The Best Hotels in Ames, Iowa

If you’re looking to stay close to the Iowa State University (ISU) campus, this hotel is for you. Design savvy travelers will approve of the spacious rooms with a clean, crisp feel. Working on the go? There are plenty of quiet nooks in the lobby where you can set up your laptop. When you’re done, reward yourself with a craft cocktail at the aptly named Bistro.

A huge, double-sided fireplace welcomes you into the main lobby at this Hilton Garden Inn, just minutes from the ISU campus. Bold abstract artworks bring a vibrancy to the comfortable guest rooms and suites, each of which comes with a microwave and a mini-fridge. If you don’t have a ready meal on hand, visit the on-site bar and grill for flatbreads and burgers. When the Iowa weather cooperates, the outdoor courtyard is an inviting place to chill.

Jump on a bike after checking into the Radisson; the hotel offers complimentary bicycle rentals – with a helmet and a bike lock included – so that you can explore more of the campus and downtown. Before heading out, enjoy a coffee from the Keurig coffee maker in your room, or grab an Iowan skillet at the on-site restaurant, Bistro 1864. Make a business reservation, and you’ll snag some free drink vouchers as well.

Hop right off Highway 30 or Interstate 35 to reach this pet-friendly, extended-stay hotel. Exclusively offering suites, with a warm, Scandinavian feel, Staybridge gives you plenty of room to spread out. If you’re in town for a while, the on-site laundry facility will come in handy. You can also take advantage of the complimentary daily hot breakfast, along with happy hour every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Near the Highway 30 and Interstate 35 interchange, TownePlace Suites is highly accessible if you’re driving into Ames. Although there’s no on-site restaurant, hot breakfast is served daily in the lobby, and there are various dinner options within easy reach, such as El Azteca for Mexican or Hickory Park for local barbecue. Don’t fancy heading out? Even the studio rooms come with stovetops and microwaves, so you can always prepare your own meals.

A vibrant lobby makes way for more soothing rooms at this Hampton Inn. Right off Highway 30, southeast of downtown, this hotel is another great option if you’re looking to stay a little farther from campus but within a quick drive of the sights. Hot breakfast is served each day, but with no restaurant attached to the hotel, you’ll have to explore the local area at dinner time.

In town for an Iowa State Cyclones football game? Comfort Inn is especially close to Jack Trice Stadium. With Coldwater Golf Links right next door, this hotel is also ideal if you want to get a round in during your stay. A hot breakfast is available each morning – don’t miss out on making your own waffles. If it pains you to leave your dog or cat at home, you can always bring them along to this pet-friendly property.

If you’re into design, one look at the funky light fixtures at SpringHill Suites is all you’ll need to feel at home. The chic decor gives the hotel a big-city, boutique-like feel – but with a small-town price tag. When you rise and shine, head to the lobby for a hearty hot breakfast of bacon and egg sandwiches, spinach and cheese crustless quiche, and blueberry and chocolate chip scones.

Near the intersection of Highway 30 and Interstate 35, this hotel is easily accessible by car. Although on-site dining options stop at the complimentary continental breakfast buffet, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the vicinity. Bright teal accent walls bring a pop of color to the guest rooms and suites, which all feature microwaves and mini-fridges so that you can always self-cater.

Only a few minutes from the Interstate 35 and Highway 30 interchange, the Holiday Inn Express is a good option for accessing downtown Ames and the ISU campus. When you wake up, let the smell of cinnamon rolls guide you down to the free grab-and-go breakfast bar before enjoying the indoor pool or heading into the city.