Iowa House

Iowa House is a historic hotel located at 405 Hayward Ave in Ames, Iowa, that was built in 1924 as the Sigma Sigma Delta Chi fraternity house. It was transformed into a 15-room hotel through a massive renovation completed in 2007-2008. The establishment is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers unique meeting areas including a former fraternity chapter room.

The hotel is situated one block west of Welch Avenue in the heart of Campustown, making it the closest hotel to the Iowa State University campus. It is the only hotel within walking distance of the university, located three blocks south of Lincoln Way and the central campus. This proximity makes it a prime choice for students and visitors attending ISU events or games.

Guests can book their stay by visiting the official website at iowahouseames.com or by calling the business phone number at (515) 292-2474. Check-in time is 3 pm or later, while check-out time is 11 am. The hotel also offers whole house rentals on a two-night minimum basis for groups.

The hotel features 15 guest rooms that can host up to 34 overnight guests, with most rooms equipped with private baths, flat-screen TVs, and pillow-top beds. Specific room configurations include Loft Suites with spiral staircases leading to a loft with a second TV and a full-sized futon. Some rooms have Queen beds, while others feature King or Twin beds depending on the room number.

A full, complementary breakfast is included in the rates and is served from 7 am to 9 am on weekdays, and from 8 am to 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays. The breakfast is described as gourmet country style and is a key part of the guest experience. Rates may be higher during special events like Family Weekend, spring graduation, and football weekends.

The hotel provides free off-street parking located between the Iowa House and the ISU baseball field. Guests also enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. These amenities are standard across all rooms and are highlighted as part of the modern conveniences offered by the establishment.

Reviewers frequently praise the exceptional service, friendly and attentive staff, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the hotel. Many guests describe the food as divine, delicious, and consistently high-quality, with some noting that the experience exceeded their expectations. The ambiance is often cited as perfect for a relaxing evening or a memorable stay.

The hotel offers three distinct meeting areas for guests to gather: the living room, the dining room, and the former fraternity chapter room. Both the dining room and the chapter room are equipped with audio-visual equipment for PowerPoint presentations and slide shows. These spaces are suitable for playing cards, games, or watching a big-screen TV.

Iowa House is an excellent setting for sorority and fraternity reunions, weddings, receptions, and family gatherings. It also hosts business and professional seminars and retreats. The establishment can accommodate these events by renting the whole house and common areas on a two-night minimum basis.

The hotel's decor features hand-stitched quilts by Tana's late mother and Helen Paine, a blue-ribbon quilter from the Iowa State Fair. These collectibles and period pieces are part of the eclectic mixture of furnishings that blend past, present, and future styles. The unique double façade of the building also faces both Hayward Avenue and Knapp.

The hotel's website mentions that it is a favorite hotel in Ames for those planning to attend an Iowa State game. It is also noted as the perfect ISU hotel for its proximity and unique atmosphere. The establishment aims to accommodate visitors who appreciate history and the multi-cultural ISU campus ambiance.

The hotel is larger than most Bed and Breakfast Inns but smaller than most hotels in Ames, Iowa. This size allows for a more intimate and personalized experience while still providing the capacity to host up to 34 overnight guests. The establishment balances the feel of a historic home with the conveniences of a modern hotel.

You can reach Iowa House by phone at 5152922474.

The official website of Iowa House is iowahouseames.com.

On Trustburn, Iowa House has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.