The beautifully renovated Hotel Indigo is flooded with a rich history of Omaha and the people who came before.

Surrounded by a spirited community, this boutique hotel combines its modern design with a sophisticated ambiance.

Walking into Hotel Indigo, guests are greeted with a historic staircase, custom-made with Alaskan-sourced marble, that leads to one of four available styles of custom-designed rooms. Among the hotel’s aesthetically pleasing features is a picturesque atrium that ascends seven floors and exposed brick that hints at the underlying story within the walls. 

“I would say the biggest thing is the history of the building – who has been here and who called this place ‘home’ for a while,” says Dan Koziol, director of sales and marketing. “If these walls could talk, they would have a lot to say.” 

In 1919, the regrading of Dodge Street shaped Omaha’s downtown, which is where Hotel Indigo now calls home. Local stories claimed many prolific historical figures like Tom Dennison, American crime boss and racketeer, and cowboy-turned-mayor, Jim Dahlman left their imprint on the neighborhood. 

Another colorful character cloaked in mystery was Anna Wilson, one of the pioneer’s most infamous madams and self-made millionaire. Known as a woman with a “heart of gold,” Wilson devoted her entire fortune to the City of Omaha. 

To pay tribute to Anna Wilson, also known as the “Queen of the Underworld,” Hotel Indigo created Anna’s Place, a bar reminiscent of hidden saloons and speakeasies of the early 20th century. 

While there is an ample amount of history that comes with a stay at Hotel Indigo, guests can expect so much more. 

“I see Hotel Indigo as the No. 1 boutique hotel in downtown Omaha. With our location between the Old Market and the Blackstone District, it gives guests the opportunity to traverse between two of the top areas for food, shopping and entertainment,” Koziol says. “I see this hotel being a staple when guests come to Omaha. It’s not just a hotel, it’s an experience.”

Out of the 141 IHG hotels worldwide, Hotel Indigo in Downtown Omaha is ranked in the top five for the brand. Guests can see that reflected in the hotel’s staff and atmosphere.

“It has everything to do with our front desk and housekeeping staff. The housekeeping staff’s overall scores are in the top three for the brand,” Koziol says. “And being able to deliver that to the guests has been a godsend.”

After a four-year renovation, Hotel Indigo opened its doors in February 2022. The original building, The Logan (named after Logan Fontenelle, the grandson of Omaha Chief Big Elk), was constructed in 1918. The Logan included hotel apartments, retail outlets and office space. 

The now-renovated rooms are much larger than typical hotel rooms. 

Although it’s one continuous structure, the building appears as two separate buildings when viewed from the primary facades. Originally designed to be seven stories, after the regrading of Dodge Street, the west building now stands eight stories. 

After its first year, Hotel Indigo has not only made an impact on Omaha’s history but also on the guests who have traveled far and wide. 

“The most significant moment that I’ve seen so far was during Berkshire Hathaway. To see the interactions that we’ve had with customers that are not just here nationally, but globally,” Koziol says. “That was the springboard that let us know that we’re here and we’ve arrived.” 

Through all the history that is beneath the surface, Hotel Indigo pushes beyond the accustomed expectations, featuring a snack bar filled with local eats and complimentary items guests won’t find anywhere else.

“The ultimate goals that we have are to tell our neighborhood story and take care of our guests. Those two things are paramount to the brand,” Koziol says, “We also want our guests to explore the city and enjoy their stay here. We really want you to walk out of our hotel and have a ‘breath of fresh air’ moment with the City of Omaha.” ◆