Travel to Iowa City, Iowa, and you’ll find one of the cultural centers of the American Midwest. The city is built around The University of Iowa, a prestigious educational institution that was originally founded back in 1847. The University of Iowa has developed a reputation for being a cultural center as it offers one of the nation’s top writing programs as well as the Stanley Museum of Art. Elsewhere in Iowa City, tourists can find The Englert Theatre and Riverside Theatre. Both establishments are committed to fostering a love for the performing arts among the city’s residents.
Iowa City’s cultural attractions are well worth experiencing in person. Immerse yourself in that culture by staying in one of the city’s best hotels. Learn more about the top hotels in Iowa City, Iowa, by continuing with the rest of this article.
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 October 30, 2025.
1. Graduate Iowa City (from USD 113)
Graduate Iowa City’s downtown location is one of its main selling points. You can stay at this hotel and take a five-minute drive to Kinnick Stadium to catch the Iowa Hawkeyes in action.
Using the hotel’s complimentary bikes to cycle around Iowa City is not the only way to stay in shape if you book a room there. The hotel also offers access to the on-site fitness center that is open 24/7.
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Address: 210 South Dubuque Street
6.58 km (4.1 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
2. Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown (from USD 101)
Iowa City offers great food, but you won’t always have the time to sit down for a great restaurant meal while sightseeing. Book a stay at Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown, and enjoy delicious food while relaxing. Drop by The Breakfast Bar every morning of your stay and enjoy a free meal to start your day.
Offset your heavy breakfast by visiting the hotel’s indoor pool and fitness center. The fitness center is open 24/7, so drop by whenever you have the time.
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Address: 255 E Court St
6.77 km (4.3 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
3. The Highlander Hotel (from USD 149)
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City fully embraces its retro design while offering experiences everyone in your family can enjoy. Visit The Supper Club at this hotel and enjoy some delightful food and old-school games. Arcade favorites, including Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Pac-Man are available here. Other games you can play during your stay are Giant Pictionary, cornhole, and table tennis.
Find a spot in the hotel’s courtyard and enjoy a relaxing evening with your traveling companions. Share stories about your day in Iowa City while staying warm by the fire pit.
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Address: 2525 Highlander Place
8.69 km (5.4 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
4. Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (from USD 101)
Are you looking forward to a lot of shopping during your stay in Iowa City? If so, you should consider booking a room at Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Pedestrian Mall is only a six-minute walk from this establishment. Whether you’re seeking delicious food or the finest local goods, you can find them at Pedestrian Mall.
You can visit the hotel’s fitness center to get your daily reps in. The hotel also offers a TV and free Wi-Fi if you’re planning to stay in for the day.
Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Address: 404 East College Street
6.78 km (4.3 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
5. Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University (from USD 114)
Heading out to have some good food isn’t necessary if you’re staying at Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University. In the morning, you can visit the hotel’s Garden Grille to feast on a hearty breakfast. Later in the day, Vue Rooftop offers refreshing cocktails, delectable food, and spectacular views of Iowa City.
Use the hotel’s business center and meeting rooms if you’re in Iowa City to host an event. The hotel’s free Wi-Fi should also help you stay connected.
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
Address: 328 S Clinton St
6.61 km (4.2 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
6. hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (from USD 115)
Cutting down on your food expenses is one way to make your vacation more affordable. You can save on those expenses by staying at hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Many of the rooms at this hotel come with kitchenettes. Use the kitchenette to prepare food inside your room instead of dining out.
Guests can also bring their pets along during their stay in this hotel. You’ll just have to pay a non-refundable fee of 75 USD if you intend to keep a pet in your room.
Hotelvetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Address: 201 S Linn St.
6.67 km (4.2 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
7. Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City (from USD 54)
Checking in and checking out of your hotel should be easy. Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City ensures those aspects of your hotel stay will be as easy as possible. You can even use the hotel’s mobile check-in service to access your room quickly.
Take advantage of the on-site guest laundry to ensure you always have clean clothes ready. Parking is also free at this establishment. Bring your car or RV along for the trip without worrying about where to park it.
Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
Address: 2216 North Dodge Street
8.01 km (5.0 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
8. Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area (from USD 123)
Stay at Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area and enjoy the comforts of home while you’re on vacation. You can start your day with a free hot breakfast and retreat to your room to use the hotel’s free Wi-Fi and streaming TV. Parking is also free at this establishment.
You don’t have to abandon your exercise routine during your stay at this hotel. Keep your body fit by going for a few laps in the indoor pool or visiting the gym.
Hampton Inn Iowa City\/University Area
Address: 4 Sturgis Corner Dr
6.85 km (4.3 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
9. Element Iowa City (from USD 135)
Element Iowa City makes it easy for guests to enjoy healthy and filling meals without spending a lot of money. You have access to kitchen features in your room. All rooms come with a coffee maker and microwave, while a few others also have stovetops.
Varied breakfast options are also made available for free to all hotel guests. You can enjoy a buffet, continental, or grab-n-go hot breakfast. Free breakfast is served starting 6:30am on weekdays and 7am on the weekends.
Element Iowa City
Address: 314 South Clinton Street
6.58 km (4.1 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
10. Iowa House Hotel (from USD 123)
Iowa House Hotel is located on the University of Iowa’s campus. This is one of the best places to stay in Iowa City if you want to tour the university’s many attractions. Cut down on your traveling time by booking a room at this hotel.
All hotel guests are treated to a free continental breakfast. You can also use the university’s recreational facilities without paying any fees if you stay here. After a long day of touring the university’s attractions, you can return to your room and enjoy the cable TV.
Iowa House Hotel
Address: 125 N. Madison Street
6.01 km (3.8 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
Enjoy cultural attractions in Iowa City
The cultural attractions found within Iowa City can offer endless entertainment and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Indulge your cultural sensibilities by booking a stay in one of the above hotels in Iowa City, Iowa.
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