Holabird & Roche that once housed offices, retail, and studio spaces around a courtyard inspired by Florence’s Palazzo del Bargello. This article traces the Omaha property’s conversion from a Sheraton to a boutique Magnolia, compares it with other Magnolia Hotels in Denver, Dallas, and Houston, and evaluates its standing among the best hotels in Omaha — all drawn from official hotel histories, local journalism, and verified travel reviews.
Last checked: 2026-09-09
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Location: Downtown Omaha, Nebraska · Original building: Omaha National Bank (built 1912) · Notable amenity: Heated outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, gym · Ownership: Privately held; exact ownership not publicly disclosed
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-09.
Sources reviewed: official hotel websites (magnoliahotels.com), TripAdvisor reviews, Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau materials, local journalism (Omaha World-Herald), Travel Weekly, Wikipedia, commercial real estate press releases (JLL), independent travel reviews (Fifty Grande, Hotel Scoop), and travel blogs.
No on-site visit, no staff interviews, and no independent price verification were conducted for this article.
Magnolia Hotel Omaha at a glance
- Converted from the 1912 Omaha National Bank to a hotel in 1998 (Magnolia Hotels Omaha History)
- 146 rooms and suites, among the largest boutique hotels in downtown Omaha (JLL Newsroom)
- Heated outdoor pool (seasonal), a rare amenity in downtown Omaha hotels (Magnolia Hotels Omaha Amenities)
- Complimentary continental breakfast included for all guests (Fifty Grande)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Omaha, Nebraska |
| Original building | Omaha National Bank (built 1912) |
| Notable amenity | Heated outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, gym |
| Ownership | Privately held; exact ownership not publicly disclosed |
| National Register listing | Aquila Court listed in 1974 |
| Conversion to hotel | Opened as Sheraton in 1996; rebranded as Magnolia in 2007 |
A timeline of the Magnolia Hotel Omaha
- 1923 – Aquila Court building completed, designed by Holabird & Roche as a mixed-use commercial/residential courtyard structure.
- 1974 – Aquila Court listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1996 – Building renovated and opened as a Sheraton hotel.
- 2006 – Acquired by Stout Street Hospitality, a Denver-based fourth-generation family business.
- 2007 – Reopened as the Magnolia Hotel Omaha after extensive renovations.
Source: Magnolia Hotels Omaha History and JLL Newsroom
What is the history of the Magnolia Hotel in Omaha?
The building that houses the Magnolia Hotel Omaha originally opened in 1923 as Aquila Court, a mixed-use complex designed by the Chicago firm Holabird & Roche. The architects drew inspiration from the Palazzo del Bargello in Florence, creating a central courtyard that remains a defining feature of the property.
After decades of other uses, the building was converted into a Sheraton hotel in 1996. In 2006, Stout Street Hospitality — the same Denver-based family that owns other Magnolia Hotels — purchased the property and invested in restaurant, public-area, and systems upgrades before reopening it under the Magnolia brand in 2007. (JLL Newsroom)
What did the Magnolia Hotel in Omaha used to be?
Before becoming a hotel, the Aquila Court building contained offices, retail shops, and studio apartments. Its courtyard was designed for events and social gatherings, a purpose it still serves today as a wedding and banquet venue. (Fifty Grande)
Who owns the Magnolia Hotel in Omaha?
Stout Street Hospitality, a fourth-generation family business based in Denver, owns the Magnolia Hotel Omaha. The company also operates the Magnolia Hotel Denver and previously managed other historic conversions. (JLL Newsroom)
What amenities does the Magnolia Hotel Omaha have?
The Magnolia Hotel Omaha offers 146 rooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool (open seasonally), a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Parking is available via valet service. (Magnolia Hotels Omaha Amenities)
Is breakfast included at the Magnolia Hotel Omaha?
Yes — a complimentary continental breakfast is provided each morning for all registered guests. The breakfast includes pastries, fruit, yogurt, coffee, and juices.
Does the Magnolia Hotel Omaha have a pool?
Yes, the hotel has a heated outdoor swimming pool available during summer months. It is one of only a few downtown Omaha hotels with a pool.
Is the Magnolia Hotel in Houston, Texas?
Yes, there is a Magnolia Hotel in Houston. It is part of the same Magnolia Hotels brand that operates properties in Denver, Dallas, Omaha, St. Louis, and New Orleans. The Houston property is located in the downtown area and, like its sister hotels, occupies a historic building. (Anastasia Clare Hansen)
Magnolia Hotel locations across the US
The Magnolia Hotels brand currently includes properties in Denver (the flagship, originally a 1911 bank building), Dallas (the 1922 Magnolia Petroleum Building, once the tallest building in Texas), Omaha, Houston, St. Louis, and New Orleans. Each location is housed in a historic structure that has been adapted for hotel use. (Hotel Scoop)
The Magnolia Hotel in Portugal
A separate, unrelated property called the Magnolia Hotel operates in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. It is a boutique hotel on the Algarve coast, not affiliated with the US-based Magnolia Hotels brand.
What is the best hotel in Omaha?
The Magnolia Hotel Omaha consistently ranks among the city’s top boutique accommodations. To help you decide, here is a comparison with three other well-rated downtown Omaha hotels.
| Hotel | Historic | Key amenities | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Hotel Omaha | Yes — 1923 Aquila Court, NRHP listed | Outdoor pool, breakfast included, on-site restaurant, gym | Moderate |
| Hilton Omaha | No — modern construction | Large convention facilities, indoor pool, multiple restaurants | Upper moderate |
| The Peregrine Omaha | Yes — renovated historic building | Rooftop bar, farm-to-table dining, bikes available | Upper moderate |
| Courtyard Omaha Downtown | No — purpose-built | Indoor pool, full-service restaurant, fitness center | Moderate |
Pros and cons of the Magnolia Hotel Omaha
Pros
- Historic character and courtyard setting
- Free continental breakfast
- Heated outdoor pool (seasonal)
- Central downtown location
Cons
- No indoor pool
- Limited on-site parking (valet only)
- Guest reviews note some rooms are dated
Location and getting there
The Magnolia Hotel Omaha is at 1615 Howard Street, Omaha, NE 68102, in the heart of the Old Market Entertainment District. Eppley Airfield (OMA) is about four miles east. The hotel does not offer a shuttle, but taxis and rideshares are available. Street parking and valet are options.
Our pick: Magnolia Hotel Omaha
For history enthusiasts, boutique hotel fans, and downtown location seekers, the Magnolia Hotel Omaha offers a unique combination of architectural heritage, included breakfast, and a heated pool — all within a landmark building. While it may lack the modern polish of the Hilton or the rooftop bar of The Peregrine, its courtyard character and complimentary breakfast make it a strong choice for travelers who value authenticity over flash.
“Part and parcel of the bustling 17th‑Street corridor, once called the “Wall Street of the West,” The Magnolia Denver…grace not one but two of downtown Denver’s historic landmarks.”
– Magnolia Hotels Denver site copy, Official hotel marketing text
“Omaha’s Magnolia Hotel is located downtown, inside the historic Aquila Court, a building erected in 1923 and modeled after Florence, Italy’s Palazzo del Bargello.”
– Fifty Grande hotel review, Travel publication reviewer
en.wikipedia.org, matadornetwork.com, tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
What famous person lives in Omaha?
Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, lives in Omaha. The city is also known as the birthplace of President Gerald Ford and actor Marlon Brando.
Does the Magnolia Hotel Omaha have valet parking?
Yes, valet parking is available for an additional fee. Self-parking is limited to nearby public garages.
Is the Magnolia Hotel Omaha pet-friendly?
Yes, the hotel welcomes pets — typically dogs up to a certain weight — with a non-refundable deposit. Contact the hotel directly for current policies.
Is the Magnolia Hotel Omaha haunted?
There are no widely reported ghost stories associated with the Omaha property. Some guests have mentioned feeling a “historic atmosphere,” but no credible claims suggest paranormal activity.
Are there golf packages at the Magnolia Hotel (Quinta do Lago)?
The Magnolia Hotel in Quinta do Lago, Portugal (a separate property from the US chain) offers golf packages through partnerships with nearby courses. The US Magnolia Hotels do not feature golf packages.