21 Best Iowa City Hotels Near Top Attractions

Iowa City is a charming center for the arts and history. It offers various activities suitable for individuals, couples, families, and large groups of friends. 

Learn about the region’s rich history by visiting the Old Capitol Building and the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Excellent exhibits, events, and performances may be found year-round because Iowa City’s thriving student community promotes a creative, forward-thinking atmosphere.

You don’t even have to worry about where to spend the night. This welcoming city in the east provides visitors with various alternative places to stay, including quaint inns and hip urban resorts that cater to a wide range of preferences and budgetary concerns. 

Our Favorite Hotels in Iowa City

You will certainly not be able to finish exploring Iowa in a single day due to the abundance of fascinating locations and things to do throughout the state. 

However, this should not be a concern because Iowa’s finest hotels will relieve all of your concerns. As this is a busy time of year, you will need to make your reservations well in advance if you want to stay at one of the top hotels in Iowa City. 

The following are some of our top picks for the best Iowa City hotels, each of which offers eye-catching qualities:

• Best Luxury Hotel in Iowa City- Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Iowa City – Graduate Iowa City
• Best Budget Hotel in Iowa City – Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
• Best Vacation Rental in Iowa City – Residence Inn by Marriott Coralville
• Best Resort in Iowa City – Element Iowa City
• Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Iowa City – The Highlander Hotel
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Iowa City – Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Coralville, IA

Attractions to Choose Within Iowa City

Iowa is indeed a great place to spend a weekend because of its fun-packed activities and a plethora of distinct atmospheres, from its history rings to its weekend live music concerts. Beautiful natural landmarks, from enormous reservoirs to adjacent caverns, may also be found throughout the city. 

Find the best things to do in Iowa, whether you’re here for school or just want to visit a great city. Check our top picks for the best places and areas to visit in Iowa. 

• Best attraction for first timers/tourists – Iowa State Fair
• Best attraction for budget travelers – Wilson’s Orchard
• Best attraction for luxury travelers – Downtown Iowa City
• Best attraction for safety – Hickory Hill Park
• Best attraction for families – Terry Trueblood
• Best attraction for culture/history – Amana Colonies
• Best attraction for adventures – Coralville Reservoir

Best Iowa City Attractions and Hotels

1. Best Attraction for First Timers/Tourists – Iowa State Fair

Over one million people come from all over the Midwest and beyond to attend the Iowa State Fair each year. This enormous agricultural expo, as well as a community festival, takes place every year in Iowa and is widely considered to be the best state fair in the country. The Iowa State Fair is also known for its culinary offerings and experiences. This is why it’s the best place to go, especially for first-time visitors. 

The Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to a seemingly endless number of exciting attractions.

Here are some interesting things to do in the area:

• World-famous Butter Cow
• Barnyard yoga 
• The numerous possibilities to view other types of cattle.
• Sky Glider
• Live music events
• Agricultural demonstrations 

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa Hotels to choose from when you are at this place:

• Best Budget Hotel near Iowa State Fair – Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City has a heated pool inside and free Wi-Fi. This Iowa City hotel is located within three miles of the University of Iowa. Each room is equipped with its own personal seating space. Parking is free of charge on the premises.
  There is a coffee maker and a flat-screen TV in each room. The hotel has a business center and a conference room for guests. If you’re looking for quality, but cheap hotels, then this is what you need.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel near Iowa State Fair – SpringHill Suites by Marriott Coralville is a 6.1-kilometer drive from Kinnick Stadium. The hotel offers guests a fitness facility, a common lounge, a shared kitchen, and complimentary bicycles. Guests have access to a bar, and the hotel provides guests a continental, American, or buffet breakfast in the Iowa City Coralville hotel. 
• Best Luxury Hotel near Iowa State Fair – Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights has a bar and a communal area, and the rooms are rated as “3-star deluxe.” The property has a restaurant, free bicycles, a gym, and an indoor pool. All rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights feature patios, and select rooms even have city views.

2. Best Attraction for Budget Travelers: Wilson’s Orchard

Since it first opened its doors to the general public in 1985, Wilson’s Orchard has provided the people of Iowa City with an abundance of freshly harvested amusement. It can be reached through Dingleberry Road to the north of town and is about a fifteen-minute drive from the central business district of the city. 

This farm has always been known for its delicious, just-picked fruit, but in addition, the establishment provides guests with many other compelling reasons to pay a visit. The months of June through September are normally reserved for self-service picking at Wilson. During the growing season, in addition to the famed Honeycrisp apples, visitors can find a variety of other fruits and vegetables, and flowers. 

In addition to providing an opportunity for customers to select their fruit, here are some interesting things to do in the area:

• A bakery and retail space
• Fresh picking of fruits
• Load off in the cool shade and enjoy a refreshing apple cider.
• Perfect-sized pumpkin hunting in the Autumn

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa Hotels to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel near Wilson’s Orchard – Super 7 Motel offers a garden, cable TV, and free WiFi in each room. It takes about two minutes to get to the heart of the University of Iowa campus. There is a work desk and a chair in each room. Private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries are a bonus, making this one of the best Iowa City hotels. It has a convenient location, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. 
• Best Mid-Range Hotel near Wilson’s Orchard – Graduate Iowa City This motel, situated on the University of Iowa’s campus, is only a 5-minute walk from the nearby Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Every room has a 37-inch flat-screen HDTV, and there’s a restaurant on-site. The hotel’s guests can use the fully equipped fitness center at no cost. 
• Best Luxury Hotel near Wilson’s Orchard – Staybridge Suites – Iowa City – Coralville, an IHG Hotel   is 3.5 km from Kinnick Stadium and provides amenities like a fitness center, a common lounge, and a terrace. The lodging of this Iowa City hotel provides breakfast service each morning, and guests can choose between a continental meal and a buffet. Eastern Iowa Airport is 30.6 kilometers from the lodging.

3. Best Attraction for Luxury Travelers: Downtown Iowa City

This is located to the east of the river, opposite the Old Capitol.  It has a variety of interesting shops to window shop at and provides a wide range of seasonal cuisines and activities. All along the pedestrian mall of Iowa City downtown are shops, cafes, and seats with artistic embellishments from local designers and artists.

There are a variety of burger options, and it is considered by many to be the greatest in Iowa City. Java House is the classic Iowa City downtown campus coffee shop, although High Ground Cafe, as well as Encounter Cafe are also fun options.

Here are some interesting things to do around the Iowa City downtown area:

• Jazz Feast
• Taste of Iowa City
• Other cultural and local outlets

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa Hotels to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel near Downtown Iowa City – Quality Inn – Coralville is just off Interstate 80 and only two miles from the University of Iowa. You can walk to all the neighborhood’s major sights in less than ten minutes. The Tanger Outlets are a popular destination for tourists in the area. In addition to the many bars and clubs around the Iowa City downtown area, the neighborhood also features a wide selection of dining options.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel near Downtown Iowa City – Hampton Inn Iowa City/University Area is just over the river from the University of Iowa and features an indoor pool. The 32-inch flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi can be found in each room. This Iowa City downtown hotel provides its guests with a daily continental breakfast and access to a laundry room and a fitness facility, which is uncommon for cheap hotels around the area.
• Best Luxury Hotel near Downtown Iowa City – Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has 3 stars and is located close to Kinnick Stadium and the Paramount Theatre. This Iowa City downtown hotel offers a terrace, free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and private bathrooms apart from the stunning Iowa City tapestry collection.
  
  There are also family rooms available at this Iowa City downtown hotel, all at a very reasonable lowest nightly price. Each day begins with a complimentary American breakfast for Hotel Chauncey Iowa City.
  
  The Eastern Iowa Airport is 35.4 kilometers from Hotel Chauncey Iowa City as well. Although it might not be walking distance, the hotel has its own transport services which can be booked via a date picker, similar to Hampton Inn Iowa City and Highlander Hotel.

4. Best Attraction for Safety: Hickory Hill Park

This is a wonderful park well-known for its natural characteristics and can be found on East Bloomington Street.

Paha, which is a Native American term that means “high ground,” is an interesting addition to the 723-acre property, which also includes deserted fields, prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. In addition, there is the fascinating Ralston Creek and the other streams that are adjacent to the property.

People are able to utilize the park for a variety of recreational activities. Here are some interesting things to do in the area:

• Picnic tables and shelters
• Sledding 
• Cross-country skiing

Meanwhile, here are the best hotels in Iowa City  to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel in Hickory Hill Park – Heartland Inn Coralville is conveniently situated next to the University of Iowa, which is also considered as the Iowa City Downtown University. This is one of the best hotels in Iowa City. Rooms are large and feature a mini-sitting area with tea and coffee-making facilities. A free Wi-Fi connection and cable TV are included in each room. The hotel provides its guests with a daily complimentary breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, and a business center. The Coral Ridge Mall is a quick drive away, only 4.8 kilometers away.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Hickory Hill Park – Residence Inn by Marriott Coralville is conveniently situated along Interstate 80. The University of Iowa is only a short drive away (about 3 miles). Each room at this hotel with an indoor pool also has a fully stocked kitchen. Every morning, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet on the house. In-house exercise facilities are available, similar to Hilton Garden Inn Iowa, which is also known as Garden Inn Iowa City. 
• Best Luxury Hotel in Hickory Hill Park – Hyatt Regency Coralville is only 3.2 kilometers away from the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In-room amenities include a 34-inch LCD TV and complimentary WiFi. The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel features a swimming pool and whirlpool, and fitness facility. Guests can use the complimentary toiletries of the Hyatt place found in each of the bathrooms’ marble bathrooms. There is a large breakfast buffet, and American dishes like steak are served. The bar, lounge, and library are all great places to relax with a drink.

5. Best Attraction for Families: Terry Trueblood

Terry Trueblood Park is located on the south side of Iowa City, just past the Iowa City Municipal Airport, and has developed into one of the most well-liked recreational spaces in the city. This area of public land encompasses 185 acres and is located close to the Iowa River and the shores of Sand Lake. The paved Iowa River Trail comes to an end at the lake, which is located at the trail’s southern terminus.

This beautifully maintained outdoor space is ideal for a variety of pursuits. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are some of the watercraft that guests can rent here by the hour or for the day. Here are other interesting things to do in the area:

• Geocaching
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Boat launch at the recreation area
• Ice fishing and ice skating in wintertime

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa City Hotels  to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel in Terry Blueblood – Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Coralville, an IHG Hotelis equipped with a sauna, steam room, and gym facilities. It is only 3.2 kilometers from the University of Iowa, and the rooms here are large and have cable TV with HBO. The modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a desk, and a coffee maker. In addition to a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, guests can also enjoy complimentary wine, beer, soda, and canapés in the evening. 
• Best Mid-range Hotel in Terry Blueblood – Element Iowa City offers free bicycle use, a gym, a common room, and a patio in Iowa City. This hotel has an indoor pool, a business center, and free Wi-Fi. It has air conditioning and flat-screen televisions in each room. Every morning, guests can start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast before they can go fishing or ride bikes. The Eastern Iowa Airport is 35.4 kilometers (22 miles) from the motel.
• Best Luxury Hotel at Terry Blueblood – Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville is a 3-star hotel with a gym, free Internet access, and includes air-conditioned rooms. Each room at the hotel features a work desk and a modern entertainment system with a flat screen. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. You can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, the free private parking, and the business center.

6. Best Attraction for Culture/History: Amana Colonies

German Pietists evading religious persecution founded the Amana Colonies in Iowa in 1855. They developed a community life that thrived in the state’s terrain and named it the Amana Colonies. This tradition is still on exhibit in full today, approximately thirty minutes west of Iowa City. One of the most enjoyable places to spend a weekend in Iowa is Amana Colonies, where one can enjoy one-of-a-kind shops, activities, and architectural tours.

A museum may be found here that educates visitors about the singular history of the Amana Colonies and sets the stage for the remainder of their trip. The Amana Heritage Center is the jumping-off point for many guided trips that visit the Seven Villages.

Here are some interesting things to do in the area:

• Amana Heritage Center
• Unique shops, restaurants, and annual festivities
•  Handcrafted goods and meals prepared by local artisans
• Ox Yoke German Restaurant, which can be viewed from Interstate 80.
• Spring Manifest 

Source / License: Booking.com

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa City Hotels  to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel in Amana Colonies – Sleep Inn North Liberty/Coralville stands out since it includes a heated indoor pool and free WiFi. Only 15 minutes of driving will get you to the Kinnick Stadium and the University of Iowa’s Campus Center. This might seem like a cheap hotel, but it is complete with amenities. You can use the in-room microwave, fridge, and coffee maker at your leisure, including a hot tub for unwinding. 
• Best Mid-range Hotel in Amana Colonies – The Highlander Hotel is 9.3 kilometers away from the University of Iowa and has convenient access to Interstate 80. It offers free Wi-Fi in all its guest rooms, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi. The hotel provides its guests with a game room and a fitness center. There are a total of seven event spaces available with the largest measuring 5,832 square feet.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Amana Colonies – Cedar Rapids 3-Bedroom House is only 2.7 kilometers away from Paramount Theatre and this air-conditioned resort. Visitors can also use the free WiFi and balcony, and private parking. The holiday rental has three bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a washer and dryer, a microwave, a stove, and an oven, and it is situated on the ground floor. 

7. Best Attraction for Adventures: Coralville Reservoir

Source / License: flickr.com

The huge impoundment of the Iowa River, known as the Coralville Reservoir, is located just north of Iowa City and can be reached in about a quarter of an hour by car. This hotel is just near to the city center, making this very convenient for guests. The reservoir’s principal function is to regulate flooding, although the surrounding area is more well-known for the abundance of recreational opportunities it provides.

That is why it is also known as “the Res,” and it is the best place to enjoy the great outdoors for people living in and visiting the city of Iowa City.

Here are some interesting things to do in the area:

• Boating, fishing, and swimming at their designated beaches
• Hiking and mountain biking
• Camping and disc golf
• Sandy beach at the Turkey Creek
• Lake MacBride State Park and Sugar Bottom Recreation Area

Meanwhile, here are the best Iowa Hotels  to choose from when you are in the place:

• Best Budget Hotel near Coralville Reservoir – MainStay Suites Coralville – Iowa City, is fewer than five miles from the University of Iowa. Daily and weekly housekeeping, free high-speed Internet access, and free local calls are just some amenities guests can enjoy throughout their stay. This Iowa house hotel is complete with premium cable TV, an ironing board, and a coffee machine. 
• Best Mid-range Hotel near Coralville Reservoir – Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Coralville, IA is less than 11.3 miles from the heart of Iowa City and can be found right off Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa. There’s a complimentary breakfast each morning, and guests can use the hot tub and indoor pool of this hotel in Iowa City. Wi-Fi and cable TV (including HBO) are provided at no extra charge. A fitness and business center are available for guests’ use in this Iowa City hotel. It’s also very easy to facilitate the checkout start date of this hotel.
• Best Luxury Hotel near Coralville Reservoir – Comfort Suites Coralville I-80 is about four miles away from the University of Iowa, making it easy to get all the facilities there. Hotel guests in Coralville, Iowa, will appreciate being just a short walk from the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options at Coral Ridge Mall.

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