10 Best Historic Hotels In Iowa, USA - Updated 2024

1. Hotel Julien Dubuque (from USD 159)

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Dating back to 1839, Hotel Julien Dubuque made its debut as the Waples House, a lavish lodge known for its gourmet food and upscale accommodations. Since its opening, the property has welcomed many famous individuals, including Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln.

Today, this place has luxurious amenities and high-end hospitality to offer guests a memorable vacation. You’ll find a spa where you can pamper yourself, a hot tub, an indoor pool, and more. Renters will also love the wall art, HDTVs, and more in each room. There’s an American eatery on-site too.

2. Des Lux Hotel, Des Moines (from USD 179)

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This early 20th-century hotel located in Downtown Des Moines is one of the most revered hotels in the city. Spanning a multi-level brick level, this accommodation is sleek and adorned with statues, imposing chandeliers, rich wood, and top-end luxury.

While on the property, you can rejuvenate in the sauna, spa tub, or work out in the gym. In addition, all the 51 air-conditioned rooms come with minibars and coffee makers for your pleasure. Other perks include a complimentary airport shuttle, WiFi, and valet parking.

3. Hotel Winneshiek, Decorah (from USD 119)

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Hotel Winneshiek is a 3.5-star accommodation built in Beaux Arts-style by Turnock & Ohrenstein, a Chicagoan firm, back in the early 20th century. The place still maintains its classic flair: think a grand staircase, cherry woodwork, and marble walls to admire.

Further, all 34 units are beautifully furnished and they come with coffee makers and complimentary WiFi. Visitors will also wake up to a free continental breakfast daily. What’s more, you’ll have access to an on-site business center and a bar.

4. Hotel Grinnell (from USD 200)

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This property, built in 1921, was initially established as a junior high school. However, the facility was converted into the boutique hotel it is today in the 1970s, with an event location, eatery, and eco- and pet-friendly accommodations.

Nowadays, Hotel Grinnell offers quirky, eye-catching rooms for a small family, romantic, or solo vacation. Each unit also comes with comfort amenities, including DVD players, WiFi, bathrobes, and satellite TVs. Guests are also welcome to use the on-site business center, gym, and restaurant serving Asian, Mexican, and Italian meals.

5. Hotel Pattee, Perry

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If you love vintage art and world-class hospitality, this three-star historic hotel is an ideal choice. Established in 1913, Hotel Pattee boasts 40 individually decorated suites and rooms, complete with original artwork. Specific units also include windows with garden vistas, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs for extra leisure.

Tenants at this facility can also pamper themselves in the on-site spa, ride indoor bike racks, or spend the evening in the bowling alley. You’ll also find a bakery, bar, and restaurant for your convenience. What’s more, this property is a two-minute walk from the heart of the city.

6. The Black Hawk Hotel, Cedar Falls (from USD 160)

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Experience authentic Iowan hospitality at the Black Hawk Hotel, a 3.5-star hotel dedicated to local history. The accommodation dates back to the early 1850s and it is the country’s second-longest-continuously-running hotel. Today, the property is listed in the National Historic Register of Historic Places. At the same time, it’s a favorite for leisure seekers.

Guests can take advantage of the full-service spa or unwind in one of the 43 quaint rooms with iPod docking stations, WiFi, and HDTVs. There’s also a cafe, bar, and diner on-site. And thanks to the amenity’s central location, you’ll find many nearby dining options, including Pablo’s Mexican Grill and Scratch Cupcakery, found a two-minute walk away.

7. The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection, Devenport (from USD 219)

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If you’re one for aesthetics, a beautiful stay awaits in Current Iowa, Autograph Collection, the first hotel in Davenport. The 78-unit accommodation sits in the former Putnam Building, an office facility constructed in 1912. Its rooms are complete with contemporary artwork, seating areas, air conditioning, and more.

Further, visitors can treat themselves to a daily buffet or continental breakfast. At the same time, you’ll find two dining options on-site — an American and a Mexican eatery. What’s more, renters can use the hotel’s hot tub, fitness center, indoor pool, or enjoy the spa services.

8. Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines (from USD 199)

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Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel played a significant role in the history of the country. It was founded in 1919 and served as classrooms, a mess hall, and barracks for the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) during WWII.

Nowadays, this three-star accommodation is the epitome of comfort in Des Moines. It provides charming rooms outfitted with seating areas, private bathrooms, and comfy beds with high-end linens. Other perks include a snack and drink vending machine, a daily continental breakfast, and two dining options.

9. Tremont Inn on Main, Marshalltown (from USD 144)

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This award-winning small hotel boasting 11 air-conditioned units is located in the Tremont building, which has been gracing the Marshalltown skyline since 1874. It’s European-inspired, from architecture to hospitality.

Guests can relish tasty food in the two on-site restaurants and beverages at the bar. Also, all the units come with vintage wall art, cable TVs, air conditioning, and more for your comfort. What’s more, this place is around a 15-minute walk from famous attractions, including Fisher Community Center Art Gallery and Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center.

10. Hotel Greenfield, Greenfield (from USD 99)

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Step back in time at Hotel Greenfield, which made its debut in 1920. Its lobby still maintains its original structure, windows, staircase, woodwork, and more. During WWII, the facility served as a bus stop for men. It also featured a family-managed Greek eatery, which is still active today.

Additionally, the minimalist rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, DVD players, cable TVs, and air conditioning for your leisure. You can relish a daily continental breakfast too. The hotel also offers complimentary WiFi.

Experience classic Iowan hospitality

These historic hotels in Iowa allow you to experience classic hospitality combined with modern luxury. Also, most of them are centrally located so that you can easily explore the area’s top landmarks.