The Best Cheap Hotels in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Chic design features throughout Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North | Courtesy of Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North / Expedia

Katie Mills Giorgio

29 November 2021

View

Cedar Rapids is a hub of activity in eastern Iowa. As the second-largest city in the state, it offers everything from great local dining and drinking spots to unique cultural attractions and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. There are not only plenty of things to do and see in the city but also convenient, comfortable and affordable places to stay. Read on for our list of the best cheap hotels in Cedar Rapids.

Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South, for an extended vacay

Simple room with seating area and tv at Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South

Courtesy of Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South / Expedia

In Cedar Rapids for an extended stay? The Residence Inn on the southside of the city is where it’s at. With separate bedrooms and living rooms, and in-room kitchenettes, the suites deliver comfort and savings by enabling self-catering. Grab a free, hot breakfast in the lobby dining area to save a few extra bucks. On cool Iowa nights, you can still enjoy the spacious outdoor patio thanks to its heaters, and during the day you can burn some calories at the outdoor basketball court and indoor pool. With the airport, Downtown Cedar Rapids and NewBo City Market all less than 10 minutes drive away, this stay is ideally located for experiencing all the city has to offer.

Hampton Inn Cedar Rapids, for pet-friendly stays

A modern yet funky suite with sofa at Hampton Inn Cedar Rapids featuring different sized wall frames

Courtesy of Hampton Inn Cedar Rapids / Expedia

Located on the south side of Cedar Rapids, this long-established hotel provides quick access to both the airport and the downtown hub. If you’re struggling to find a dog-sitter to cover your trip, this homey Hampton Inn is pet-friendly, so you can bring your fur baby along for the night. In the morning, grab a free hot breakfast before topping up with lunch at one of the many restaurants within walking distance. When you return, take a dip in the inviting indoor pool.

Hilton Garden Inn, for the courtyard fire pit

Terrace with fire pit at Hilton Garden Inn surrounded by chairs at dusk

Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Rapids / Expedia

Summer nights at Hilton Garden are best spent outside by the courtyard fire pit or cooling off in the indoor pool. Located just off Highway 100 on the north side of Cedar Rapids, this bright, modern hotel remains within easy reach of downtown – but with shops, restaurants and Two Pines Golf Course in the vicinity, plus the onsite Garden Grille and Bar for burgers and flatbreads, you needn’t ever venture into the city center.

Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel and Convention Center, for all the activities

Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel and Convention Center indoor pool with bare brick walls

Courtesy of Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel and Convention Center / Expedia

Located right on the edge of Cedar Rapids and Marion, this family-run hotel offers more than easy access to both cities. When you stay here, you’ll never get bored of the 8,000sqft (743sqm) fitness club, indoor pool and hot tub, sauna, picnic area, and games room complete with foosball, ping pong, arcade games and more. Yet another reason never to leave the property: onsite restaurant, Huston Rogers, where you can chow down on barbecue pork ribs and homemade pizzas before propping up the bar for happy hour tipples.

Residence Inn Cedar Rapids, for mingling on a budget

Simple well-equipped room with tv, dining area and sofa at Residence Inn Cedar Rapids

Courtesy of Residence Inn Cedar Rapids / Expedia

Want to mingle during your stay in Cedar Rapids? The Residence Inn’s social hour brings guests together for complimentary wine, beer and light bites every Monday to Wednesday. After filling your boots on the outdoor patio, you can top up with a snack in your in-room kitchenette. Wake up to grab-and-go breakfast in the lobby, then work off all that free food with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, located 2mi (3.2km) away. Just off Interstate 380 and Highway 100, this hotel also provides great access to the wider Cedar Rapids area.

Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North, for urban-chic vibes

A quirky suite with hip furniture, sofa and tv at Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North

Courtesy of Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North / Expedia

Wood, leather and Scandi furnishings create an urban-chic vibe at this extended-stay hotel. Soak up the hip atmosphere by the outdoor fire pit and grill, or whip up a pocket-friendly meal in your spacious suite’s kitchen, equipped with a stove, full refrigerator and microwave. When you’re craving a sweet treat, stroll down the road to Parlor City for an ice cream sundae. Located in north Cedar Rapids, Staybridge Suites is also within reach of the scenic Cedar Valley Nature Trail.

Hampton Inn and Suites Cedar Rapids North, for total relaxation

Classic room with desk and tv at Hampton Inn and Suites Cedar Rapids North

Courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites Cedar Rapids North / Expedia

Let relaxation take over at this spa-like hotel in northeast Cedar Rapids. Though the city is known for its cereal, it’s hard to resist the fresh waffles and bacon available at the free hot breakfast counter. Once you’re re-energized, head to the fitness center and indoor pool for a workout. Alternatively, venture out to explore the many restaurants within walking distance, or take the less-than-10-minute drive to either downtown Cedar Woods or Uptown Marion.

La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids, for bold, modern design

Colorful room with sofa and wall art at La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids

Courtesy of La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids / Expedia

Splashes of lime green and rich purple make up the bold, modern design of this northeast Cedar Rapids hotel, where your dog can stay for free. Work up an appetite in the indoor pool, then enjoy a free hot breakfast of everything from eggs and bacon to biscuits and gravy. If you spill some down your top, fear not! You can always utilize the hotel’s same-day dry cleaning service.

Holiday Inn Express Cedar Rapids (Collins Road), for ‘round-the-clock caffeine

Functional room with tv and microwave at Holiday Inn Express Cedar Rapids featuring pattern carpets

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express Cedar Rapids / Expedia

Kickstart your day by making a coffee in your room with your very own Keurig, or grab one in the lobby any time at this north Cedar Rapids hotel. If you need more than caffeine to wake you up, sit down to enjoy the inclusive hot breakfast. With in-room microwaves, free parking, an indoor heated pool and compact fitness center, Holiday Inn Express Cedar Rapids has all the amenities you could hope for in a budget stay.

Comfort Inn and Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road, for make-your-own waffles

Elegant room with ambient lighting and leather sofa at Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road

Courtesy of Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road / Expedia | Courtesy of Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road / Expedia

Fuel up on make-your-own waffles ready for a day at Lindale Mall, which lies a seven-minute drive from this hotel. Once you’re all shopped out, take a dip in the property’s indoor pool – or your whirlpool tub if you spring for a King Suite room. Located to the north of Cedar Rapids, this Comfort Inn is equally well placed for catching a baseball game at Marion’s Prospect Meadows as for exploring downtown.

Give us feedback