Bleisure Travel — The 8 Best Iowa Destination Hotels

They say half the fun is the journey, but at these eight destination hotels, all the fun happens when you arrive. You’ll find everything you need to mix business with leisure at any of these Iowa hotels:

Rhythm City Casino Resort

The energetic casino resort is the perfect place to get away for a corporate meeting or event. The resort features up to 16,000 square feet of functional meeting space, along with state-of-the-art AV equipment, and a full-service business center. After-hours fun includes slots, table games, and sports betting in the casino. Guests can enjoy a day of pampering at the Wave Spa, dine in one of the resort’s 3 restaurants, or relax in one of the beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites.

Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino and Hotel

Harrah’s invites guests to relax after business hours in the spacious hotel with deluxe rooms and suites, some with beautiful views and electronic features such as an iPod/iPad docking station and 47-inch flat screen TV. Gamers can choose from slots, pull tables, bingo, Blackjack and more. Vegas-style entertainment, three dining options, and golf are just a few reasonse this casino hotel is a winning choice.

Bridges Bay Resort

The lakeside resort is nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Okoboji. Choose from guest rooms and lakeview or lakefront hotel condos, some with full kitchens and all with patios or decks. The resort offers guests many amenities, including Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, Pickled Parrot Cantina, 4 outdoor pools and swim-up bar, fitness center, arcade and game room and private, and a fully stocked fishing pond. Enjoy fabulous food at one of 3 restaurants on site.

Hotel Ottumwa

Built in 1917 in the heart of the downtown Ottumwa Hotel Ottumwa features 61 modern guest rooms. Guests may choose from five room styles to meet their needs. The venue of choice for Southeast Iowa, Hotel Ottumwa offers flexible meeting rooms, wifi throughout, breakout rooms, a lounge and cafe.

Hotel Julien Dubuque

This beautifully restored luxury hotel resides in the heart of downtown Dubuque. It combines timeless charm with contemporary sophistication and offers meeting accommodations for groups up to 400 with over 14,000 square feet of event space. Hotel guests will love the 133 lavish guest rooms, each beautifully decorated, along with several suites, including the Capone Suite There are 2 dining options, including Caroline’s where talented chefs prepare regionally inspired cuisine.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

Overlooking the Cedar River and downtown Cedar Rapids and attached to the U.S. Cellular Arena and U.S. Cellular Convention Center, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex features spacious guest rooms and suites, 24-hour fitness center, and indoor pool are among the many amenities. Enjoy flexible meeting space that can accommodate up to 2335 people.

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

This newly renovated and historic hotel boasts an amazing location in the heart of Des Moines. The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel features six event rooms totaling 12,285 square feet with capacity for 700. Connected to the Des Moines skywalk, the hotel is within walking distance of many popular destinations including the Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, and more.

Hotel Winneshiek & Opera House

Located in the heart of Decorah, Iowa, The Historic Hotel Winneshiek features 34 distinctive guest rooms and suites and a variety of beautifully decorated spaces ideal for events. Formerly an opera house, the hotel's grand space features its original tin walls and ceiling, wraparound balcony/mezzanine level and dramatic stage.