This summer was cut a little short to tend to aging parents and business back in Florida. Hunky Hubbie and I had to make the 2700 mile trek from Montana to Florida this August- yes- August. So hot- too hot really for a road trip.
But, until I have a blog successful enough to book a private jet (subscribe today), I’ll be driving my 90 lb golden retriever back and forth each year. My Pine & Palm Kitchen is really looking forward to the day when I can be just The Pine Kitchen.
We have learned over many road trips two critical items we need while traveling: a good nights sleep and great food- not junk/chain food.
That is a tall order in some parts of the country where even a decent salad bar at a grocery store is hard to find. We often treat ourselves to at least one night at a luxurious hotel while on the road . We look for hotels with a fantastic lounge are “large” dog friendly and have safe neighborhoods and lots of green space for walking our beloved Deacon.
Among the properties we’ve grown to love are the Hermitage in Nashville, The Fairmont chain of hotels, The Davenport in Spokane, and The Alex Johnson in Rapid City .
These hotels provide us with a one stop great place to sleep, dine and relax while traveling long hours.
This summer we added a new hotel to the list. The Kimpton Cottonwood in Omaha.
See my favorite dog friendly hotels below.
We have only driven across Nebraska one time- we typically skirt the Iowa- Nebraska border on many trips. This year, we thought we’d give Omaha a try. We found a beautiful Kimpton Property that has undergone a complete renovation, boasts high style and great food in the midwest- often the toughest part of our drive.
The Kimpton Cottonwood originally built in 1916 was formerly known as the Blackstone. It was THE stop between San Francisco and Chicago in the roaring 20’s. President Kennedy and his wife celebrated thier fifth anniversary at the hotel. Illustrious guests such as Richard Nixon have stayed at the hotel.
The re-imagined modern space has a chic in town Pool Club, incredible gym- everything from rowing machines to a Pelaton for workouts, several bars, restaurants and incredible suites with sweeping views of the city. Don’t want to dine at the hotel? There are dozens of great eateries within walking distance as well.
We chose to go casual and dine at the Orleans Room- the high style bar. I enjoyed a bubbly French 75 champagne cocktail and Hunky enjoyed a much deserved bourbon . We split a Bibb salad and the roasted split chicken. Comfort food is a must when on long trips.
After a blissful nights sleep, the adjoining neighborhood offered many safe streets with turn of the 20th century homes for Deacon and I to explore. Often hotels do not have a large area for us to really stretch our legs and walk. Deacon very much appreciated the 3 mile walk before another long day in the car.
Whether or not you are traveling with a furry friend, girlfriends or your sweetheart, The Cottonwood is a luxurious stop with a friendly midwestern staff to take great care of you when visiting Omaha.
- Our favorite Dog Friendly hotels
- The Davenport- Spokane, Washington
- The Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee
- the Woodmark, Kirkland, Washington
- The Fairmont Olympic, Seattle, Washington
- Alex Johnson, Rapid City, South Dakota
- Marriott Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri
- Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas
- Battle House, Mobile, Alabama
