Tired of the monotonous everyday life? If you’re a resident of Iowa and are craving a break from your mundane routine, then you’ve come to the right place. You can take a week off to reconnect with your state and explore its offerings. Spend some time in the zoo, have a picnic in a lush park, or go hiking in one of the state parks. You may also revisit the historically significant spots in the state to get a refresher on its past.
If you’re living in Iowa, you’re lucky as there are tons of fabulous hotels with great amenities for a rejuvenating staycation. Whether it’s a relaxing hotel with a pool or an exciting one with a casino, Iowa has them all. To know more scroll down for a list of the best staycations in Iowa, USA.
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 26, 2025.
1. Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf/ Quad Cities; Bettendorf (from USD 139)
Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf/ Quad Cities offers the ultimate convenience and comfort for a pleasing staycation. To start with, the hotel is easily accessible, especially if you drive there. It’s just off I-74 and comes with free and secure parking as well.
Start your idle morning with a nice buffet or American breakfast. For lunch, head to the fabulous on-site restaurant The Garden Grille, offering everything from burgers to seafood. You may also avail of evening room service to enjoy meals in the comfort of your room. For leisure, there’s an indoor pool on site, along with a hot tub where you can enjoy calming soaks. A fitness center is also offered for fitness buffs.
Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf/ Quad Cities
Address: 959 Middle Road
191.44 km (119.0 mi) from George Wyth State Park
2. Rhythm City Casino & Resort; Davenport (from USD 142)
Exciting nights await at Rhythm City Casino & Resort! Davenport, Iowa hosts this fun hotel, where amazing amenities, combined with a fun casino, ensure the guests an exhilarating stay.
The casino is of course a must-try, but even if you’re not fond of gambling, the hotel comes with an array of other kinds of evening entertainment to spice up your nights. During the day, take a dip in its lovely indoor swimming pool, or sweat it out in the hotel’s well-equipped fitness center. A spa is also available on site for some more pampering.
Rhythm City Casino & Resort
Address: 7077 Elmore Avenue
187.05 km (116.3 mi) from George Wyth State Park
3. Lakeside Hotel Casino; Osceola (from USD 102)
If you’re a gambling enthusiast, you must love Iowa for its many hotels with casinos, and Lakeside Hotel Casino is among the best ones in the state. The hotel is situated right beside West Lake. Some of its splendid rooms overlook the pristine lake. You can also head to the lake or the surrounding forest for a breath of fresh morning air.
At night, you may indulge in some fun games in the casino. The casino offers sports betting, table games, and more! A heated salt-water pool and a hot tub are also there for those who don’t enjoy spending time in casinos. After an enjoyable evening, head to Westlake Bar & Grill for a sumptuous dinner.
Lakeside Hotel Casino
Address: 777 Casino Drive
202.47 km (125.9 mi) from George Wyth State Park
4. Hyatt Regency Coralville; Coralville (from USD 149)
Fancy a romantic staycation with your loved one? Right by Iowa River in Coralville is the splendid Hyatt Regency Coralville, the best spot for spending some leisure time with your partner. You can enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the tub in your private bathroom to start the day. A public hot tub is also there on the property. In case you want to practice your strokes, head to the heated indoor pool.
For an extra touch, book one of the river-view accommodations and gaze at the splendid scenery of the Iowa River and its nearby trails.
Hyatt Regency Coralville
Address: 300 East 9th Street
117.97 km (73.4 mi) from George Wyth State Park
5. Staybridge Suites - Cedar Rapids North, an IHG Hotel; Cedar Rapids (from USD 154)
Conveniently located just off I-380 in Cedar Rapids is the cozy Staybridge Suites. Its long list of amenities and facilities makes it a particularly great option for those looking for an extended staycation.
For starters, there is a complimentary buffet breakfast available each morning, along with a modern fitness center that is accessible throughout the day. If by any chance you need to attend to some urgent work-related task, you can access the fast and free WiFi. Each suite comes with a fully fitted kitchen to allow you to whip up tasty meals for a convenient extended staycation. To unwind, you can head to the indoor swimming pool or get a massage on site.
Staybridge Suites - Cedar Rapids North by IHG
Address: 4444 Czech Lane Ne
83.26 km (51.8 mi) from George Wyth State Park
6. Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls Conference Center; Cedar Falls (from USD 150)
Planning to bring your four-legged friends with you on a relaxing staycation? For as low a fee as 50 USD, you can bring up to two furbabies – cat or dog – to your room in the lovely Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls Conference Center.
In the morning or late afternoon, take them out for a lovely stroll to the nearby Prairie Lakes Park. If you don’t fancy going out, staying inside the property also guarantees a pleasant experience. Watch a movie on the massive 55” HDTV, while sipping on a cup of hot coffee that you can make using the fancy Keurig coffee maker. There is also an in-room fridge if you crave an ice-cold beer instead. When in the mood to destress, take a dip in the heated indoor pool or enjoy a soak in the hot tub.
Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls Conference Center
Address: 7213 Nordic Drive
7.61 km (4.8 mi) from George Wyth State Park
7. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel; Des Moines (from USD 219)
Excellent and varied complimentary breakfast, social hour snacks, and nearby dining options
Average pricing for downtown location with covered parking
Convenient downtown location within walking distance to Capitol building, restaurants, and breweries
Clean, spacious rooms with kitchenette, indoor pool, and free laundry facility
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel, is in the state’s capital, Des Moines. Its prime location in the Historic East Village, downtown Des Moines’ most colorful and diverse district, affords guests easy access to great shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and much more.
But if you’re too lazy to go out, there are many things that you can do at the hotel itself to stay entertained. Start the day with the hotel’s free hot breakfast, with a dynamic menu. The indoor pool and whirlpool are great options for a relaxing afternoon, while the on-site fitness center is available to help you stay fit. Moreover, the hotel hosts a happy hour for guests’ enjoyment!
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Address: 201 East Locust Street
144.75 km (90.0 mi) from George Wyth State Park
8. Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center; Okoboji (from USD 84)
For an exciting staycation full of fun activities, there’s hardly a better choice than Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji. To start with, this fabulous hotel sits on the scenic 27-hole golf course, Brooks Golf, offering fun golfing experience. After practicing your swings, head to West Okoboji Lake for some fresh air. There, you can also spot some wildlife, including Ospreys and many kinds of birds.
The hotel’s on-site water park is super kid-friendly and a great place for family fun. Alternatively, you may pamper yourself in the hotel’s full-service salon, offering services such as manicures, pedicures, and more.
Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference Center
Address: 1405 Highway 71
240.67 km (149.6 mi) from George Wyth State Park
9. Carrollton Hotel; Carroll (from USD 99)
A cozy staycation awaits at Carroll, where the wonderful Carrollton Hotel is located. From great food to modern facilities, everything in this hotel is specifically designed with guests’ comfort in mind.
A hot breakfast buffet is always ready to greet you in the morning, right after you wake up in the hotel’s splendid rooms that feature comfy beds and a fridge. Some rooms also come with a lovely hot tub for unwinding in private. For lunch and dinner, be sure to stop by the on-site restaurant, Baratta’s Steakhouse, offering delightful hand-cut steak as its main highlight. Meanwhile, The Swizzle Stick Bar & Lounge is a fabulous place to spend the night enjoying cocktails, beer, wine, and the company of your loved one. There is also a nice heated indoor pool and a fitness center to burn all those calories away!
Carrollton Hotel
Address: 1730 North US Highway 71
209.28 km (130.1 mi) from George Wyth State Park
10. Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center at ISU; Ames (from USD 96)
If you want to bring your kids with you on a family staycation, Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center at ISU is a great option to consider. You are free to bring your pets here. The property has a nice kiddie pool for the young ones to have a fun splash while parents can relax in the indoor pool. It is located within walking distance of Iowa State University Research Park, where you can take the kids to encourage their scientific curiosity!
At night, you can have a lovely family dinner at the on-site Bistro 1864 Restaurant and Bar, serving a selection of great appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. The restaurant offers kid meals too!
Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center at ISU
Address: 2609 University Boulevard
117.53 km (73.1 mi) from George Wyth State Park
Spend a relaxing staycation with loved ones
A lot of hotels scattered throughout Iowa make for the perfect setting for a nice, relaxing staycation. Book one of these hotels for a week (or a weekend) to recharge yourself with a much-needed break and return home with a rejuvenated mind, body, and soul!
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