The 10 best Specialty lodgings in Iowa, United States

April 18, 2023 Vivienne Hutton

History and monuments dot this landscape almost as often as the golden farmlands. Learn about America’s 31st president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch. In northeast Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds. This part of Iowa is also home to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage. The 37-county region tells the story of American agriculture, agribusiness and farm life and is affiliated with the National Park Service. In addition, there are five national wildlife refuges here. If you love history, imagine seeing the Amana Colonies, consisting of seven historic villages in 1855 by German immigrants as a religious communal society. Here you can also buy antiques, hand-woven baskets, furniture and clocks and locally made wine and beer. In Ames, take the family to see the Christian Petersen Art Museum, a newer structure that exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen and contemporary artists. You won’t want to miss the state capital of Des Moines, home to Blank Park Zoo with its naturalistic exhibits and more than 800 animals from five continents. You also should enjoy the Brenton Skating Plaza, an outdoor family entertainment venue.
Things to do in Iowa

1. Hotel Millwright

800 48th Ave, Amana, IA 52203-8122
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 36 reviews

Hotel Millwright

Hotel Millwright is more than a hotel. With 65 guest rooms including two premier suites, a restaurant, two bars, modern retail spaces, and a 7,000 square foot banquet and conference center. Each of our 65 unique guest rooms boast rich hues, modern style, and top-notch comfort to boot. Carefully curated historical art, inspired by the original work areas; the Dye House, Bale House, and Spinning Building, line the walls evoking the spirit of each.

Incredible stay!

Reviewed By blcott

We stayed there a couple nights for a quick getaway while going to the Iowa game. We loved it and plan on coming back each fall when we come for games and staying extra nights for a peaceful getaway. Incredible breakfast. I got the German pancake...so good! Walkable shopping to some of the best shopping in the Amana's. The Amana Christmas Market is only a couple blocks away. Great staff, welcoming and helpful! Seriously can't wait for my hubby and I to come back.

2. The Ruby House Bed & Breakfast

316 South John Wayne Drive, Winterset, IA 50273-2119
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 7 reviews

The Ruby House Bed & Breakfast

The Ruby House is named after the original owner Samuel A Ruby, a prominent Winterset lawyer. Built in 1878, we have two guest rooms, each with a queen bed and private bath. Our guest area is equipped with snacks and a Keurig, as well as books, games and movies to enjoy during your stay. We have locally made wines and hard craft cider for sale to either take home or enjoy while you're here. The Ruby House is located just one block from the John Wayne Museum and birthplace and two blocks from our town square. It's important for our visitors to know that our guest rooms are on the second floor.

A lovely weekend!

Reviewed By Mary_Soprano

I just returned from the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival weekend and had the great fortune of securing accomodations at The Ruby House B&B in January of this year. What a gem! The home is absolutely stunning -- owners Pat and Terry Rabbitt have painstakingly restored it to its former glory. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. Terry does not miss any detail. There are snacks in the rooms and water and a Keurig machine are in a common area on the landing just outside the rooms. The breakfasts are exquisite -- crab quiche? Fresh fruit salad? Smoked salmon strata? Check, check, and check! By the second day, I really felt as though I were staying with friends. The Rabbitts are warm and hospitable, and encourage their guests to make use of the downstairs rooms, also. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and hope to return some day.

3. Legend Trail Inn & Suites

1401 Highway 57, Parkersburg, IA 50665-1108
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Legend Trail Inn & Suites

If you're looking for a hotel in Parkersburg, Iowa then look no further than Legend Trail Inn & Suites. This brand new hotel boasts 31 total rooms with King, Queen, or Suite options. Free breakfast, free WiFi, HDTV, and mini fridge are all included with every booking. For those needing additional amenities, Legend Trail Inn & Suites comes equipped with a fitness room, lounge/business area, and golf course bar/dining. We are truly catered to the traveling business person and families.

Clean, comfortable and quiet

Reviewed By amybG2866ZF

Great one night stay while in town on business. Very spacious King room with comfortable sofa and chair in separate area. Comfortable bed and linens. Very accommodating staff- helped me obtain a late checkout and did so with no additional fee. Extremely quiet environment. I enjoyed the restaurant right across the parking lot. Their club sandwich and Trail chips did not disappoint. My only slight knock on this hotel was the breakfast offerings. Extremely minimal choices.

4. The Countess Bed & Breakfast

501 N 5th St North West corner of N. 5th and Columbia, Burlington, IA 52601-5104
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

The Countess Bed & Breakfast

Welcome to The Countess Bed & Breakfast, the original home of Silas and Ann Hudson built in 1845, found in the Heritage Hill Historic District and National Register of Historic Places. We enjoy sharing four bedrooms including The Lincoln and Grant. Lincoln spent the night here and Grant was Hudson’s first cousin. Two blocks from downtown, 4 from the Mississippi and 1 from the historic Snake Alley

Великолепное место с историей

Reviewed By _E742GT

Идеальная локация, замечательная хозяйка, прекрасный завтрак, незабываемая атмосфера и погружение в прошлое. Смело можно приравнять к европейским бутик-отелям с той лишь разницей, что будете чувствовать себя, как дома.

5. Prime Country BBQ, Catering & B&B

202 East St, Lynnville, IA 50153-7717
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Prime Country BBQ, Catering & B&B

We are a 5 star facility. We have banquet facilities for up to 70 people or we do have people set up outside tents and we can service up 300 plus people. We have 7 - 5 star rooms with a beautiful front porch with gorgeous views and quiet, calm atmosphere.

Family Visit

Reviewed By kkayr

We along with our 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren stayed here for 3 nights in early November . Great hospitality, great breakfasts plus we were privileged to use the BBQ catering for our family- absolutely delicious. Sorry to say, the bed and breakfast is no longer in operation but the BBQ and Catering Business is still going strong. Phone: 641 521 6399.

6. The White House of Eldora

900 10th St, Eldora, IA 50627-1326
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3 reviews

The White House of Eldora

An absolute delight!

Reviewed By nblas

Some old friends who live in the area steered us to this lovely inn. You will never find a more gracious, charming and interesting innkeeper as Barbara. She has put her heart and soul into restoring this beautiful old home and she has some great tales to tell. Everything was wonderful and I hope to return whenever in the area.

7. Lake Mills Motel

402 N Lake St, Lake Mills, IA 50450-1106
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

Lake Mills Motel

Lake Mills Motel

Reviewed By glenh934

This is a nice little motel that mostly hunters or fisherman use. The rooms are big and clean. The decor is all about hunting deer. Deer clock on the wall. Deer horn light switch covers and a deer head clock on the wall. Good clean rooms and helpful staff.

8. Staybridge Suites Sioux City Southeast , an IHG hotel

5410 Sergeant Rd, Sioux City, IA 51106
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Staybridge Suites Sioux City Southeast , an IHG hotel

Can't say enough nice things about this place

Reviewed By Solograndma

I have been staying here for work in the area, I have been here for a month, and I have got to post about it. 1. The staff is amazing! Mark the General manager has an awesome crew. Cami, Amy, Deb, Dee, Tony, Cynthia and all the rest have made me feel so comfortable and at home...it really takes the edge off of being away from my real home. 2. The amenities are excellent. Hot breakfast every morning, usually scrambled eggs bacon or sausage, but Thursday is my favorite, biscuits and gravy. As well as having a huge variety or pastries, yogurts and of course the waffle maker. Take back to your room or stay and eat in the comfortable dining area by the fireplace. 3. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is social hour with a light dinner, such as grilled burgers with potato salad, or chef salad, or chili cheese dogs...I don't drink alcohol, but those who like beer or wine, it is on tap and in the bottle served free with your meal. 4. The rooms are cozy and clean for long term or short stays. The lay out is perfect with ample closet space and dresser. Cable TV with all your favorites, including HBO. Wifi is strong signal, with no issues...and the beds! Oh my, like sleeping on a cloud. Not too soft, not too firm, just right. 5. The back patio is a serene area with a gas firepit, and a grill to cook for yourself. The rooms have an adequate little kitchen area which is fully equipped with all the utensils, pots, or pans you may need, AND a dishwasher! 6. Indoor pool, workout room AND free laundry room with plenty of machines to use. They are pet friendly, and Mark said they are putting in a fenced dog area so your babies can get off leash too! I can't imagine staying anywhere else or why anyone would. The staff are hardworking, friendly, personable and kind. They are the best! DON'T FORGET TO TIP! THEY ARE WORTH IT!

9. Elaine's Bed and Breakfast

310 E Market St, Lisbon, IA 52253-9789
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Home away from home for Cornell College families

Reviewed By Tonia S

Stayed here over 2018 commencement. House is lovely and well-maintained, six minutes to campus, Elaine is relaxed, accommodating, helpful. Bed large and comfortable, breakfast hearty, everything works the way it should. We had a fine stay.

10. Ethel's Gourmet Kitchen B&B

1070 Highway 1, Kalona, IA 52247-9271
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Quiet nights and delicious food

Reviewed By ceefair

The room and bathroom were squeaky clean, and it was very quiet. We loved the gourmet breakfasts that might include: homemade cinnamon rolls, homemade canned tomato juice, and fresh produce from her garden. We enjoyed warm homemade rhubarb pie before we retired for the night. For summer traveling, the rooms are air conditioned.

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