The Best Hotels to Book in Dubuque, Iowa

You’ll get an authentic river-town experience at this boutique hotel. In the heart of the Historic Old Main district downtown, the historic building has been a hotel or inn since 1839 – Abraham Lincoln once stayed here – and underwent a $33m restoration (inside and out) to transform it into the elegant and comfortable hotel of today. Don’t forget to try the American food with a twist at Caroline’s Restaurant on-site. While the menu changes seasonally, the pork tenderloin with a cinnamon-coffee-cocoa rub is an excellent choice any time of year. You are in Iowa, after all.

Looking for a more familiar stay in the heart of downtown Dubuque? Check into the Holiday Inn. Just a few blocks from the redeveloped riverfront, the hotel lets you enjoy views of the mighty Mississippi from your room. If you don’t feel up to walking, it also offers a shuttle service within a 2mi (3km) radius of the hotel and to the airport (8mi/13km away). When you’re feeling hungry, head to the on-site restaurant, River Rock Kitchen and Tap, for a burger – kids under 11 eat for free.

If you’re ready to gamble, the Hilton Garden Inn is an ideal spot for your stay in Dubuque. On the outskirts of downtown, it’s right next door to Q Casino and the Iowa Greyhound Park. Downtown is just 2mi (3km) away, making this another great option for accessibility to local attractions, such as the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. The rooms here are spacious and have a hint of mid-century modern flair in the design.

If you’re looking to book a stay on the west side of Dubuque, check out the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. You’ll be near lots of shopping, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and downtown for easy access to adventures along the river. Although a quick, hot breakfast is available each day – whip up some fresh pancakes and snag a cinnamon roll – there’s no on-site restaurant. Luckily, the hotel is near many dining options.

This extended-stay hotel downtown offers fresh and modern suites just a five-minute drive from the University of Dubuque and within walking distance of top attractions, including the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Because each room has a kitchenette, there’s no restaurant attached to the hotel, but a complimentary hot breakfast is available each morning. Also, the outdoor lounge has a Weber grill if you want to host a barbecue.

When you step inside the Best Western Plus in Dubuque, you’ll be wowed by the spacious, glass-domed atrium – the largest in the area – and indoor pool, complete with a poolside pergola that you can rent out for parties. With the Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom conveniently connected to the hotel, you can order pizza and a few pints for your guests. The hotel’s distinctly tropical feel will make you forget you’re just 3mi (5km) from the Port of Dubuque.

Between downtown Dubuque and Sundown Mountain, this stay is ideal if you want to ski as well as see the city. Being right off Highway 20 and near the Kennedy Mall, you’ll have easy access to anywhere in town. Though you won’t likely spend much time in your room, you’ll appreciate the relaxing muted design, mini-fridge and microwave after a long day of exploring.

Just off Highway 20, Fairfield Inn is an easy 4mi (6km) drive from downtown and the Port of Dubuque. Bright teal accent walls give added flair to the comfortable guest rooms, which come with mini-fridges and microwaves to make up for the lack of an on-site restaurant. If you prefer to eat out, there are plenty of options available at nearby Kennedy Mall. A complimentary hot breakfast is available each day.