• Q: What types of accommodations are available in Iowa?
  • A: Iowa has an array of resorts, hotels, lodges, and bed & breakfasts to suit various preferences.
  • Q: Where is Lake Okoboji located, and what can visitors expect?
  • A: Frequent visitors to Lake Okoboji in the state’s northwest corner will recognize a few resorts on this list.
  • Q: What other cities in Iowa offer great accommodations?
  • A: On the other side of the state, Dubuque, Iowa is home to terrific resorts and B&Bs.
  • Q: What is the range of accommodations available in Iowa?
  • A: Accommodations in Iowa range from high-energy casinos to quiet lakeside cottages, and from luxurious resorts to rustic cabins.

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1. Crescent Beach Resort


Crescent Beach Resort

© Crescent Beach Resort

Crescent Beach Resort is a premier lakefront resort on beautiful West Lake Okoboji, one of only three spring-fed, blue-water lakes in the world. This modern resort offers guests several choices of accommodations. Two-room suites that sleep four, condos that sleep six, cottages that sleep 12, and the Grand Lodge that sleeps 14. Room amenities include separate bedrooms with en-suites, sofa sleepers, kitchens and dining areas, separate HVAC units, TVs and daily maid service. Families will love the private sand beach with gradual incline into the lake making it the perfect place for children to play and swim. Resort accommodations include fishing docks, a tennis court, yard games, water trampoline, kayaks, paddle boats, and paddle boards, Island Playground and Mini-golf, and continental breakfast – all complimentary.

1619 Lakeshore Drive, Milford, IA, Phone: 712-337-3351

2. Adventureland Inn and Resort, Altoona


Adventureland Inn and Resort, Altoona

© Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com

If your family loves non-stop action and excitement while on vacation, you will find the Adventureland Inn and Resort hard to beat. Located within the grounds of Adventureland you will find Adventure Bay which offers a wide range of fun water activities including tube rides, slides, kid’s water-play areas and a relaxing lazy river. When you have explored all the water park has to offer you can get ready to scream your head off on one of a 100 thrilling rides in the Adventureland resort. There are rides to suit most ages and even the younger children can have fun. Accommodation options include the Adventureland Inn and the popular Adventureland Campground.

3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009, 515 265 7321

3. Hotel Julien Dubuque


Hotel Julien Dubuque

© Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque is a sophisticated boutique hotel in the Old Main District of Dubuque, Iowa. This elegant hotel has 133 lavish guestrooms where no detail has been spared. Rooms and suites range from stylish executive rooms to the other-worldly Capone Suite with an ‘Old Hollywood’ ambience. All rooms have impressive amenities that include pillow-top mattress, luxurious linens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, coffeemaker, iPod docking station, spacious work station, walk-in shower, plush bathrobes, and signature spa products. Drink and dessert vouchers, complimentary morning coffee, and free parking are also included. Resort amenities include a full-service spa, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, Caroline’s Restaurant, and Riverboat Lounge.

200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA, Phone: 563-556-4200

4. Honey Creek Resort


Honey Creek Resort

© Honey Creek Resort

Located in south-central Iowa, Honey Creek Resort is situated near the shoreline of popular Rathbun Lake in Honey Creek State Park. This lake resort has everything necessary for a fun vacation, including an indoor waterpark, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a spectacular lake for jet skiing, swimming, cruising, and kayaking. Guests can stay in the stylish 105-room lodge, in one of 28 luxury cottages, or at a lakeside RV campsite. Rathbun Lakeshore Grille serves upscale American fare in an inviting rustic-chic ambience. Amenities include a business center, fitness center, Internet, laundry room, ATM, and numerous on-site activities and educational programs by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

8043, 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia, IA, Phone: 866-797-5308

5. Fillenwarth Beach Resort


Fillenwarth Beach Resort

© Fillenwarth Beach Resort

Visitors to popular West Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa will find Fillenwarth Beach Resort in Arnolds Park, Iowa. The lakeside resort boasts four adjacent properties. Main Beach just north of the iconic Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Chateau-style suites have private decks, gas grills, kitchenettes, full baths, lake views, and a shared lakeside deck. North Beach is two blocks from Main Beach, and offers lakeside cabins, cabanas, studios, cottages, chalets, and duplexes. South Beach has spectacular lakefront views, and shared dock, tennis court, and patio. Cottage Colony has 25 cottages and three treetop apartments. Fillenwarth complimentary activities include themed cruises, water skiing, sailing, paddle boats, canoes, row boats, outdoor and indoor pools, recreation program, game room, beach, docks, and epic sunsets.

87 Lakeshore Drive, Arnolds Park, IA, Phone: 712-332-5646

6. Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark


Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

© Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is situated along the mighty Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. This luxury, family-friendly hotel has 193 well-appointed rooms and suites with modern furnishings, plush bedding, and a sophisticated, neutral décor. Room amenities include separate seating areas, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms with granite countertops and Terra Green spa products, and scenic views of the city bluffs, the historic downtown, or the impressive Mississippi River. Hotel amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, daily newspaper, free airport shuttle, business center, fitness center, and Tony Roma Restaurant. Use of the resort’s exclusive indoor waterpark has an added resort fee.

350 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA, Phone: 563-690-4000

7. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center


Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

© Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is a luxury vacation resort located in Okoboji, Iowa, the state’s premier vacation hot spot. Situated on a stunning 27-hole golf course managed by Brooks National Golf Club, it’s the perfect escape. Accommodations come in four styles – King rooms, Double Queen rooms, King Executive Suites, and Double Room Whirlpool Suites. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, complimentary coffee station, desk, and armchair with ottoman. Suites also have sleeper sofas and separate seating areas. Guests will enjoy dining at award-winning Minervas Restaurant & Bar, a local favorite. Other hotel amenities include a salon, fashion boutique, golf course, and Indoor Water Playland.

1405 US Highway 71, Okoboji, IA, Phone: 712-332-2161

8. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort


Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

© Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa, provides the perfect overnight, weekend, or weeklong getaway. This luxury resort offers guests luxurious accommodations, revitalizing spa services, world-class golf, Vegas-inspired gaming, top-tier live entertainment, and upscale culinary experiences at five on-site restaurants. Other resort amenities include connected indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, hair salon, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, gift shop, and room service. Rooms and suites come in four styles, and amenities include golf course views, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, glass enclosed showers, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and pillow-top beds with luxurious bedding. Other room amenities are air conditioning, pay-per-view movies, satellite TV channels, iPod compatible alarm clock, and free Wi-Fi.

3184 Iowa State Highway 22, Riverside IA, Phone: 319-648-1234

9. Des Lux Hotel


Des Lux Hotel

© Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel is centrally located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, within walking distance to The Principal Riverwalk, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and exciting dining options like 801 Chophouse and MALO. Des Lux offers guests nine room and suite options from the Presidential Suite with Atrium to the King Executive. Room amenities include luxurious bed, lounge chair with ottoman, work desk, refrigerator, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV with cable, honor bar, and umbrella. Every room and suite also comes with complimentary full breakfast and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Many have fireplaces and/or whirlpools. Hotel amenities include the gorgeous wood-paneled Des Lux Bar with weekday happy hours, hotel shuttle service to and from Des Moines International Airport, and a 24-hour fitness center with showers, steam room, and whirlpool.

800 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, Phone: 515-288-5800

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