Iowa has an array of resorts, hotels, lodges, and bed & breakfasts. Frequent visitors to Lake Okoboji in the state’s northwest corner will recognize a few resorts on this list. On the other side of the state, Dubuque, Iowa is home to terrific resorts and B&Bs. Accommodations range from high energy casinos to quiet lakeside cottages, and from luxurious resorts to rustic cabins.
Crescent Beach Resort
Crescent Beach Resort is a premier lakefront resort on beautiful West Lake Okoboji, one of only three spring-fed, blue-water lakes in the world. This modern resort offers guests several choices of accommodations. Two-room suites that sleep four, condos that sleep six, cottages that sleep 12, and the Grand Lodge that sleeps 14. Room amenities include separate bedrooms with en-suites, sofa sleepers, kitchens and dining areas, separate HVAC units, TVs and daily maid service. Families will love the private sand beach with gradual incline into the lake making it the perfect place for children to play and swim. Resort accommodations include fishing docks, a tennis court, yard games, water trampoline, kayaks, paddle boats, and paddle boards, Island Playground and Mini-golf, and continental breakfast – all complimentary.
1619 Lakeshore Drive, Milford, IA, Phone: 712-337-3351
Adventureland Inn and Resort, Altoona
If your family loves non-stop action and excitement while on vacation, you will find the Adventureland Inn and Resort hard to beat. Located within the grounds of Adventureland you will find Adventure Bay which offers a wide range of fun water activities including tube rides, slides, kid’s water-play areas and a relaxing lazy river. When you have explored all the water park has to offer you can get ready to scream your head off on one of a 100 thrilling rides in the Adventureland resort. There are rides to suit most ages and even the younger children can have fun. Accommodation options include the Adventureland Inn and the popular Adventureland Campground.
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009, 515 265 7321
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque is a sophisticated boutique hotel in the Old Main District of Dubuque, Iowa. This elegant hotel has 133 lavish guestrooms where no detail has been spared. Rooms and suites range from stylish executive rooms to the other-worldly Capone Suite with an ‘Old Hollywood’ ambience. All rooms have impressive amenities that include pillow-top mattress, luxurious linens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, coffeemaker, iPod docking station, spacious work station, walk-in shower, plush bathrobes, and signature spa products. Drink and dessert vouchers, complimentary morning coffee, and free parking are also included. Resort amenities include a full-service spa, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, Caroline’s Restaurant, and Riverboat Lounge.
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA, Phone: 563-556-4200
Honey Creek Resort
Located in south-central Iowa, Honey Creek Resort is situated near the shoreline of popular Rathbun Lake in Honey Creek State Park. This lake resort has everything necessary for a fun vacation, including an indoor waterpark, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a spectacular lake for jet skiing, swimming, cruising, and kayaking. Guests can stay in the stylish 105-room lodge, in one of 28 luxury cottages, or at a lakeside RV campsite. Rathbun Lakeshore Grille serves upscale American fare in an inviting rustic-chic ambience. Amenities include a business center, fitness center, Internet, laundry room, ATM, and numerous on-site activities and educational programs by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
8043, 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia, IA, Phone: 866-797-5308
Fillenwarth Beach Resort
Visitors to popular West Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa will find Fillenwarth Beach Resort in Arnolds Park, Iowa. The lakeside resort boasts four adjacent properties. Main Beach just north of the iconic Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Chateau-style suites have private decks, gas grills, kitchenettes, full baths, lake views, and a shared lakeside deck. North Beach is two blocks from Main Beach, and offers lakeside cabins, cabanas, studios, cottages, chalets, and duplexes. South Beach has spectacular lakefront views, and shared dock, tennis court, and patio. Cottage Colony has 25 cottages and three treetop apartments. Fillenwarth complimentary activities include themed cruises, water skiing, sailing, paddle boats, canoes, row boats, outdoor and indoor pools, recreation program, game room, beach, docks, and epic sunsets.
87 Lakeshore Drive, Arnolds Park, IA, Phone: 712-332-5646
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is situated along the mighty Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. This luxury, family-friendly hotel has 193 well-appointed rooms and suites with modern furnishings, plush bedding, and a sophisticated, neutral décor. Room amenities include separate seating areas, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms with granite countertops and Terra Green spa products, and scenic views of the city bluffs, the historic downtown, or the impressive Mississippi River. Hotel amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, daily newspaper, free airport shuttle, business center, fitness center, and Tony Roma Restaurant. Use of the resort’s exclusive indoor waterpark has an added resort fee.
350 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA, Phone: 563-690-4000
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is a luxury vacation resort located in Okoboji, Iowa, the state’s premier vacation hot spot. Situated on a stunning 27-hole golf course managed by Brooks National Golf Club, it’s the perfect escape. Accommodations come in four styles – King rooms, Double Queen rooms, King Executive Suites, and Double Room Whirlpool Suites. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, complimentary coffee station, desk, and armchair with ottoman. Suites also have sleeper sofas and separate seating areas. Guests will enjoy dining at award-winning Minervas Restaurant & Bar, a local favorite. Other hotel amenities include a salon, fashion boutique, golf course, and Indoor Water Playland.
1405 US Highway 71, Okoboji, IA, Phone: 712-332-2161
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa, provides the perfect overnight, weekend, or weeklong getaway. This luxury resort offers guests luxurious accommodations, revitalizing spa services, world-class golf, Vegas-inspired gaming, top-tier live entertainment, and upscale culinary experiences at five on-site restaurants. Other resort amenities include connected indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, hair salon, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, gift shop, and room service. Rooms and suites come in four styles, and amenities include golf course views, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, glass enclosed showers, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and pillow-top beds with luxurious bedding. Other room amenities are air conditioning, pay-per-view movies, satellite TV channels, iPod compatible alarm clock, and free Wi-Fi.
3184 Iowa State Highway 22, Riverside IA, Phone: 319-648-1234
Des Lux Hotel
Des Lux Hotel is centrally located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, within walking distance to The Principal Riverwalk, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and exciting dining options like 801 Chophouse and MALO. Des Lux offers guests nine room and suite options from the Presidential Suite with Atrium to the King Executive. Room amenities include luxurious bed, lounge chair with ottoman, work desk, refrigerator, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV with cable, honor bar, and umbrella. Every room and suite also comes with complimentary full breakfast and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Many have fireplaces and/or whirlpools. Hotel amenities include the gorgeous wood-paneled Des Lux Bar with weekday happy hours, hotel shuttle service to and from Des Moines International Airport, and a 24-hour fitness center with showers, steam room, and whirlpool.
800 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, Phone: 515-288-5800
Bridges Bay Resort
Bridges Bay Resort is a modern lakefront resort on East Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, Iowa. It offers visitors both waterfront hotel rooms and waterfront vacation rental condos. Hotel rooms have a mini-fridge, 32-inch flat-screen TV, private patio or deck, two armchairs, table, coffeemaker, and en-suite. One-, two-, and three-bedroom condo suites add fully stocked full kitchen, dining table and chairs for six, electric fireplace, and an extra TV in the bedroom. All accommodations come with Boji Splash Waterpark passes. Waters Edge American Grille is the resort’s upscale steak and seafood restaurant, and there are three other casual restaurants on the property. Resort amenities include a fitness center, boat hoist rentals, an arcade, and a fishing pond.
630 Linden Drive, Arnolds Park, IA, Phone: 712-332-2202
Graduate Iowa City
You will find the Graduate Iowa City nestled in the heart of historic downtown Iowa City, on Ped Mall. You could be forgiven for thinking you had mistakenly wandered into a city library when you enter the literary-themed foyer which contains rows and rows of jam-packed book cases. The hotel’s location, close to the Iowa City University campus, means that it attracts a wide range of visitors and there is always a lively vibe in the café and bar. The rooms and suites are modern and comfortable and guests can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness room and free bike rentals.
201 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, 319 337 4058
Rhythm City Casino Resort
At Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa, guests can expect sophisticated rooms and suites with modern furnishings and a vibrant color palette. Room amenities at this stylish resort hotel include luxurious beds and bedding, high-speed Internet, MediaCom TV, pay-per-view movies, coffeemaker, refrigerator, room service, and plentiful outlets. Resort amenities include a state-of-the-art casino, live entertainment, fitness center, business center, indoor pool and hot tub, Aveda Salon & Spa, and three restaurants – Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Robert’s Buffet, and Draft Day Sports Lounge. The Market offers guests gifts, souvenirs, upscale leisurewear, concert tickets, sunglasses, coffee, pastries, and late night bites to go.
7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA, Phone: 563-328-8000
Hotel Blackhawk
Hotel Blackhawk is a luxury hotel located in Davenport, Iowa, and is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. This 1915 Davenport landmark hotel has undergone a $46-million renovation. Guests can expect a contemporary and glamorous ambience. Standard rooms are anything but, deluxe rooms have separate sitting areas/rooms, premium rooms have whirlpools, and king suites have kitchens for extended stays.
All accommodations have luxurious beds and bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, iPone dock, flat-screen HDTV, bathroom TVs, refrigerator, coffee station, mini-bar, microwave, large work space, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Suites have even more amenities. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, bowling alley, spa and salon, barber shop, gift shop, and business center.
200 East 3rd Street, Davenport, IA, Phone: 563-322-5000
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, located in Tama, Iowa, is a hotel, casino, and RV park. Guests can expect spacious smoking and non-smoking rooms that have flat-screen TVs with cable, refrigerators, in-room coffee stations, and free Wi-Fi. Hotel amenities include a business center, free valet parking, pool, hot tub, fitness center, free shuttle service, lobby/bingo hall shuttle service, and mobility scooter rentals. Winding Stream Spa and Salon is the resort’s full-service spa. Guests can dine at the resort’s signature dining room – Prime Cut Grill, The Buffet, or the Food Arcade, which is like a food court with gaming machines. There’s also Lucky’s Grill & Taproom for drinks and pub-style fare, and The Lounge for drinks and occasional local live music. There is also a concessions stand at the Bingo Hall.
1504 305th Street, Tama, IA, Phone: 800-728-4263
Surety Hotel, Des Moines
Occupying the historic Southern Surety Building, which dates back to 1913, when Des Moines’ was considered the financial and insurance capitol of the US. The landmark building is a Beaux-Arts gem which has been carefully renovated to preserve its historic architectural elements. Today the Surety Hotel endeavors to combine classic elegance with old-fashioned mid-west charm which will make you feel right at home. The guestrooms are spacious, modern and elegant and you will find delightful local snacks and drinks in your mini bar. The graciously appointed Mulberry Street Tavern is a great place to meet friends and enjoy an excellent tavern-style meal and libation.
206 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, 515 985 2066
Lakeside Hotel Casino, Osceola
The Lakeside Hotel Casino in Osceola is a great destination for a fun getaway weekend. Guests can choose 1 of 150 spacious, modern suites and rooms, many of which feature kitchenettes and dining and lounging areas or bring along their RV to the adjoining fully-serviced RV Park. The casino offers non-stop fun including all your favorite modern slot machines, several table games, video poker and electronic roulette and blackjack. When you need a break from the gaming floor you can head to the pool to soak up some sun. When hunger strikes you can make your way to the Westlake Bar and Grill or grab a snack at the Lakeside Express.
777 Casino Drive Osceola, IA 50213, 641 342 9511
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City
Boasting all the ingredients you need for an entertaining weekend getaway, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City is waiting to welcome you. Gamers will be spoilt for choice with more than 640 of their favorite slot machines while table gamers can choose from 18 tables on the casino floor. Unlike many other casino hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel in Sioux City has achieved AAA Four Diamond rating, assuring guests that all their expectations will be met. The modern and comfortable rooms and suites all feature distinct Hard Rock décor and there is always some form of great entertainment on at the hotel’s 2 music venues.
111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712 226 7600
The Highlander Hotel, Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City evokes the retro charm and appeal of the original Highlander Inn and Supper Club which was a city favorite back in the 1960’s. Return to the 60’s Hippie vibe in what was once the city’s most popular dine-and-dance venue which has been re-imagined as a Retro Cocktail Arcade, providing a fun, multi-generational vibe and delicious food provided by visiting food trucks. You can still find all your favorite cocktails at the original 1967 sunken bar and you can still play Pac Man in the arcade. The rooms are comfortable and modern, featuring luxury linens, velvet chairs and the use of a record player and vinyl’s. There is also a great indoor swimming pool.
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA 52245, 319 354 2000
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Mason City
Conveniently located between Des Moines and Minneapolis, the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is perfectly positioned for comfortable stop-over, close to the North Iowa Events Center. This family-friendly hotel boasts spacious comfortable rooms with mini-fridge and microwave as well as a coffee maker. They also offer a delicious hot daily breakfast featuring their popular waffles and much more. Other popular amenities include an indoor heated pool and hot tub as well as a fitness room and laundry facility. Although there is no on-site restaurant, coffee and cookies are always available in the lobby and you are just minutes from neighboring restaurants.
4082 4th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401, 641 243 8726
Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
Conveniently close to the Quad Cities area, the Isle Casino Hotel is picturesquely located along the mighty Mississippi River in Bettendorf. The casino offers a wide selection of the latest slot machines (more than 1000, to be exact) as well as all your favorite table games like craps, roulette and blackjack. In addition to gambling, the hotel offers entertainment in the casino and lobby as well as easy access to all the entertainment action at the Quad City Convention Center. When hunger strikes you can refuel at Keller’s American Grill or grab a light meal at Keller’s Express. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable and there is an indoor swimming pool.
1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722, 563 441 7000
Cambria Hotel Davenport Quad Cities
Located close to the Quad City International Airport and the Davenport Municipal Airport, the Cambria Hotel Davenport Quad Cities is ideally placed for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers stylish modern guestrooms equipped with Queen or King-size beds, sitting and work areas, flat-screen TVs and several other little luxuries including a Keurig Coffee machine and a mini-fridge. On-site amenities designed to make your stay extra special include a fitness center, indoor heated pool, a full-service restaurant and a grab-and-go café. After a busy day of exploring you can relax in open-air courtyard terrace or in the indoor lounge and bar area.
5061 Competition Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722, 563 345 1660
Zuber's Homestead Hotel
For the best home-from-home hotel experience in Iowa, Zuber's Homestead Hotel is hard to beat. The hotel is located in Homestead Iowa, which was settled in 1842, and the original hotel was built in 1862. When you check in today you can look forward to enjoying one of 15 guestrooms, each of which has been decorated to honor the state’s history, culture and charm, and several feature period furniture to enhance the historic ambiance. If you are celebrating a special occasion you can request one of their special wine or champagne packages. A delicious buffet-style breakfast is served each morning.
2206 44th Ave, Homestead, IA 52236, 319 622 3911
Village West Resort and Hotel, Spirit Lake
Serenely nestled along the shores of West Lake Okoboji, the Village West Resort and Hotel is a popular year-round getaway destination. Visitors have a wide choice when it comes to accommodation – you can choose one of the hotel guestrooms or opt for more space and privacy in one of the resort’s free-standing townhouse units. The hotel rooms have Queen or King-sized beds, microwave, coffee maker and a fridge, and some have 2-person hot tubs. The townhouse units come in different sizes to suit your family or group and all have full kitchens. Activities include all kinds of water sports and boating, and the Diner and Bakery take care of meals when you don’t feel like cooking.
20785 170th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360, 712 337 0352
