Hastings was founded in 1872 at the junction of two major railway systems. The city boasts neighborhoods, theaters, and hotels on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2007, Yahoo named Hastings the greenest city in America. Today, the city is home to just under 25,000 people.
Hastings's sister city status with Ozu, Japan, fosters international exchange relationships between the two cities. The Japanese Garden at Hastings College is a benefit of this relationship.
Hastings is somewhat limited on hotels, but don't worry. There are many places to stay in Grand Island as well.
When to Visit Hastings, NE
The best time to visit this part of Nebraska is in the fall. Temperatures average in the 70s in August and fall to the 40s in November. You won't need a jacket in August, but mornings start getting chilly in September. Vibrant blue skies, blazing fall colors, and harvest season makes this a great time to enjoy outdoor festivals. Hotel rates don't change much in Hastings; autumn rates are typical and rooms don't fill too fast.
Winters in Hastings are often harsh. Average temperatures don't reach above the mid-30s from December through February and lows are below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Hastings faces blizzards and ice storms during winter months with each month racking up six inches of snow on average. Make sure to pack lots of layers and a heavy coat if you're looking to visit in winter for big savings on hotel rates.
Spring is a good time to visit since the heat and humidity of summer haven't arrived. From low 80s in March to mid-90s in May, spring temperatures are as perfect as the blooms on the trees. The rainiest month occurs in May. Hastings, like most midwestern cities, experiences severe weather in the spring, but that shouldn't deter you. Just keep an eye on the weather. Expect to see a small boost in hotel rates and occupancy when families start visiting Hastings College.
Summers in the area are hot and sticky. Average highs from June to August are around 90 degrees with high humidity. Like spring weather, summer storms are sometimes severe with high winds and hail. Expect a spike in hotel rates and bookings in August, when students arrive.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Hastings, NE:
Hastings by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Hastings, NE. You can use these line graphs to determine the cheapest time to stay in Hastings for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Hastings, NE
For luxury accommodations, consider some of the area's nicer hotels. At Comfort Inn in Hastings, your rooms is within walking distance of the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private baths with free toiletries. Business travelers enjoy free newspapers, luggage storage, and laundry services. Work up a sweat in the fitness center before relaxing on the terrace with friends. Finish your visit with a free breakfast of waffles, eggs, and meat.
The C3 Hotel & Convention center is in the same building as the city's convention venue. It's also close to the college and Brickyard Park. Every room has a fridge, microwave, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cable on an LED TV. Kids will love swimming in the indoor pool or having a gaming tournament in the arcade room. Business events are held in two meeting rooms, and there's a 24-hour business center.
In Grand Island at the Best Western Plus Inn & Suites, you'll enjoy being close to Grand Island's fun attractions and a short drive from Hastings. Other travelers said the hotel has “clean rooms in a modern hotel.” You'll sleep well on a pillow-top mattress covered with luxury bedding. Recreation choice include a fitness center, indoor pool, and spa tub. Every room has a fridge, microwave, and 37-inch flat screen with cable channels. Start your day right with a free breakfast.
Affordable Hotel Options in Hastings, NE
3 Star Average Prices: $112.13
There are many budget-friendly hotels in and around the city, including the Rainbow Motel in Hastings. Located right off of Highway 34, it's close to the college, museums, and Amtrak station. Each room includes a refrigerator, a microwave, and private bathroom. The staff at the 24-hour desk will help with tickets and tours for local attractions. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable channels, as well as a free continental breakfast.
At Midlands Lodge in Hastings, you'll be close to downtown and the Adams County Fairgrounds. Keep downtime entertaining with free Wi-Fi and 37-inch flat screens with cable programming. Save on drinks when you keep cold water and soda in the fridge. Family travel is more affordable because kids under age 12 stay free in a parent's room. The kids will love the sparkling, outdoor pool. Staff serves free continental breakfast every morning from 6 to 9 a.m.
At the Rodeway Inn in Grand Island, you'll be a short drive from Hastings. Reviewers say the hotel has “big rooms with wonderful views.” Pets and kids under age 18 stay free with mom and dad. Enjoy a quiet meal in the picnic area from the barbecue grills on site. Surf free Wi-Fi or watch news on the cable channels to stay up to date. Top off your stay with a free breakfast, including pastries, cereal, oatmeal and hard-boiled eggs.
2 Star Average Prices: $107.97
Hotels Offering Discounts in Hastings, NE
For extra savings and discounts for AAA members, seniors, and large groups, there are several choices. At Holiday Inn Express in Hastings, AAA members save almost 10 percent on rooms and suites. Take advantage of the hotel's eHost Online Concierge to help you with amenities, weather, car rental, or ticket assistance. Family travel is more enjoyable with adjoining rooms, an indoor pool, and an arcade center. While the kids are entertaining themselves, you can relax in the spa tub or check out the fitness center. In the morning, fill up on eggs, meat, omelets, and the chain's signature cinnamon rolls.
At the Hotel Grand Conference Center in Grand Island, seniors and AAA members save up to 15 percent. Stay entertained with free Wi-Fi or digital programming on an LCD TV while having a snack from the fridge. Pop some popcorn in the microwave before watching a movie. Indulge in a rejuvenating swim after a session in the fitness center. Enjoy a cocktail from Images Bar & Grill before a soak in the spa tub. The breakfast café serves a full buffet every morning. Groups can save up to 32 percent at this hotel.
At Days Inn in Grand Island, you'll enjoy a convenient location just off of I-80. As a AAA member, you save up to 15 percent on what travelers said are “very comfortable rooms.” All rooms feature LCD TVs with satellite programming, Wi-Fi, and desks. Save even more with free newspapers, free parking, and free breakfast every day.
Best Value Options in Hastings, NE
For great lodging at a fair price, check out Quality Inn in Hastings. You'll be close to the college and downtown. Rooms boast flat screens with cable channels, fridges, and Wi-Fi. An indoor pool will keep the kids busy, and you'll save since kids under age 18 stay free in your room. Up to 10 kids can stay free! Save even more with complimentary breakfast buffets for all.
Fellow vacationers called Super 8 in Hastings a “good value for the money.” Enjoy separate but adjoining rooms on family trips and bring the dog too. Ask for a fridge and microwave, and make simple meals and snacks in your room. Business travelers will like laundry service, a 23-hour desk, and free parking. Relax on comfy beds with soft pillows while watching shows on cable channels or surfing free Wi-Fi.
At Boarders Inn & Suites in Grand Island, you'll enjoy modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, fridges, and microwaves. Watch the sunset from the indoor whirlpool while the kids play in the indoor pool nearby. Stay on track in the fitness center after catching up with world news on the free Wi-Fi.
Things to Do in Hastings, NE
Explore the past at the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The museum includes a 65-foot movie screen and huge planetarium, as well as dozens of native animals. Delve into the area's history from paleo-Indians to the story of how Kool-Aid became a household product.
Spend a day at the Children's Museum of Central Nebraska where the kids' imaginations run wild. Interactive exhibits include a construction zone, grocery store, pizzeria, vet's office, and hospital where children learn through play.
Immerse yourself in Nebraska's agriculture at Prairie Loft. Take a hands-on, active class while surrounded by pastures, fields, and forests. Activities include festivals, day camps, and a family outdoor club.
Whether you're visiting Hastings for the college or just stopping in on a long drive, you'll find lodging that ranges from budget friendly to more high-end. With HotelPlanner, you're sure to find the best deal on the right room.
FAQs about hotels in Hastings
How much does a cheap hotel in Hastings cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Hastings can be as cheap as $107.97 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Hastings cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Hastings has been $112.13 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Hastings?
Below are reviews of the city of Hastings, NE from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice Bowling Alley & Restaurant"
Score
4.0 / 5
We are state bowlers and we liked the bowling alley, also the restaurant El Puerto.
Denise F., from 20-Mar-2024
"Proximity to Surgery Center"
Score
5.0 / 5
I stayed to take my son for surgery.
Dana G., from 07-Mar-2024
"Wonderful Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
I can only speak to a few experiences of the rest home where my sister and brother-in-law reside, a restaurant, a church, and the space at the fairgrounds where our family gathered for Christmas celebration. All were wonderful and served me and my family well!
Rebecca O., from 30-Dec-2023
"Nice Small Town Atmosphere"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice small town atmosphere!
James C., from 13-Dec-2023
"We liked the antique shops and SIN CITIES BURGERS!!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We liked the antique shops and SIN CITIES BURGERS!!!!
Raymond P., from 23-Sep-2023
"Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame"
Score
4.0 / 5
We stayed for state softball, the complex is amazing and the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame is right there. Also, we went to a store downtown called Small Town Famous that was worth the stop.
Brendan D., from 19-Jul-2023
"The staff was friendly and welcoming. Hotel was very clean. "
Score
5.0 / 5
The staff was friendly and welcoming. Hotel was very clean. Seeing our grandson play baseball at the college.
Patricia L., from 27-Mar-2023
"The rooms were very clean, and the bed was comfortable."
Score
5.0 / 5
The rooms were very clean, and the bed was comfortable. City excellent - location.
Robert D., from 21-Mar-2023
"Everything you need!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything you need is there and easily accessible.
Douglas D., from 19-Dec-2022
"Clean Quiet Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quiet, clean, older feeling town. Made me feel like where I grew up
Mark K., from 06-Jul-2022
"Everything is good!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is good and not too busy.
Jacob M., from 30-Apr-2022
"Had a great time"
Score
4.0 / 5
WAS NICE. Haven't been there in 33 years. People were nice. Went there specifically for the JUNK JAUNT. Had a good time.
Julia G., from 01-Oct-2019
"Great Hotel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nothing but Great Job.
Joe P., from 16-Jun-2018
"Great hotel and location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The www.stuhrmuseum.org of Grand Island was a great time and the Blacksmith was amazing. Nice Movie Theater in Grand Island. And Raising Cane was a great place to eat.
Jerry Brandt., from 31-Jul-2017
"Great City in the Past, but Needs Present Upkeeping"
Score
4.0 / 5
I went to college there 20 years ago and loved it. I feel compared to other cities their size, it's not up to standards. Not much to offer and not taken care of.
Cris M. G., from 08-Sep-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Hastings, NE shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 15 reviews