The Best Hotels to Book in Council Bluffs, Iowa

No need to roll the dice – these hotels in Council Bluffs are all sure winners | © Tim Umphreys / Unsplash

Sara Darling

23 December 2021

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If you get a buzz from the sound of slot machines, you’ll love the atmosphere of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Popular for its legalized gambling, it’s home to an array of casinos, which draw tourists year-round. If high stakes aren’t your thing, you can learn about the town’s connection with the transcontinental railroad at the Union Pacific Museum or enjoy a boat tour down the Missouri River. Whether you hit the jackpot and want to splurge or are seeking a budget stay, our pick of the best hotels in Council Bluffs, Iowa, has you covered. Book with Culture Trip today.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Council Bluffs, for entertainment on your doorstep

Sofa, armchair and fireplace in a wood-paneled social area at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Council Bluffs

If you want to try your hand on the poker tables, this hotel in Council Bluffs is ideally located across the road from Horseshoe casino. It’s also adjacent to the Mid-America Center – perfect if you’re in town for a gig, show or convention. Whether you stay in a king room or whirlpool suite, you’ll have access to the indoor pool and hot tub from early morning into the night. Fill up at the breakfast buffet before exploring Iowa and neighboring Nebraska.

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, for a daily happy hour

Soft outdoor seating plus tables and chairs at Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East Council Bluffs

Providing thirsty guests with happy hour every night from 5pm to 7pm, this hotel’s on-site bar is a popular spot for socializing. When weather permits, you can linger into the night around the fire pit on the outdoor terrace, while there’s also comfy seating in the lounge, where you can order dinner and breakfast. Movie fans will love the in-room smart TVs, which connect to Netflix and more.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, for a romantic escape

Large soft chairs, plus tables and chairs by a TV and fireplace in a SpringHill Suites by Marriott Omaha East Council Bluffs social area

If you’re seeking hotels in Council Bluffs for a romantic weekend away, book a studio room with a whirlpool tub at SpringHill Suites. When you’re not soaking in the tub, head to the spacious indoor pool for a dip. The on-site bar is adults-only after dark, so you can enjoy a quiet drink with your significant other.

Hilton Garden Inn Omaha East/Council Bluffs, for dancing, gambling and exploring

Sofa and chairs by a fireplace opposite checkin at Hilton Garden Inn Omaha East Council Bluffs

Check in, change into your lucky pants and head straight to Horseshoe Council Bluffs casino, next door to this hotel. If gaming isn’t for you, why not dance into the night at the hotel nightclub or wake up early and enjoy a leisurely swim? If you don’t have a car, there’s a complimentary shuttle, which will whisk you to landmarks within a 5mi (8km) radius.

Harrah's Casino and Hotel, for gaming at your fingertips

Numerous dining tables and chairs with parkland views from windows at Harrah's Casino and Hotel

Council Bluffs is famous for gambling, so why not stay at a hotel with its own casino? Harrah’s offers slots and table games, and is just a short drive from other gaming spots such as the Ameristar Casino. When your heart and wallet need a break, head to the heated pool, fitness suite, sauna or hot tub, or relax in your executive suite’s whirlpool tub.

Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs I-29, for views of Omaha across the river

Two sofas and four armchairs by a fireplace in a Holiday Inn and Suites Council Bluffs I-29 social area

Connected to the Ameristar Casino by an indoor breezeway, this hotel lets you hit the poker tables without even putting on your coat. Located along the Missouri River, the hotel offers views of the Omaha skyline across the state line. When you want to venture into Nebraska, sights including Henry Doorly Zoo and Rosenblatt Stadium are less than 10 minutes’ drive away.

Hampton Inn Council Bluffs, for the free shuttle service

Hotel

Several dining tables and chairs, plus one sofa, in a Hampton Inn Council Bluffs dining area

This hotel in Council Bluffs attracts tourists and business travelers alike for its business center, indoor pool and convenient location on the Iowa-Nebraska border. It, too, is connected to the Ameristar Casino by a covered walkway. The cozy lobby doubles as a breakfast room, where you can enjoy a large self-service buffet before exploring the area via the complimentary 5mi (8km) shuttle.

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