10 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Ames, Iowa - Updated 2024

Isabelle
Isabelle  
Updated
| 5 min read

A city with a blossoming cultural environment and tons of natural spaces, Ames, Iowa, is a lovely place to call home during a vacation in the US. Set your sights on Reiman Gardens, a vast garden with a conservatory, an exotic butterfly exhibit, and attractions that change seasonally. After enjoying the crisp air, head to Octagon Center for the Arts. It isn’t just an art gallery but also a place for guests of all ages to take art classes and learn from local artists. Families bringing their little ones will find this place a delight. Furman Aquatic Center is another must-visit spot for the whole clan. To enjoy this bustling city and its offerings to the fullest, check out these best Airbnb vacation rentals in Ames, Iowa.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.

1. Luxurious home with a clawfoot bathtub (from USD 124)

Guests can look forward to a wonderful vacation at this Victorian-inspired home fitted with exquisite furnishings. Suitable for up to four guests, the house has ample spaces for recreation. The enclosed front porch comes with a swing, making it a wonderful place for little ones to play freely. If you fancy a treat for your eyes, spend time at the screened back porch with a chilled beer.

Amenities offered here include wireless internet access, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. This home is also near a grocery store and several restaurants.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
5.61 km (3.5 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
305 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
for larger individuals the downstairs shower is a tight fit
they had everything you could need in the house - toiletries paper products kitchen supplies good internet/wifi
bathrooms are not on the main floor but that was not a problem for our group
not having a bathroom on the first floor was not a problem for us
Cleanliness:
house was clean and stocked well
it was very clean and well-maintained
the house was spotless and very well organized
always clean cute and has everything you need
very clean older home with fabulous screened in back porch
Host:
the host had a hand written note and a searcy for us upon arrival
awesome place awesome host 5 stars
michele was an amazing host and this home was perfect for our stay
michele is definitely the perfect host
michele is a wonderful host with a beautiful house
Location:
the location is great
this was a great house with a perfect location in ames
cute clean & great location in ames
we ordered take out from hickory park bbq based on michele's recommendation and it was excellent
michele is helpful caring and nonintrusive great place to stay and great location near the university
Read more reviews

2. Charming abode with a firepit (from USD 127)

Traveling with a large brood can be tiring, so find a space that gives you a restful vacation. This three-bedroom home that sleeps up to six may be the perfect accommodation for you. The cozy living area and comfortable bedrooms will ensure a good night’s sleep. If you are looking for a homecooked meal, fire up the grill in the back deck.

Families bringing their little ones can let them run free in the garden while you prepare s'mores over the firepit. This home comes with security cameras for an additional layer of security and is set near several boutiques and elegant restaurants.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
5.76 km (3.6 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
97 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wi-fi supported our needs
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and we enjoyed staying here
very clean and next to good stores
Location:
this is a great location and house
hidden jem great location
charming little bungalow close to many shops and restaurants in ames
this was a great place to stay and i enjoyed the location
what a great place to have a reunion and stay over
Read more reviews

3. Tranquil apartment with a fully equipped kitchen (from USD 99)

Welcome to this charming and serene apartment that promises guests a relaxing stay in the heart of downtown Ames. Enjoy a peaceful morning as you savor your hearty breakfast on the private patio. This bright and airy home is a splendid choice for couples or small families who want to recharge their weary souls.

For those who want a taste of Iowa’s nightlife, there are several bars and cafes nearby you can explore. After a long day out, head home and spend time with your loved ones watching a Netflix movie on the snug couch. High-speed WiFi is available here, so movie marathons are easily doable.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
4.7 km (3.0 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
199 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire townhouse 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
furniture and bedding were comfortable and the decor was very nice
amenities include wifi netflix a kureg with kcups and a welcome basket
comfortable seating and bed however the sofa bed is somewhat lumpy for an adult
Cleanliness:
everything was very clean and cozy
everything was clean and just as we expected
clean and cozy had a great stay
clean comfortable beautiful and peaceful
the place was clean and well appointed
Host:
incredible hosts that really care about giving you the best stay possible
owner always reachable & helpful if needed
adorable place host was great with communication
this place was adorable jenna was a wonderful host and i would definitely stay here again
most importantly jenna is a most attentive host
Location:
great location close to shopping and isu campus
good location--very close to main street shops etc
jenna’s place is very comfortable and close to campus
the location is a perfect walking distance from campus and the place is spacious and incredibly charming
great little place and great location
Read more reviews

4. Modern townhouse with entertainment facilities (from USD 84)

Located two minutes from downtown Ames and Iowa State University, this spacious duplex is beautifully decorated and exudes a calming vibe. It sleeps up to six and comes with two bedrooms. Besides the high-speed internet, each room also has a smart TV so you can watch your desired shows while snuggled in bed.

Guests who aren’t driving will be relieved to know the bus stop is just opposite the street. The grocery store and restaurants are only a block away.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
5.76 km (3.6 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
435 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire townhouse 2 Beds 3 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the updated bathroom has amazing water pressure
Cleanliness:
place was clean and quiet
quaint clean well appointed rental
everything was clean and just right again
clean great location cute great communication - everything was a+
extremely clean and everything you could need was provided
Host:
ashley responded very promptly to questions and was a great host
the hosts are great and respond quickly
the hosts made you feel very welcome
” the hosts did a great job welcoming us to ames including a handwritten note and extra toiletries
fantastic lil space with responsive hosts
Location:
very good location neat downtown
this centrally located airbnb was in an ideal location to get around ames & also close to highway 30
great location in ames to everything you could need
great location price and very clean and cute
this is a beautiful place to stay in a great neighborhood
Read more reviews

5. Stylish home with massive garden (from USD 157)

Check out this cozy and modern accommodation that can sleep up to five people. Bathroom essentials are provided so you can pack light. This Airbnb has a sleek kitchen and three bedrooms that offer views of the magnificent garden. There is a flat-screen TV in the living area and said garden where you can soak up the sun’s rays if you’d like to relax outdoors.

For those who wish to be out cheering for Iowa State University’s football and basketball games, the football stadium is within walking distance.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
6.83 km (4.3 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
136 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 3 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is fully stocked the living room has vaulted ceilings and the beds were wonderful
the kitchen was the most stocked well equipped kitchen i've ever seen
very comfortable home with well stocked kitchen and bath
Cleanliness:
great space clean and comfortable
the house was as advertised clean neat well organized
we had a wonderful stay the house is clean and spacious
it was very clean and we felt right at home there
super easy check in - charming decor - clean and hospitality excellent
Host:
highly recommend and great value great host with helpful communications
host was great with communication
the host really has worked hard to make this house comfortable and cozy
great place and awesome host couldn't have asked for anything more
we had a wonderful experience and katie is a fantastic host in all regards
Location:
great location close to everything isu related
perfect location if visiting isu campus
this house is in a great location on a nice street
easy walk to football field and a close to campus
off the main strip but in a nice quiet neighborhood
Read more reviews

6. Charming home with rustic fireplace

Situated in a quiet residential area, with Iowa State University only minutes away, this vintage cottage is ideal for those looking for a quiet getaway. Boasting hardwood floors and bay windows, you can look forward to an energizing morning as you sip your morning coffee in the living room. The fully equipped kitchen awaits those who want to display their culinary skills. Other amenities include free WiFi, parking, and laundry facilities.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
6.02 km (3.8 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
37 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfy beds and the living room furniture is great for lounging around
the beds were very comfortable and the house was very homey
it was comfortable and well appointed with everything we needed
Cleanliness:
everything felt clean and comfortable
quiet little street and adorable house very clean it was perfect
anne's place is awesome cozy clean excellent
very clean well appointed and great location
Host:
hosts were very helpful and responded quickly to questions
anne’s place is great and she was very accommodating and a good communicator
the host anne was easy to communicate with and made our check-in and check-out a breeze
anne was very kind and responsive and i absolutely recommend this place
Location:
perfect location as we were touring isu with our granddaughter
easy walk to campus one direction park in the other direction
this is a terrific home close to all the great places in ames
great place for parents visiting students at the university
we were especially grateful for the central air the bright kitchen and the cute backyard area
Read more reviews

7. Deluxe private room with a whirlpool tub (from USD 67)

This homey option is perfect if you want to relax in style. Set in the heart of Ames, this romantic and spacious room is a brilliant choice for couples. The living area is an excellent spot for you to recharge your energy after a day out. If your legs are feeling sore and you find yourself in need of a therapeutic massage, then head into the spa-like bathroom and use the whirlpool tub to improve your blood circulation.

This rental comes with a kitchenette and laundry facilities. Netflix is also available, so go ahead and stream your favorite show while you snuggle on the sofa.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
4.0 km (2.5 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
229 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
absolutely beautiful space with lots of room
incredibly comfortable and easy accessible
the space is very nice and it feels like you are in your own apartment
this comfortable bedroom suite had everything you might need for the night
i really appreciated a super cool "window" in the bathroom that's backlit and colorful
Cleanliness:
very clean and cozy
quiet clean and comfortable
it is spacious clean and comfortable like she advertised
it was clean spacious comfortable and very relaxing
super open floor plan super clean great host great communication on check in
Host:
becki was a great host she was very friendly and accommodating
she is truly a great host very responsive and accommodating
she is a great host very friendly welcoming and so easy to talk to
becki is a great host and it was a great place to stay
becki is a fantastic super host
Location:
her place is a wonderful park with huge shade trees for the hot summer days
it is a wonderful place to stay in ames close to everything but very very quiet
convenient location we highly recommend this place thanks becki
becki’s place was perfect for a quick trip to ames
becki's is a quiet comfortable and relaxing stay close to everything in ames
Read more reviews

8. Private room for two near Downtown Ames (from USD 44)

This rental is best for those who want to explore Ames on a budget. Your room is within a private residence, and you will have access to the kitchen, living room, and elliptical machine. Guests who need to get work done will be glad to know there is a well-lit private workspace in the room.

Easily accessible, this home is only a five-minute drive from Downtown Ames. Cyclists can choose between different biking trails to visit the serene parks and stadiums. Those who aren’t driving can take the public bus located a few steps from this home.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
3.91 km (2.5 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
152 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the ceiling fan is pretty low so watch your head if you are tall
a warm and welcoming stay quiet and comfortable
nice room with a desk and spacious closet
the bed and room were comfortable
Cleanliness:
clean bathroom with toiletries
the room is small but was very clean and comfortable
very nice and clean place
good value clean and convenient
room was clean and they made it very easy
Host:
the hosts are friendly and quiet
jeff and penny were kind hosts
penny and jeff are excellent hosts
they were friendly and gracious hosts who were quick to respond
the hosts were very accommodating and seemed like very nice people
Location:
this place was in a good location and a great value
the neighborhood is quiet and street side parking easy
great place at the perfect price
if i find myself needing a place in ames again i will definitely see if they have availability
Read more reviews

9. An inviting and contemporary home (from USD 279)

This four-bedroom home is just what you and your companions need for a relaxing and tranquil stay experience. The house has four queen-sized beds and can accommodate up to eight people. The kitchen is sleek and stocked with everything you need to prepare a fancy meal. If you want to spice up your vacation, enjoy your meals in the backyard. Those who want to savor local cuisine can visit the welcoming restaurants in the vicinity.

After a day of cheering for your favorite football team at the nearby Jack Trice stadium, snuggle on the couch and watch a film on the 58-inch TV.

Stayed at this property?
Ames, Iowa, United States
5.63 km (3.5 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
66 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there was plenty of room to spread out and even a play room
Cleanliness:
it was clean and perfectly set up for our group
the check-in/out were easy the kitchen was well-stocked towels/supplies were plentiful and the house was completely spotless
Host:
jamie was very responsive and helpful
jamie is a wonderful host with excellent communication who has thought of everything… including great welcoming touches
Location:
amazing place to stay and perfect location
the location is perfect close to grocery store campus and main st
perfect location for back-to-back family events in des moines and ames
great house great location and awesome play room for the kiddos
Read more reviews

10. Bright and clean condo for four

Spend your days reliving your university life as you walk around Iowa State University before returning to this spacious and airy apartment. This one-bedroom rental has a queen-sized bed and sofa bed to accommodate four guests. It also comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a laundry room, so you don’t have to lug your dirty laundry home.

Anytime you feel like burning off those calories from all the feasting, head to the in-house gym. This accommodation rental is budget-friendly and is worth a shot whether you are traveling with friends or family.

Stayed at this property?

7.97 km (5.0 mi) from Ada Hayden Heritage Park
7 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire condominium (condo) 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
so many thoughtful details and a really cozy space
Cleanliness:
very clean and literally everything you need
Host:
hosts are super friendly
host is super nice and friendly
wendy is a really good host that will be in contact with you constantly
Location:
great location nice and clean
amazing place to stay able to get to campus and stadium easily
Read more reviews

Easy access to Ames

Choosing a comfortable and cozy accommodation can be challenging. Worry not. All you have to do is check out our recommendations, and you’re all set for one of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isabelle is an educator and a self-professed foodie. When she is not teaching away in school, she is either out looking for interesting foods, at the gym or reading at home.

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