11 Best Hotels In Iowa City, Iowa

If your next trip takes you to Iowa City, you’ll want to find the best accommodations for your stay, whether that’s a luxury hotel with a rooftop terrace or a budget-friendly motel that’s within walking distance of the stadium.

Maybe you’re visiting Iowa City for your child’s graduation from The University of Iowa. Perhaps you’re booking a quick weekender to give the kids some fun time in the hotel’s indoor pool. Maybe it’s time for a couple’s getaway and an afternoon spent at the city’s fun breweries!

Iowa City was the first UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, and bookworms from all over tend to travel here to visit Prairie Lights Bookstore, The Haunted Bookshop or Kurt Vonnegut’s House. Thousands of visitors fly in to attend the Iowa City Book Festival, the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, and the One Book Two Book Children’s Literature festival.

Not to mention, the University of Iowa is right here in Iowa City, and every year the city swells with visitors during graduations and football games.

Let’s take a look at the best hotels in Iowa City for families, including some places that welcome dogs, too. We’ll discover which hotels in Iowa City have room service and swimming pools, and explain our top choices for your couple’s retreat, family vacation, or football-centric trip.

TLDR; Our Favorite Accommodations in Iowa City

• Best Iowa City Hotel for Budget Travel – Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Luxury Stays – Hyatt Regency Coralville
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Families – Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Couples – The Highlander Hotel
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Suites – Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Stadium Access – Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights
• Best Iowa City Hotel for Downtown Access – Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
• Best Boutique Hotel in Iowa City – Graduate Iowa City
• Best Bed & Breakfast in Iowa City – Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Iowa City – Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area
• Best Resort Hotel in Iowa City – hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Where to Stay in Iowa City

1. Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City

Address: 2216 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52245

The Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City is an excellent option for budget travelers seeking affordable Iowa City hotels and nice amenities. The hotel offers its guests free parking on-site, which is an excellent perk when you’re staying in Iowa City for more than a few days; parking fees can really add up during a long vacation.

The Travelodge in Iowa City is conveniently located near a great local coffee shop, Dodge Street Coffee. Los Agaves Mexican Grill is on the property, too. T

he kids will enjoy the hotel pool, and the nicely appointed rooms are clean and comfortable for your budget-friendly stay. The hotel also offers convenient access to the highway and is just a few miles from downtown.

Attractions Nearby

• North Dodge Athletic Club
• Los Agaves Mexican Grill
• Harvest Preserve
• The Sitting Man – Buddha

Pros

• Ample charging ports in the rooms
• Free parking on site

Cons

• No breakfast buffet
• Somewhat noisy for connected rooms

See Related: What is Iowa known for? Facts about the Hawkeye State

2. Hyatt Regency Coralville

Address: 300 East 9th Street, Coralville, 52241, United States

The Hyatt Regency Coralville is an upscale hotel with a convenient location to the university, as well as restaurants and shopping in the Iowa City suburb of Coralville. If you’re traveling for business, the Hyatt offers its guests a quiet library for work and study. In addition to its many amenities, the Hyatt also offers spacious rooms and comfortable beds.

One of the best features of the hotel is its proximity to the river trail, which runs for a total of 18.2 miles and is suitable for bicycling, jogging, and walking. The Hyatt Regency does have its own exercise room, but you may also enjoy the opportunity to take a morning run along the river or a stroll in the late afternoon.

Attractions Nearby

• Iowa River Landing Wetland Park
• Backpocket Brewing
• Iowa River Walk
• Hayek Park

Pros

• Centrally located
• Friendly staff

Cons

• The rooms are a little outdated
• No free parking

See Related: Best Things to do in Iowa & Places to Visit

3. Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Address: 404 East College Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Traveling with kids means finding a hotel that’s affordable yet still offers enough beds for everyone. In some cases, you might find yourself booking multiple rooms at additional cost, which is why you may want to select Hotel Chauncey Iowa City.

Hotel Chauncy offers guests the choice of a traditional room or different configurations that include family rooms. Not only is this Iowa City hotel a family-friendly hotel, but the rooms are generally quite spacious, which is a plus when you’re traveling with kids or a group.

Families may also bring their pets, as the hotel is pet-friendly. If you’re traveling with picky eaters, you’ll appreciate the kitchenette, which makes it easy to cook family favorites while traveling.

Attractions Nearby

• The Englert Theater
• Pullman Bar & Diner
• College Green Park
• SpareMe Bowl & Arcade Iowa City

Pros

• Big rooms with a view
• Modern kitchens inside rooms

Cons

• The HVAC system is reportedly a little loud
• Parking gets difficult during university games

See Related: Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

4. The Highlander Hotel

Address: 2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States

Sometimes you don’t need to book a flight to a destination halfway across the planet. Occasionally, all you need is a cozy yet surprisingly hip place like Iowa City. The Highlander Hotel is an excellent stop for couples as the hotel offers spacious rooms with large beds and a choice of a balcony or a cozy pool view.

Couples-friendly amenities at the hotel include a bar that features live jazz music, an arcade area, and a pool with a hot tub. This Iowa City hotel even has a snack bar and cozy little places to sit and talk throughout the property.

The vibe is quite retro chic and kitschy, which is a welcome sight for a fun couple’s weekend. The property is also accommodating to families.

Attractions Nearby

• Joensy’s Restaurant
• Grit gym
• Dodge Street Coffee House

Pros

• Live music in the hotel bar
• Spacious rooms with updated décor

Cons

• The parking lot needs resurfacing
• Outside landscaping could use a refresh

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Iowa

5. Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville

Address: 815 1st Avenue, Coralville, IA 52241, United States

The Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville offers a lot of different room configurations, which means it’s easy to find a room that suits your exact traveling needs. Are you traveling with a pack of children? The Drury offers suites with multiple beds and a sofa bed, so everyone can find a comfortable place to sleep.

Guests enjoy the clean and modern décor, as well as the comfortable beds and the overall niceness of the property. The free breakfast is a welcome amenity, and the hotel also offers a happy hour and dinner buffet.

The Drury Inn is an excellent place to stay if you’re visiting Iowa City as a family for graduation, or for a quiet spot to stay during any of the city’s literature festivals.

Attractions Nearby

• Hayden Fry Statue
• Scooter’s Coffee
• Antique Car Museum of Iowa
• Casa Azul Restaurante y Cantina Coralville

Pros

• Super comfortable beds
• Offers free breakfast & dinner

Cons

• The pool gets cold in the winter
• The beds are extra soft, maybe too soft for some

See Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Iowa

6. Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights

Address: 901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, 52246, United States

Alums of the University of Iowa and those with a family member attending the university may want to choose the Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights when attending a game at Kinnick Stadium.

The stadium opened back in 1929 and is one of the stadiums in the Big Ten Conference, the oldest Division I college athletic conference in the U.S. If you want to experience the quintessential “Iowa” day, try to get tickets for an Iowa State vs University of Iowa game, and stay within walking distance of the tailgate.

The Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights is less than a half mile from the stadium, and you can even score a view of the stadium from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. The Bistro, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, receives high marks for the quality of its service and food.

Attractions Nearby

• Bistro Restaurant & Bar
• Tower Court Park
• Kinnick Stadium
• Brookland Park

Pros

• Excellent breakfast and dinner
• Walking distance to Kinnick Stadium

Cons

• Sporting event parking sometimes takes over hotel parking
• No hot tubs
• Sells out well in advance for important football games

See Related: Best Iowa Family Vacations to Take This Year

7. Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

Address: 328 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Iowa City isn’t a giant metropolis like Miami or Houston, but it’s large enough to have a downtown area, and the Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown is probably the best hotel when you have business in Downtown Iowa City. The Hilton Iowa City is a super comfortable hotel that offers simple and straightforward amenities, ideal for business travelers.

If you’re traveling for business, you’ll also enjoy the option to get room service, which is so convenient after spending the day in meetings. Families may also like the option to get room service to avoid the hassles of eating out with small children after a day of exploration.

Attractions Nearby

• Old Capital Town Center
• The Encounter Cafe
• FilmScene on The Ped Mall
• Vue Rooftop Restaurant

Pros

• Walking distance to many restaurants
• Beautifully clean and modern property

Cons

• The pool area can get loud
• Parking is expensive

See Related: Best State Parks in Iowa

8. Graduate Iowa City

Address: 210 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Most of the hotels in Iowa City feature well-known names in the hospitality industry, like Hilton and Marriott, but you also have the option to stay at a boutique hotel when you choose the Graduate Iowa City.

The Graduate chain is a real up-and-comer, and we’re already big fans of a few of their hotels. The Graduate Iowa City is located on the University of Iowa campus and is a quick 5-minute trip to the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

If you’re in town for literature, you’ll love that the Graduate is within walking distance of both Prairie Lights and The Haunted Bookshop. If the weather is nice, walk around campus, shop for books, and stop in to the Iowa City Public Library to see the state’s busiest library.

The Graduate Iowa City is also an excellent place to stay if you’re visiting Iowa City to see someone in the hospital or are having some tests done and need a place to stay overnight. Overall, this boutique hotel offers a quiet, comfortable, and homey experience for all travelers.

Attractions Nearby

• Voxman Hall Iowa School of Music
• Old Capitol Museum
• Prairie Lights and the Haunted Bookshop
• Iowa City Scavenger Hunt
• Joseph’s Steakhouse

Pros

• Great views from the highest floors
• Cool, hip vibe and awesome decor

Cons

• Some rooms are small compared to bed size
• Water pressure and temperature isn’t always the best

See Related: Where to Stay in Des Moines: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

9. Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast

Address: 430 Brown Street, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States

The Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a welcoming and cozy environment for adult guests in Iowa City. Each room features a private bathroom and is designed as an allergy-free environment, which means no pets are allowed.

Despite the restrictions on young guests and pets, the Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast is a great choice for those attending games at Kinnick Stadium, as well as anyone seeking a truly welcoming and quiet place to stay.

This B&B regularly welcomes return guests who can’t get enough of the lovely atmosphere, excellent breakfast, and safe neighborhood. It’s popular with bookworms who want to visit Prairie Lights, the Haunted Bookshop, and Kurt Vonnegut’s House.

Attractions Nearby

• Kurt Vonnegut’s House
• Happy Hollow Park
• Burge Market Place
• North Market Square Park

Pros

• Cozy location in a quiet neighborhood
• Excellent breakfast & presentation

Cons

• The location is a little far from the city’s best entertainment
• The bed & breakfast experience isn’t like your standard chain hotel

See Related: Best Things to Do in Spirit Lake, Iowa

10. Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area

Address: 4 Sturgis Corner, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

If you’re traveling to Iowa City with pets, the Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area will welcome your furry companions. Each room also has a microwave and a fridge, which means you can travel with fresh food for your pet and keep it safe and cool in the fridge during your stay.

Meanwhile, the humans in your party will enjoy the continental breakfast served each morning, as well as other amenities like the fitness area and the indoor pool. If you find yourself staying at the Hampton Inn Iowa City for more than a few days and need a washing machine, the hotel does offer convenient laundry facilities.

Attractions Nearby

• Riverfront Crossings Park
• Big Groove Brewery & Taproom
• Sturgis Ferry Park
• Hatchet Jack’s

Pros

• Very comfortable beds
• Pet-friendly hotel

Cons

• No free parking
• It seems only some rooms have USB plugs

See Related: Best Things to Do in Davenport, Iowa

11. hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Address: 201 S Linn St., Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

The hotelVetro Iowa City is another set of awesome accommodations that offers guests the chance to see Iowa City from a high vantage point on its rooftop garden, which overlooks a historic area of town. The hotel is close to the university, as well as the popular local Big Groove Brewery.

The hotel offers excellent views of the town from its rooms with large floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bathrooms. The hotel also provides rooms with a kitchenette, so you can make food and save a little money on meals while you travel, but the hotel is still within walking distance to some eateries and coffee shops like the super sweet Crêpes de Luxe Café.

Attractions Nearby

• Iowa City Public Library
• Live Like Line Memorial Park
• Heartland Yoga
• Formosa Sushi

Pros

• Convenient access to university & hospital
• Sofa beds in rooms are helpful for family travelers

Cons

• Older property that could benefit from updates
• Rooms don’t have blackout curtains

See Related: Visiting the Buddy Holly Crash Site in Clear Lake, Iowa

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