Official: Magnolia Hotels in the Aquila Building

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 9:29 pm

This campaign with the dairy cow is probably going to be short lived and the long term benefit of Magnolia's contributions to DTO will far outweigh the ad campaign.

I honestly don't think they were trying to diss their new market or think of themselves as elitist in saving our downtown. Rather I think it is a room full of creative, yet not well informed on Omaha, marketing types getting caught up in a brainstorming session and laying a real turd (cowpie). It happens sometimes. If you have ever been in the room with these creative types during one of these sessions, you know what I mean.

This stuff happens from time to time. Case in Point: Omaha: Rare, well done.

In both these cases there were some marketing geniuses who really thought they had come up with something. Sometimes in marketing you can get too cute and this is one of those cases.

We will be very pleased with the Magnolia addition to our downtown and this ad campaign will soon be forgotten. Plus, it is doubtful anyone else besides Magnolia and us Omaha EconDev

freaks have really noticed this campaign anyway.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 4:54 pm

guy4omaha wrote: I honestly don't think they were trying to diss their new market or think of themselves as elitist in saving our downtown. Rather I think it is a room full of creative, yet not well informed on Omaha, marketing types getting caught up in a brainstorming session and laying a real turd (cowpie). It happens sometimes. If you have ever been in the room with these creative types during one of these sessions, you know what I mean.

This stuff happens from time to time. Case in Point: Omaha: Rare, well done.

In both these cases there were some marketing geniuses who really thought they had come up with something. Sometimes in marketing you can get too cute and this is one of those cases.

I personally rolled my eyes in disgust upon reading of this ad campaign..

But I think guy4omaha nails it here..I agree with this assessment 100% (especially having been in that the 'room' of which he speaks)..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:15 pm

I was just about to say that, Cowboy.

Great assessment, Guy. I'll go with that.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:31 pm

Moving past all that advertising mayhem, there is work going on on the Howard St. side of the Magnolia now. They have removed all the red awnings above the windows and were setting up scaffolding on the sidewalk this morning.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:32 pm

Here's some info from an article from the World Herald. Gotta like that they are importing Italian tile.

"You wouldn't believe how much construction workers can get done in a week," said Dana Berry, public relations director for Magnolia Hotels. "Despite all this construction, we are still planning for a June 7th grand opening."

The only setback, she said, was that some of the tiling imported from Italy was delayed.

Dallocchio said workers will transform the lobby into the Club, which will feature a floor-to-ceiling, polished-concrete fireplace, lighted, glass-tiled columns, mahogany club chairs and an outdoor patio.

The Club, which will serve complimentary breakfast and be open for lunch, will become what hotel officials called a "hip bar" for dining, socializing and enjoying live entertainment after 4 p.m. It also will feature outlets for laptops at each bar seat.

Link to the full Omaha World Herald article.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1 ... id=2364287

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:59 pm

My favorite line from the director of marketing:

OWH wrote:"It's charming and elegant, something you don't expect downtown," Schulte said.

-Big E

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:18 pm

Haha, I thought that too, E. I think it probably "came out wrong." :lol:

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:35 pm

One word, "WOW"!!!!. This place is going to be stunning. I looked in the new lounge/entrance to the Magnolia and it's cool, hip, beautiful & it's not even done yet. They are working very hard to get it done ASAP. I think they wanted all the renovation done by the June 1st but that's not going to happen but it could all be done before the CWS. The courtyard too will be magnificent, this is truly an awesome hotel.

They added a small outdoor seating area from the front lounge and new awning is being put in place as I type this.

I can't wait to wonder through when they are done.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Fri May 25, 2007 3:19 pm

Yeah I've been slacking on the update pics considering I walk past there twice daily. The place is coming along very nicely and will be an absolute gem when it's finished. I agree about the lounge they are doing on the front side, it looks like it will be REALLY high end. They have added two sets of double doors for the public to enter. I'll try to get some shots soon.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri May 25, 2007 3:34 pm

Hopefully this will kickstart some post-Orpheum cocktail traffic. Flatiron closes before most shows let out, and there's nothing else over there for that crowd (or current or future residents).

-Big E

edit: that above edit should read "thingy-tail". :roll:

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri May 25, 2007 10:58 pm

I haven't glanced inside yet, but I believe you guys that this place will be a jewel. I drove past it yesterday and saw that they are painting all the window pains black. It's going to look so hip and classic at the same time. I can't wait until it's done.

I don't know if there's been talk, or an implicit announcement, but I'd be really surprised if this isn't downtown Omaha's second 4 star hotel.

OmahaChef · Post by **OmahaChef** » Sun May 27, 2007 1:40 am

One of our salespeople got a tour last week and they showed her renderings of the renovations. She said it is AMAZING! Nothing like it in Omaha that she had seen. This seems to be the mode of operation for Magnolia. Take a historic building, keep the exterior, but transform the interior into a hip, modern feel. They were also not shy in saying they are definitely gunning to get a four star rating. It can't be given until the work is done, but all of their plans for the space are designed with a goal of achieving that rating.

PapioGrandpa · Post by **PapioGrandpa** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 5:38 pm

I've taken a few snapshots of the modifications as seen from across the street.

Here's the link: http://georgesphotos.net/gallery/2809479

See you later, papiograndpa

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 6:17 pm

Good work PapioGrandpa! Thanks for sharing those.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 7:06 pm

thanks papiograndpa the pictures are great! The building has such a european look to it.

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:23 pm

Grand opening is tonight, June 7Th.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:31 am

Lot of people down there tonight, and the building looked good.

pseudoprometheus · Post by **pseudoprometheus** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:24 am

I wonder how long it'll be until interior shots surface. Can't wait to see what it looks like on the inside!

eta: Another thing, is it just me or does the idea of black-paned windows seem a bit odd given the goal of maintaining the historic exterior? Maybe it's just the big change from whitish grey to black that's messing with me. At least they didn't paint the building pink.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:47 pm

One cool thing I will use about the new Magnolia is that they will serve breakfast that's not regular hotel breakfast. They open at 6:30. Other than some other hotels there really isn't too many places DT to get breakfast.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 4:03 am

Stopped in the Magnolia tonight for a night cap. The bar is super cool from a design standpoint.

Near as I could tell, 98% of the patrons were from the wedding in the hotel and were out on the patio smoking, so the bar was mostly empty.

I ordered a Lagavulin neat. I had to tell the bartender what Lagavulin was (which I actually don't really expect anyone other than a bartender and/or Lagavulin drinker to know), had to point it out to her, and also explain to her what "neat" meant. See the "What DON'T you like about Omaha?" thread for more on this.

Hopefully this can become a catalyst for evening (post 10 PM) entertainment on the south end of downtown that doesn't require assless chaps (not that there's anything wrong with that).

-Big E

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 6:23 am

What assless chap places are you talking about?

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:24 pm

Well, specifically, DC's - but I was actually just making a joke that the majority of entertainment options south of Howard and west of 12th/13th seem to be gay bars/clubs.

And don't get me wrong: the world needs more assless chaps. It just doesn't need ONLY assless chaps.

-Big E

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:06 am

Magnolia apparently wants to build a 6x35 outdoor cafe on the north side of the hotel. It will be to the east of the entrance nad have a tall transparent fence around it. The Cafe will also serve alcohol.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:17 am

I love this place. I went out for drinks there with friends a few weeks ago. The quality and character of the place is fantastic. I love the vibe.

I applied for a job there, but haven't heard back from them. I've even called the HR director twice and left messages.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:47 am

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I applied for a job there, but haven't heard back from them. I've even called the HR director twice and left messages.

Well you know we would all give you a letter (or email) of recommendation!

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:01 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I love this place. I went out for drinks there with friends a few weeks ago. The quality and character of the place is fantastic. I love the vibe.

I applied for a job there, but haven't heard back from them. I've even called the HR director twice and left messages.

Learn what Lagavulin neat is and you'll have a shot.

-Big E

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:07 pm

Big E wrote:
Learn what Lagavulin neat is and you'll have a shot.

-Big E

This:

With out this:

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:59 pm

Yes please!

-Big E

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 4:08 pm

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/10/31/tr ... index.html

Historic hotels get a second chance to serve guests

CNN.com wrote:"There's a trend, generally in the travel industry, for people wanting to make every part of their trip a unique experience and I think hotels are really responsive to that by providing ... a little more personality and a unique experience," said Peter J. Frank, editor-in-chief of the luxury travel Web site concierge.com.

-Big E

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 12:44 am

The hotel commons areas are very attractive, the drinks in the lounge were reasonably priced, the appetizers awesome, and the free cookies tasty. I am looking forward to another visit.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:47 pm

The Chicago Tribune did a story on the Magnolia Hotel Omaha for their "sleeping around" segment. I actually befriended the reporter, a woman about my age who was actually in town with her band to play at the Slowdown. I went to the show, and we ended up talking pretty extensively (which earned me a mention in the print version of the article!).

Like Omaha, the hotel is coming into its own thanks to the city's fairly recent interest in preserving the old and embracing the new.

Anyway, here is a link to the video and article.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ch ... 9488.story

Locke · Post by **Locke** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:09 pm

That's cool - thanks for posting it! Great video and article.

Checking out the Magnolia is definitely on my to do list for when I'm back home for Christmas.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:24 pm

Great pub! What I wanna know is who is the chick they showed walking in the Magnolia. Towdow! :yes:

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:14 pm

Anyone know anything about a fire last night? Somewhere in the middle of tornado fest 2014, OFD was dispatched to a structure fire at the Magnolia Hotel.

Midtown Gal · Post by **Midtown Gal** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:11 pm

The building flooded last night. No power there from last night til now, so they had to evacuate the hotel. I don't think there was a fire, though.

Omaha Forums