Here Are The 13 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Iowa
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 VRBO rentals 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.
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: Dyersville, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 6
- Price: $90/night
- Amenities: kitchenette, grill, fire pit, outdoor furniture, games
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
What started as a 1901 grain bin has been converted into accommodations with everything you need to stay comfortable. Though the space isn’t very large, the layout makes for a cozy stay that doesn’t become cramped. Between the added farm scenery and the local wildlife, you’ll find peace and quiet quite easily.
- Location: Clear Lake, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 9
- Price: $119/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: Menlo, IA
- Size: 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 9
- Price: $100/night
- Amenities: free wi-fi, grill, fireplace, games, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
For fans of peace and quiet, a rural home like the Menlo Farmhouse might be a perfect fit. With a simple design and comfortable beds, this spot can be a great home base or an overnight pit stop. You can spend some time on the nearby hiking trails, or relax on the couch and watch wildlife right outside.
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 accommodations 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, 3 baths, sleeps 18
- Price: $254/night
- Amenities: high-speed internet, grill, outdoor furniture, fire pit, smart TV, game room, books, kids’ toys, pet-friendly, rentable kayak/canoe
- Ratings: 4.7 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, 4 baths, sleeps 10
- 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, 2 baths, sleeps 16
- Price: $277/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.
- Location: Elkader, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 2
- Price: $96/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.
- Location: Nashua, IA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, room for 4
- Price: $165/night
- Amenities: whirlpool hot tub, free wi-fi, fire pit, kayak/canoe, smart TV, stereo system, DVDs and games, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
Secluded from the world in a rural slice of waterside paradise, this Cedar Bend cabin is ready for a cozy vacation. Spend your spare time on the water, watching the sunset, and enjoying a dip in the hot tub, all while the peaceful setting relaxes you.
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, 1 bath, sleeps 4
- Price: $90/night
- Amenities: free wi-fi, high chair and 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, 1 bath, sleeps 4
- Price: $109/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!
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, 2.5 baths, sleeps 8
- Price: $193/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: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 8
- Price: $198/night
- Amenities: free wi-fi, fireplace, smart TV, games, kids’ books, pet-friendly, wheelchair friendly
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This historic 1910 farmhouse 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.
Sidenote: If you need less space than this entire home, you can rent either the top or bottom half, which are both separate-entry VRBO listings you can message the host to find.
- Location: Marion, IA
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 7
- Price: $162/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.
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THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN IOWA
What are the best unique hotels in Iowa?
Cool hotels in Iowa are easy to come across. If you’re looking for unique hotels in Iowa, here are some standouts:
Where are the most unique getaways in Iowa?
Iowa has plenty of adventures to choose from if you want something unique!
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