Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Iowa
Clarisa
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Iowa is a hub for travel, and whether you need a place to stay the night or a home base for your next vacation, these vacation rentals in Iowa have everything you need. After all, some of the best hotels around can’t compare to the comfort of having an entire home to yourself. When you’re ready to travel, Iowa has a place for your to rest your head. Time to start planning your next trip! Will it be a state park, small town, or city checklist adventure? Whatever you choose, make sure you consider one of the best places to stay in Iowa we have featured here.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Iowa
Finding a place to stay that is clean, fun, and budget-friendly is easy in Iowa. Besides, there is no reason why you should sacrifice comfort on any adventure, no matter how much your budget covers. When you don’t want a motel room or a little lakeside cabin, these vacation rentals will have you relaxing before your head hits the pillow.
- Location: Davenport, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 full bath
- Price: $119/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, fenced-in yard, pet-friendly
- Rating: 4.8 stars
This charming yellow Victorian home in Davenport is a delightful place to stay when you are looking to enjoy a quiet peaceful neighborhood that is still near downtown Davenport. The beautiful Vander Veer Botanical Park is within walking distance and the River City Casino is only a mile away. Come enjoy a relaxing getaway in one of Iowa's most lively and entertaining cities.
- Location: Clear Lake, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 9), 1 full bath
- Price: $128/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, kitchen, high chair, breakfast nook, grill, patio, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
Only four blocks from downtown, this Clear Lake getaway gives you access to the rest of town for all of your needs while providing a colorful and cozy space suitable for a larger group. With off-street parking and a private yard, you’ll feel unbothered and right at home in this little slice of heaven.
- Location: Jasper County, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 6), 1 full bath
- Price: $123/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, fire pit
- Rating: 5 stars
This wonderful little gem sits on a beautiful family farm just east of Des Moines. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the country with access to all the conveniences of a big city this is a wonderful spot. Sit out by the fire at night and watch fireflies dance in the fields, or gently rock on the porch in one of the classic white rocking chairs. Or, head to town to hit up the Iowa Speedway, an old-fashioned drive-in movie, or even a round of golf.
Best Places to Stay in Iowa for Families
There are plenty of accommodations available across Iowa to suit any family size, but the best options around are ready to handle it all. For big groups with big space needs, you’ll need an accommodation in Iowa to match. Iowa is not only prepared but provides quite a few larger options for families and big traveling groups of all kinds.
- Location: Decorah, IA
- Size: 6 bedrooms (sleeps 18), 3 baths
- Price: $422/night
- Amenities: High-speed internet, grill, outdoor furniture, fire pit, smart TV, game room, books, kids’ toys, pet-friendly, rentable kayak/canoe
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
In a spot so quiet you can hear it, this renovated 1873 cabin sits by a 1-acre pond and all the secluded scenery you could want. Though this is an excellent home base for a vacation, you won’t want to leave the comfort and fun found here. From building sandcastles on the pond beach to fishing trout over on Clear Creek, there’s always a great way to spend more time outside.
- Location: Larchwood, IA
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 4 baths
- Price: $395/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, remote-controlled fireplace, grill, whirlpool hot tub, video games, pool table, gravel parking
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Out on 100 acres of property, this big and beautiful cabin sits ready and waiting to give you the rural vacation you desire. Not only are the views amazing from the large windows in the great room, but the property surrounding the house is full of wildlife to watch. Between the house and the nearby recreation areas, you’re all set.
- Location: Oskaloosa, IA
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 2 full baths
- Price: $331/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, gas fireplace, fitness center, dedicated workspace, gas oven, grill, private outdoor swimming pool, fire pit, patio, smart TV, board games, books, kids’ toys, driveway parking
- Ratings: 5 stars
Family-friendly accommodations sometimes need to start at a family-friendly price. Only a few blocks from downtown Oskaloosa, The Tudor has room for 16 and plenty of activities to keep you occupied during any downtime you spend here. The only hard part is figuring out who sleeps where, and what you want to do while you’re in town.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Iowa for Couples
Iowa might be a farming-rich state full of outdoor fun and city adventures, but there’s always room for romance. When you’re in the mood for a getaway with your partner, these options are fit for flirty fun. Room for two where you can relax and let the rest of the world melt away is in order. Let’s take a look at where to stay in Iowa to spice things up a bit.
- Location: Elkader, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
- Price: $107/night
- Amenities: Internet, comfortable beds, patio, air massage tub, antique decor
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
Though it isn’t the same as booking an entire home, The Botanical Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn shouldn’t be overlooked for romantic getaways. This cozy room for two is everything you need for a snuggle, including a big tub, privacy, and access to explore the rest of Jailhouse Inn.
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- Location: Warren County, IA
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 full baths
- Price: $115/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, heat & air conditioning, stone fireplace, soaking tub, gas grill, fire pit
- Rating: 5 stars
This beautiful rustic barn is the perfect rental for a special getaway with anyone you hold dear. The grounds are wonderfully planted with lush gardens and scenic landscapes. In fact, this is one of the premier wedding venues in the area, so if you are looking for a magical place to hold your wedding this might just be the hidden gem you are looking for. With a vintage soaking tub in the master bathroom, you can enjoy a relaxing hot soak any time you please. Be sure to sit outside on the patio under the pergola with a glass of wine as the stars pop into life above - who knows you may just need to come back again with a full wedding party soon...
- Location: Dubuque, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 2 full baths
- Price: $167/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplace, deck, hot tub, fitness room
- Rating: 4.9 stars
This charming suite in the famous Millwork District of downtown Dubuque is one of the most delightful rentals for a romantic weekend. The interior is warm and inviting with rich wood and vintage brick accents. Whether your idea of a romantic evening is curling up in front of the fireplace reading a good book at opposite ends of the couch, or a soak in the hot tub with a bottle of wine, the Drake House is ready to please. The location couldn't be any better with Charlotte's Coffeehouse sharing the entryway, craft breweries right around the corner, or the Diamond Jo Casino a few blocks away. There is even a year-round farmer's market to treat yourself to farm-fresh goodies.
Best Places to Stay in Des Moines
Des Moines is a hub for all sorts of fun activities, from the statuesque Capitol Building to the beautiful botanical gardens. Whether you are using the city as a pit stop before you continue on a larger adventure or as the big destination, there are plenty of available places to rest. Don’t forget to check out the zoo!
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $152/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, high chair & stroller, smart TV, wrap-around porch, clothes steamer
- Ratings: 5 stars
Only two miles from downtown Des Moines, this idyllic little house is a cute and colorful place to spend your spare time while refueling yourself. Within biking distance or a short drive, you have endless restaurant, bar, and coffee shop options to choose from. Why not enjoy the easy entertainment while you’re here?
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Size: 1 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $117/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, dedicated office space, 84" projector screen for TV, travel crib, coffee & tea bar
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
From the designer lamps to the crown molding, this downtown condo is a stylish and affordable home base for everything you’ll need. Within walking distance, you have everything from a farmer’s market outside your door, to live music out at a local bar. It’s all up to you!
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 2 full baths
- Price: $208/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, game room, washer & dryer, fireplace, patio, fire pit, hot tub, grill
- Rating: 5 stars
This historic 1920s home has been wonderfully remodeled into one of the best vacation rentals in Des Moines. Not only are you near everything in downtown Des Moines, but the fenced-in backyard is set up for the ultimate family fun time with a hot tub, patio, and fire pit. The interior is light, bright, and modern with plenty of games for game night, an arcade machine, and a modern kitchen. With room for 10 guests, you could even have a multi-family getaway while you enjoy a game or concert at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Best Places to Stay in Cedar Rapids
Another hub for travel and excitement is Cedar Rapids, a city that might not be the capital, but feels like it could be if they let it. From the huge city market to the Czech village, quite a few of Iowa’s best attractions are here in Black Hawk County for you to cross off of your travel list.
- Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2.5 baths
- Price: $195/night
- Amenities: Internet, outdoor furniture, smart TV, board games, off-street parking, coffee bar, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 5 stars
Having a whole cottage to yourself is a dream made into reality at Burnett Cottage, a NewBo District-area abode. Near entertainment options like the Paramount Theatre and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the only thing left to plan is what to do with your spare time here. Play music through the provided Amazon Alexa system, or head out to explore downtown and fill your extra minutes with memories.
- Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 15), 3 full baths
- Price: $440/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, fireplace, washer & dryer, full kitchen, fire pit, kayak
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
This Lake MacBride Cabin is a dream house for anyone who travels in herds and wants to spend time in Cedar Rapids. With all sorts of options when you need to coordinate a whole family, snagging this vacation rental is a good move to make. Whether you enjoy getting out in nature and hiking the nearby trails in Lake McBride State Park, or you head to the beach for a fun day in the sun, this huge cabin is a great home base for up to 15 people. Or, take a parents night out and hit the Cedar Ridge Vinyards, Winery and Distillery for some time to yourselves.
- Location: Marion, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), 1 full bath
- Price: $180/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, dedicated office space, smart TV, games, travel crib, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
If you love a place with history, this 1860 Italianate style home has plenty of years in the structure. Though it was converted to a duplex in 1910 and has been updated with modern decor, all of that charm has built up over the years into something beautiful.
With options all over both rural and city areas, Iowa has plenty of accommodations to go around. When you are planning adventures in the Hawkeye State, make sure you don’t forget to settle your sleeping arrangements. Making memories starts with a good night’s sleep, whether you end up in Dubuque, Iowa City, Davenport, or anywhere else.
What have you found to be the best places to stay in Iowa? Share your favorites with a comment.
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