Sandhills/ Western Nebraska Lodging???

We have friends who will be visiting here from the East Coast this summer. They have never been in the American West and would like to see some of the Sandhills/Western Nebraska area. However, I am baffled about where to stay. I am looking for something very nice - well above the Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, etc. kind of place. A luxurious bed and breakfast (private bath only) or hotel with good food, interesting ambiance, etc. Anyone have any suggestions?

Sandhills/ Western Nebraska Lodging???

When you say ';West';, how far were you thinking of going?

Sandhills/ Western Nebraska Lodging???

How long do you have and do you know more specifically where you would like to visit?

I reckon there aren%26#39;t too many luxury lodging opportunities, but you could find some nice accommodations that would give an authentic experience.

I grew up in Sheridan County (edge of the Sand Hills) and friends of ours rent a house by the Niobrara River that%26#39;s nice (not luxury, but has everything you need):

www.horsethiefcave.com/HTCR/Welcome.html

I would also look into Valentine (larger town, some different things there to see) or further west at Fort Robinson State Park.

I think some of the area ranches offer lodging and would look into that too.

If you have the time, I think a drive through the Sand Hills and a day or two in the Black Hills would be nice.

Thanks for the replies. We were thinking of getting into the Sandhills. That is as far as we have gotten in our thinking. We would only have about 3 days and since they are from that part of the country where a 3 or 4 hour drive is about all anyone would do for a weekend we don%26#39;t want to go too far. I welcome any suggestions.

I have had a couple ideas so far:

The Burwell area is on the eastern edge of the Sandhills. Calamus reservoir is there for boating and fishing. There are several hotel/lodge setups but have not stayed at them personally. A day trip could be up to Valentine, or in the area is Fort Hartsuff. Going heading west of there would give you several options for the western experience. Some friends have stayed at www.unclebuckslodge.com in Brewster. Popular activity is canoeing or tanking the rivers www.get-tanked.com .

Way west, almost to Wyoming is the www.highplainshomestead.com , friends have enjoyed their stay there.

If you need a shorter trip option checkout Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. They have the authentic old railroad town setup that you can waunder through and exhibits in the main museum. www.stuhrmuseum.org There are many places to stay and eat in GI.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions - I will definitely check them out!

%26lt;They are from that part of the country [the East Coast] where a 3 or 4 hour drive is about all anyone would do for a weekend.%26gt;

ClaudiaB, I couldn%26#39;t help but laugh at your statement. We, people from the East Coast, do drive long distances when we need or want to. Really!

One more vote for Stuhr Museum