Stay & Play — Iowa Hotel and Casino Top Picks

The last thing you want to do is gamble with your guests’ accommodations. That’s why booking your bunch into a casino or a premier hotel is the smartest bet you can make! From expansive meeting spaces and a comfy place to rest after a long day, to exciting gaming, mouthwatering culinary options, and Vegas-style entertainment, we suggest you take a chance on some of our top picks for hotels and casinos in Iowa.

Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf & Waterfront Convention Center

Why we love it:  This casino hotel features one of the best casinos in Iowa with black jack, craps, poker, roulette, slots, and video poker. If you’ve got a group of gamers, this is the place to go! Four dining options including a farm-to-table buffet, American classics, and light snacks.  Live entertainment, comfortable accommodations including guest rooms and suites, on-site marina, indoor pool, and fitness center make this the place you’ll never want to leave.

Bonus:  Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center is connected to the hotel via skyway and can accommodate groups of up to 1,500 with 24,000 square feet of meeting space and up to 8 private meeting areas.

Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel

Why we love it:  Known as an entertainment destination, Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino + Hotel is the perfect get-away. The guest rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, with modern décor and picturesque views of the Missouri river. Groups enjoy ample meeting space along with exciting gaming including craps, blackjack, roulette, and slots. Three dining options make any stay memorable and include the 360 Steakhouse, rated as one of Open Table’s top 100 scenic restaurants in America.

Bonus:  Local attractions include the Mid-America Center, the Henry Doorly Zoo + Aquarium, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Old Market.  

Rhythm City Casino Resort

Why we love it:  Rhythm City Casino Resort invites guests to partake of its many amenities. Once guests arrive, the get-away begins with the indoor pool and hot tub, followed by a trip to the casino, featuring state-of-the-art slots, craps, roulette, poker, and blackjack. Spend the night in one of the deluxe rooms or premiere suites, each with sophisticated décor and modern amenities. Guests enjoy live entertainment, spa services, and fitness center too.

Bonus: State-of-the-art meeting space with 16,000 square foot event center and on-site catering make it ideal for any type of event.

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Why we love it:  Situated close to the Iowa Events Center, The Science Center of Iowa, the Historic East Village, and the Iowa State Capitol, the hotel offers 330 comfortable guest rooms and suites, heated indoor pool and fitness center. Featuring 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including a pre-function area that opens onto an outdoor terrace. The Park Street Kitchen has an open and inviting dining setting, as well as an outdoor patio with fireplace.

Bonus:  The only downtown hotel directly connected via skywalk to the Iowa Events Center, with convenient access to events at Hy-Vee Hall or Wells Fargo Arena.  

Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center at ISU

Why we love it:  Located just 2 miles from Iowa State University and just a mile from ISU Research Park. Event space is available for up to 325 people. Relaxation is guaranteed with an indoor heated pool and fitness center, while a complimentary business center and free WiFi let guests take care of business at any time. Diners enjoy a warm and welcoming ambience in the on-site restaurant and bar.

Bonus: Complimentary bicycle, helmet, and lock are available to guests who’d like to cycle to campus or the research park. 

Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Why we love it:  A distinctive retreat ideally located close to the University of Iowa campus. Cozy guest rooms and suites offer views of the charming Iowa River Landing. The hotel restaurant, Edgewater Grill, serves up some of the finest dining in Coralville, while the River Bar offers an elegant way to unwind at the end of the day. Health Club, indoor pool, and whirlpool also help put guests at ease.

Bonus:  Conference Center can accommodate up to 4,050 guests with over 57,000 square feet of event space including 20 breakout rooms and 13 event rooms.  

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

Why we love it:  The hotel overlooks the Cedar River and downtown Cedar Rapids and is attached to the U.S. Cellular Arena and U.S. Cellular Convention Center. Spacious guest rooms and suites, 24-hour fitness center, and indoor pool are among the many amenities. Flexible meeting space can accommodate up to 2335 people.

Bonus:  Dine on delicious local cuisine in the stunning rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of Cedar Rapids and the Cedar River.

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

Why we love it:  The downtown Des Moines hotel is conveniently close to many corporate sites including ADP, Hyvee, American Equity, Metlife Insurance, Wells Fargo and many more. With 285 guest rooms and suites, concierge service, heated indoor pool, fitness center and business services, it’s an ideal spot for combining both business and pleasure. Choose from on-site dining in either the casual Park Place Restaurant or the comfortable Waterfall Grille Restaurant + Lounge.

Bonus:  Sheraton Club members have special access to the Sheraton Club Lounge offering complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and paid cocktail service.