5 Best Hotels in Iowa City, IA

Iowa City's finest, all in one place.
Last Updated
:
September 8, 2024
Building view of hotelVetro Iowa City
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If you’re looking for a place to stay in Iowa City, then you’ve come to the right post! Iowa City is home to plenty of hotels and accommodations – no matter what kind of excursion brings you into town. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, there are options available here that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

In this blog post, we’ll be highlighting some of the best hotels in Iowa City – from cozy boutique-style inns and budget-friendly chains to luxurious resorts with state-of-the-art facilities. We’ll discuss amenities on offer, highlight any unique features each hotel has to offer, as well as point out some handy tips and helpful advice along the way!

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The 5 Best Hotels in Iowa City, IA

So read on – because soon enough you’ll find the perfect place to call home while traveling through Iowa City!

Graduate Iowa City

Bedroom view of Graduate Iowa City
Leonardo

Graduate Iowa City is a posh place to stay. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a top-notch fitness center, free shuttle services, and a stylish restaurant and bar. The hotel has a number of guest rooms to choose from, including suites and rooms with half baths and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s suites feature a private bonus room and half bath. Moreover, guests can enjoy the convenience of a kitchenette, as well as ironing and dry cleaning services. Other benefits include a business center, concierge service, and a pet-friendly policy.

The hotel also features a large, 9,070-square-foot meeting space. The lobby boasts floor-to-ceiling bookcases, as well as a communal table. It’s not all about the room; guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and an evening reception. In the room, guests at Graduate Iowa City can enjoy a flat-screen television, as well as a work desk, coffee maker, and other high-end conveniences. The bathroom is well-equipped, with a hair dryer and toiletries. The hotel also offers a full-service restaurant, as well as a bar and lounge.

Among other things, the Graduate Iowa City is located right in the middle of Iowa City’s quaint downtown, making it the perfect location to explore this city on foot. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from the Johnson County Courthouse and the University of Iowa College of Law. In fact, the hotel is the home team for the Hawkeyes’ home and away games. It’s also a mere 20 minutes from Kinnick Stadium. It’s no wonder that the hotel was recently rated #5 on Tripadvisor’s list of the best hotels in Iowa City.

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hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Bedroom view of hotelVetro Iowa City
ICE Portal

HotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a 3-star hotel in Iowa City, is the perfect choice for travelers who wish to stay close to the University of Iowa. The hotel offers modern accommodations and conference space. It is ideally situated on a pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City. In addition to its convenient location, guests will enjoy free Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access. The hotel also features an open-air Roof Garden. This 4,800-square-foot space boasts a beautiful view of the Iowa City Cultural District.

The University of Iowa is a short walk from the hotel, and Kinnick Stadium is five minutes away. The campus is home to a large number of museums. Guests of the hotel can enjoy full kitchens in their rooms. A microwave and iron/ironing board are available for guest use. A flat-screen cable TV is also provided. Guests at the hotelVetro Iowa City can also make use of a direct-dial phone, a clock radio, and climate control. The hotel features 56 air-conditioned rooms. Each room is equipped with a microwave, a hair dryer, and premium bedding. The suites are equipped with a work desk and a separate dining area.

In addition, guests will be able to take advantage of a fitness center and a free shuttle. In addition to these amenities, guests can use the conference center, which includes over 15,000 square feet of flexible banquet space. The hotel’s business center is also open 24 hours. The hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has a full-service Asian restaurant. In addition, the restaurant offers a full breakfast buffet. The hotel is also close to the University of Iowa Hospital. Its suites feature pillow-top mattresses and work desks. The hotel is also environmentally conscious, with eco-friendly amenities such as a greenhouse, a recycling bin, and energy-efficient appliances.

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The Highlander Hotel

Bedroom view of The Highlander Hotel
ICE Portal

In a commercial park off the intersection of I-80 and Route 1, The Highlander Hotel is a hip 1960s/70s-themed hotel nested 3 miles from Iowa City and 4 miles from the Old Capitol Museum. It is part of Clarion Hotels, which is a hotel chain that stretches across the United States. Their locations are usually near airports and business centers. They range from budget to upscale accommodations. The brand also provides services and facilities like catering and meeting space.

The Highlander Hotel is an urban resort and a very hip one at that. It features an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a coffee shop. It is located in Iowa City, just over two miles from the University of Iowa. The hotel is a large property. It has 90 rooms, including five suites. It also features a gym, a game room, and Wi-Fi in public areas. It is also near the Quad City Airport. This property has a lot to offer. For instance, it offers free Internet access and 5,832 square feet of event space. Its two-story event pool is an especially fun thing to do in any season.

It is also a pet-friendly property. Its rooms feature free wireless Internet and pillowtop beds. They also have flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels, irons and ironing boards, and rainfall showerheads. It even has a free bicycle rental service. This hotel also has a multipurpose venue called ACT, and the nearby Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark. The Highlander Hotel has a few other things to its name, like an impressive smorgasbord of a bar and a complimentary continental breakfast.

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Iowa House Hotel

Other view of Iowa House Hotel
Expedia

Built in 1924 as the “Sigma Sigma Delta Chi” fraternity, Iowa House Hotel was once a dormitory for students attending the University of Iowa. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a hotel that combines the elegant, historic features of the building with modern amenities. The hotel has 97 rooms that vary in size, ranging from standard doubles to spacious suites. All rooms are uniquely decorated and include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mini-fridges, and microwaves. The bathrooms are sparkling clean, with complimentary toiletries provided. You’ll love the plush beds with luxurious linens that will give you a peaceful night’s sleep.

The hotel’s on-site amenities are nothing to sneeze at either. The Iowa House Hotel boasts a fitness center, a business center, laundry facilities, and ample parking. There’s also a conference room that can accommodate up to 60 people, making it an ideal venue for meetings, workshops, and events. One of the highlights of staying at this hotel is the complimentary continental breakfast offered every morning. You’ll be greeted with freshly brewed coffee, tea, juice, fruits, pastries, cereals, and yogurt. It’s the perfect way to start your day before exploring Iowa City or attending a business meeting.

The Iowa House Hotel is not only charming but also conveniently located. You can walk to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Kinnick Stadium, and other attractions within minutes. The popular Pedestrian Mall, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, is only two blocks away. There’s also a bus stop nearby, with a free bus service that travels to various locations in Iowa City.

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Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City

Bedroom view of Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
ICE Portal

Just off I-80, Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City is a straightforward hotel based 2.6 miles from the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, and 3.9 miles from football at Kinnick Stadium. This 2-star hotel offers a host of services, including free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, and 24-hour reception. Plus, its location puts it near the city center, and it’s also close to the University of Iowa. The property offers an indoor pool and an athletic center. It also features a cafeteria and vending machines. A fax and photocopier are available, and a safety deposit box is available for guests.The hotel has a pet-friendly policy. Up to two pets may stay for a fee of $17 per night. There is a weight limit of 40 pounds.

The rooms at Travelodge include an air-conditioning unit, a flat-screen television, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. They also feature a hair dryer, iron, and ironing board, and toiletries. The suites have a separate toilet, work desk, and vaulted ceiling. The Travelodge By Wyndham Iowa City offers 80 rooms. Some rooms feature a fireplace in the lobby, a work desk, and a balcony. A cable TV is also available. The bathrooms are also fully renovated. The rooms offer free local calls, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Travelodge Iowa City is a 10-minute drive from Mercy Hospital and Clinics and the University of Iowa. The scenic Hickory Hill Forest Park is only 1.4 miles away. There is a car park on-site, and the hotel provides handicapped parking. The hotel’s 900 square feet of meeting space and event facilities are also available. There’s also free Internet access and laundry facilities. The rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, and the hotel has a gym and pool.

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