Zed Schlott
Front Desk Concierge
The Magnolia Hotel–
Omaha
Omaha, Neb.
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
I am happy to provide special services to groups and arrange all the details of their stay. It’s fun and exciting to be able to make our guests’ stay exceptionally memorable. I love finding out if a guest is celebrating a special occasion, and calling ahead to the restaurant to ask that they be sent a bottle of wine or a special dessert, or sending up an amenity to the guest room upon their return.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
The Upstream Brewing Company has a lively atmosphere, or I’d recommend the Flatiron Cafe for a more upscale choice. All of the staff is amazing at Flatiron.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
A sports bar would be J.D. Tucker’s Bar. It has a laid-back atmosphere and 10 plasma TVs. The Upstream Brewing Company has 12 beers brewed on-site in the restaurant and is a fun hangout. The Nomad Lounge is more of a contemporary, upscale club with dancing.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Down in the Old Market district, for sure. It’s just a few short blocks from The Magnolia, from Harney to Jackson streets and 10th to 13th streets. The historic, brick-paved Old Market has many unique shops, boutiques and dining options. Horse-drawn carriage rides start at $25.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
The Retro Rocket would be my favorite. It’s a hippie store, but they sell odd, offbeat items that are pretty cool and definitely unique. Many of the items in store are vintage from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. It’s in the Old Market on 12th and Jackson.
If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
I would go down to Heartland of America Park. There’s a lake and a trail around the entire 31-acre park. A fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and features a colorful nighttime show. Live concerts are free to the public on Friday nights in June, July and August. Also, the nearby Riverfront Park has a five-mile trail along the Missouri River. There’s Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, a two-story restaurant with great seafood. A marina and shops makes this a fun destination. For winter time, the 10-acre Gene Leahy Mall, an urban park, has a light show from Thanksgiving through mid-January. There’s over a million lights throughout the downtown area. The Gene Leahy Mall is also a great spot for warmer weather, since it features a lagoon and waterfalls, walking paths, gardens, a giant slide, playgrounds, and more.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
I’d recommend Omaha Prime in the middle of the Old Market. This upscale steakhouse can easily accommodate a large group last-minute. Spaghetti Works, on 11th and Howard, can also easily take large groups on a moment’s notice, and their patio seating can also fit a large party.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
Our grand opening party in June 2007 was a smashing success that featured three different bands, numerous food and beverage stations, and amazing prize drawings. Also, on April 30, The Magnolia is hosting an Iron Chef competition in which five local chefs will compete for the winning title by whipping up three courses using a secret ingredient. This event will be judged, and the winning chef will receive a two-night stay at any Magnolia Hotel—in Dallas, Denver, Houston, or Omaha—plus dinner out and a gift basket from Omaha Steaks. Proceeds from the Iron Chef competition’s ticket sales are being donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Omaha. We often partner with the Ronald McDonald House to host events that give back to this amazing organization