Get a Room — Boutique, Historic and Unusual Iowa Hotels

The first five-star hotel in the US, Boston’s Tremont House, invited guests to lodge in their inn at the beginning of the 19th century. When you consider that lockable doors, washing bowls, and free soap were viewed as luxury amenities at that time, you can appreciate how far the industry has come. Of course, these days, international chains and big name hotels boast plenty of comforts and benefits. Still, for a truly unique experience, it’s worth exploring the out-of-the-ordinary for your meeting or event … Iowa’s boutique, historic, and unusual hotels.

From 1915 to today, the historic Hotel Blackhawk blends history, gorgeous architecture, Midwestern hospitality, and modern amenities to provide accommodations they like to call, “Hipstoric.” From standard rooms to king-sized suites, every room is tastefully decorated and comfortable with premium amenities such as ultra-comfortable beds, high-thread count linens, in-mirror bathroom TV, HD satellite TV, floor-to-ceiling windows and even some with jacuzzi tubs. Suites feature full-size kitchen, in-room washer and dryer, and balconies with spectacular views. Diners enjoy inspired cuisine at Bix Bistro as well as delicious appetizers and cocktails in the lounge. The hotel’s many amenities indulge guests, including the indoor pool, hot tub, sun deck, fitness center, bowling alley, luxury spa and barber shop.

Hotel Blackhawk guests can take a leisurely stroll to nearby theaters, museums, the symphony, pubs, restaurants, breweries and distilleries, and shops to make the most of their time in Davenport.

Residing on Dubuque’s historic Old Main district, Hotel Julien radiates elegance with its marriage of classic charm and modern amenities. Offering 133 lavish guest rooms ranging from executive-style kings to an elaborately themed suite that pays homage to Al Capone, amenities include pillow-top mattresses, luxury linens, flat panel HD TVs, walk-in showers, plush bathrobes, and spa-quality bath products. Since 1839, the renowned hotel has been known for their sophisticated facilities, now including on-site, full-service spa, indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary WiFI, plus Riverboat Lounge and fine dining in Caroline’s Restaurant.

The Hotel Julien is just moments from the city’s best attractions, including The Arboretum + Botanical Gardens, Celebration Belle, the largest non-gaming riverboat on the Upper Mississippi River, the Riverwalk, Dubuque Museum of Art, and so much more.

Modeled after small, family-owned and operated European hotels, this inviting inn has received Iowa’s Official Best Small Hotel award. The historic lodging welcomes guests to relax in any of their eleven uniquely designed and stylishly furnished rooms that feature high ceilings, complimentary WiFi, cable TV, and plush bathrobes. A menu of hearty classics along with savory pastas, fresh deli sandwiches, and authentic Italian dishes for either breakfast or lunch are dished up at The Tremont Grille, while the Tremont on Main with its stylish décor and menu of classic American food, serves up dinner.

While staying in Marshalltown, guests will want to check out the area pubs and taverns, Iowa River Brewing Company, the Historical Society of Marshall County, and the Big Treehouse, a 12-level, 55-foot high treehouse with electricity, telephone, and running water.

This exquisite inn is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world. Preserving the timeless design of the architect’s genius while adding modern amenities for guest comfort continues to be top priority. With 27 guest rooms, no two of which are alike, patrons are sure to appreciate those added touches of comfort combined with the classic history of the hotel. Emanating style and offering amenities such as the 1910 Grille, Wine Room, 1910 Lounge, fitness center, Ladies’ Parlor with Balcony, and private limo service, the Park Inn delivers a memorable experience to its guests every day.

Patrons of the Historic Park Inn Hotel experience all that Mason City and the surrounding area have to offer including world class shopping, museums, parks, restaurants, breweries, and golf courses.

Emerging as a must-visit entertainment venue, the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf + Waterfront Convention Center is just a ten-minute walk from the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center and offers magnificent views of the mighty Mississippi River. All the comforts of home can be found in the 500 guest rooms and suites, including pillow-top mattresses, LCD TVs with cable, Bose sound systems, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy noshing at any of the hotel’s three restaurants and cafes, including the Farmer’s Pick Buffet, Keller’s American Grill, and Keller’s Express. Additional popular amenities include the heated indoor pool, fitness center, and marina with seasonal and transient slips available.

Best of all, one of the finest venues for casino excitement can be found here, featuring 1000 slots and video poker machines and 19 of the latest table games. Additionally, top-name entertainment and headliners appear at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center located just steps from the hotel.

A local favorite known for its old-world charm, this landmark hotel has been providing luxurious accommodations and legendary service in the heart of Decorah since 1905. Guests enter the hotel through tall mahogany doors set between limestone pillars and pass into the magnificent three-story octagonal rotunda canopied by a stained-glass ceiling. Offering 34 deluxe rooms and suites arrayed around the dramatic atrium lobby, each presents guests with the finest amenities including free WiFi, LCD TV, fluffy towels, and premium toiletries. With an abundance of rich farmland and local ingredients available, patrons partake of both fine and casual dining here at either the Restauration or Restauration Lounge.

The Historic Hotel Winneshiek is just steps away from local bistros, shopping, spas, museums, parks, breweries, wineries, and golf courses for wonderful ways to enjoy free time.

Guests will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in this Vegas-inspired casino, just minutes east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Offering the comfort and amenities of deluxe rooms to a Grand Master Suite, guests revel in luxurious bedding, flat screen TV, WiFi, kitchenette, and private balconies along with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 18-hole golf course. The Grand Falls Casino Resort pulses with energy and excitement 24 hours a day with slots, black jack, poker, craps, roulette, black jack, VIP lounge and much more. Three on-site restaurants cook up culinary delights from steak and seafood to Italian pasta and Asian entrees.

And if all that weren’t enough, the nearby arboretum, parks, Badland Motor Speedway, clubs, bars, and golf courses invite guests to expand their fun into the city of Larchwood.