The 10 Coolest (and Most Unique) Hotels in Iowa!
There are plenty of hotels in Iowa that will fulfill your lodging needs, but if you want to stay in a place that you’ll never forget, it’s worth the while to search out more uncommon hotel options. Whether it’s century-old architecture that appeals to your senses, or perhaps you’re looking for more of a theme to your adventure, you’ll find a unique place to stay in Iowa. Here are our 10 favorites.
Hotel Pattee, Perry, IA
For a unique stay in a celebrated hotel and building, the Hotel Pattee in Perry has all the accommodations you are looking for. With finely furnished rooms and common spaces, including 12 premier, themed rooms such as the 1913 Farmhouse Room, the Amana Colonies Room and the Japanese Room, this historic hotel is also surrounded by many unique attractions and eateries on the Perry Streets, making for this hotel to be a vacation within itself.
The Blackhawk Hotel, Cedar Falls, IA
Operating as one of the oldest operating hotels in the United States, the Blackhawk Hotel may have an older appeal reminiscent of the 1850s, but the finely furnished rooms still come through for your modern needs. While the Blackhawk Hotel does have a traditional motor lodge behind the historic building, to receive the full experience of this unique hotel it’s worth staying in the one, two and three-room luxury suites that are complete with period antiques, jacuzzi tubs and a touch of class lost in many overnight lodges of the modern era.
Historic Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, IA
Once you step inside the 1910 Lounge on the first floor of the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, perhaps to play a game of billiards on the 100-years old pool tables, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t expect just dust and antiques at the Historic Park Inn though, which also happens to be the last Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel in the world, because this stylish building and service it provides remains modern and with intention to give you a great overnight experience.
Hotel Winneshiek, Decorah, IA
Historic property and landmark hospitality, that is the motto for the Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah, and this Northeastern Iowa staple delivers on that promise. Not only has the Hotel Winneshiek been hosting an immaculate and high-class lobby and adjoining rooms for years, but it’s the kind service and long list of amenities that brings the Hotel Winneshiek above the rest. Check it out for yourself in one of the hotel’s deluxe queen rooms, king suites or the luxurious Presidential Suites.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines, IA
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Renaissance Savery Hotel is in the heart of Des Moines and provides a touch of class and sophistication the city is proud of. Not only are the rooms filled with luxury linens and custom duvets, but the entire building including the elegant lobby and welcoming lounge are a piece of art displaying some of the best and most unique hotel ambiance in Iowa.
Decker Hotel, Maquoketa, IA
Brought to life by the New York businessman, James Decker, in 1875, who also happened to name the town of Maquoketa, the Decker Hotel has gone through some renovations since its inception, but the lasting decor has mainly remained the same. A great example of the timeless architecture can be seen right away with the grand staircase in the lobby, and the unique experience of the history surrounding this small town stays with you the entire stay at the Decker Hotel in Maquoketa.
Zuber’s Homestead Hotel, Homestead, IA
Zuber’s Homestead Hotel is one of the seven villages of the Amana Colonies, and this one-of-a-kind homestead exhibits much of that unique community through the 15 themed rooms that make up their overnight accommodations. Featuring rooms like “The Major Leaguer” and “The Red Carpet Room,” whichever bed you choose to sleep in at Zuber’s Homestead Hotel, you can be sure that it will be a unique one.
Iowa House, Ames, IA
At one time a massive fraternity house on the Iowa State University Campus, the Iowa House has been renovated to be a unique and charming 15-room ISU hotel. A great place for parents to stay when visiting their college-bound children, or just a relaxing getaway from ordinary chores, the Iowa House has the comforts of home and the convenience of house-keeping and cooking.
Hotel Julien, Dubuque, IA
With 133 different rooms to choose from, all with lavish interiors and comfortable spots to stay, for the really unique and full experience of the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, the Capone Suite is the best room in the house. Named after the prohibition-era gangster, the Capone Suite is a luxurious, two-bedroom suite that is a great example of the overall the spacious, unparalleled and classy accommodations you can find throughout the Hotel Julien.
hotelVetro, Iowa City, IA
Setting a high bar for hotel accommodations in Iowa City, hotelVetro also stands taller than the rest of the buildings in the surrounding city of literature. This high stature for a hotel lends to stylized suites with great views of the University of Iowa Hawkeye’s home city, and with a premiere downtown location, hotelVetro also puts you right in the middle of everything happening in Iowa City. Available also for extended stays, hotelVetro offers the most unique and upscale lodging experience almost in the entire state.
