What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in Ames?

Among the perks of staying at a motel in or near Ames is budget-friendly rates. This means more pennies in your pocket for sightseeing tours. Often positioned near highways and airports, and with on-site parking, this kind of getaway is a popular option among road trippers. When you stay at a 3-star hotel, you'll get more than just comfortable accommodation to relax in. You'll also usually have access to amenities like business services and a lobby.

Do any 3-star hotels in Ames have a pool?

We've got some excellent 3-star picks in Ames where you can enjoy a relaxing swim, including Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University and Courtyard by Marriott Ames . June, July and August, which are the summer months here, are wonderful for checking in to a 3-star property with a pool. If you're craving the warmest weather for your poolside getaway, book in July when temperatures average from 18ºC at night to 27ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in Ames have an on-site restaurant?

Secure your room at Courtyard by Marriott Ames and dine without venturing far from the comfort of your accommodation. A swimming pool and a cafe are two of the other amenities at this popular 3-star stay in Ames. Feeling hungry after a big day of exploring? Browse the menu options of the on-site restaurant at Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University , which also offers designer toiletries and a garden.

Do any 3-star hotels in Ames have WiFi?

Sign in to the WiFi at Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University and easily share all of your incredible photos of Ames. Courtyard by Marriott Ames is another 3-star hotel where you'll be able to stay connected while on the move. WiFi may be included in the price of the room or provided for an additional fee, so don't forget to check before you book.

What 3-star hotels in Ames have parking?

A couple of our favourites are Courtyard by Marriott Ames and Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University . These 3-star escapes in Ames provide parking, making it convenient for you to climb behind the wheel and explore. Take a break from the city for a day and explore different places. Blank Park Zoo and Jordan Creek Town Centre are just two of the fabulous sights that are easily reachable by car from Ames.

The 10 Best 3 Star Hotels in Ames - 2026 Updated Prices

Q: What are the best 3-star hotels in Ames?

Courtyard by Marriott Ames , around 2 mi south of downtown Ames, is a guest favourite. A cafe and a swimming pool are among its conveniences. Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University is another 3-star hotel that ranks highly among travellers. It offers a pillowtop mattress and individually decorated rooms, and is about 4 mi southwest of the city centre.

A building with arched windows and a garden with various plants and flowers.

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Our top choices for Ames 3-star hotels

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Ames

Susan

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Urbandale

Bruce

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

Altoona

Norman

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

Ankeny

Renee

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

Johnston

JOAQUIN

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

Ames

George

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

Spark by Hilton Ames

Ames

Michael

includes taxes & fees

2 Aug - 3 Aug

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, desk, laptop workspace

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

Altoona

Jennifer

includes taxes & fees

28 Jul - 29 Jul

Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

Altoona

HEIDI

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

Courtyard Marriott Ankeny

Ankeny

Robert

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines

Ankeny

DaVeena

includes taxes & fees

22 Jul - 23 Jul

Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

Ankeny

Tessa

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines - Northwest by IHG

Urbandale

Joseph

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

My Place Hotel - Ankeny/ Des Moines, IA

Ankeny

Sandi

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Altoona

Kelsey

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Urbandale

Urbandale

Carrie

includes taxes & fees

22 Jul - 23 Jul

Down duvets, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Wyndham Garden Ankeny/Des Moines

Ankeny

Ray

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

Daily cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Johnston

Lisa

includes taxes & fees

22 Jul - 23 Jul

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Jefferson

Jefferson

Nicole

includes taxes & fees

23 Jul - 24 Jul

TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Des Moines Urbandale

Johnston

Kathleen

includes taxes & fees

22 Jul - 23 Jul

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Ames and related destinations

Home to Iowa State University, this friendly college town offers vibrant farmers markets and the stunning Reiman Gardens with its butterfly wing. Explore the historic city centre for local shops, catch a Cyclones game, or bike along the extensive trail network when the prairie wildflowers bloom.

See all hotels in Ames

A historic building with a large central archway and a pond in the foreground.

Top Ames Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Ames

10/10 Excellent

"Great property! Spacious rooms, with a spot downstairs to order food or grab a drink!"

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames

8/10 Good

"Overall the stay was fine. Stayed for five days. Had a serious issue with housekeeping. Upon check in I was asked if I wanted the room to be cleaned on a daily basis. Yes was my response. That didn’t happen. The first day we returned to room. Nothing was done. Had to get clean towels from front desk and told them room was not cleaned. They apologized and said the would make sure it would be taken care of. Next day returned to room. Only the trash was emptied. No bed made no ice bucket bag no fresh towels. Again I let the front desk know and again they assured me it would be cleaned. Next day clean towels only. No once during our five night stay was the room ever properly cleaned and refreshed. Hotel was not busy the entire time based on the few cars in parking lot. Breakfast was great pool was nice front desk was attentive."

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

10/10 Excellent

"The staff was friendly and quick to answer questions. It was in a safe area with quick access to Ames and Iowa State campus. The room and shared spaces were clean. The room had blackout curtains that did their job well. The air-conditioning was easy to adjust in the room and was not noisy. Our room had a microwave and fridge that were very clean and functional. Outdoors had tidy landscaping. There were generously spaced parking spaces with good lighting at night. An overall cheery and positive place to stay. Check in and check out were simple and prompt. No issues with our multi-day stay. I would stay there again without hesitation."

Home2 Suites By Hilton Ames

10/10 Excellent

"I booked a couple of rooms for my husband and myself as well as a room for my son and his family when we were in the area for a family reunion. Even before we checked out, we all agreed we wanted to book rooms for next year’s reunion ASAP! The rooms were beautiful, spacious and comfortable. The grandchildren loved the pool. They visited it a few times while we were there. The breakfast selection was good. They had something for everyone in our group, even those with special dietary needs. There is no stove top in the room but hot plates are available for use as well as cooking pots if needed. The kitchen seemed to be well-stocked. The staff was so friendly and helpful. We are looking forward to our next stay."

Find out more about Ames

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in Ames?

Courtyard by Marriott Ames, around 2 mi south of downtown Ames, is a guest favourite. A cafe and a swimming pool are among its conveniences. Gateway Hotel and Conference Centre at Iowa State University is another 3-star hotel that ranks highly among travellers. It offers a pillowtop mattress and individually decorated rooms, and is about 4 mi southwest of the city centre.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in Ames?

To find a great-value 3-star hotel in Ames, try Expedia's handy filter tool. Determine your budget, select your amenities and much more. You can also display your search results so the least expensive options appear first.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from £58

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in Ames?

The main difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in Ames is the standard of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are usually more budget-friendly and offer the services and amenities required to be comfy, such as WiFi, a gym and breakfast. You can expect a little bit more at a 4-star hotel — think upscale interiors, luxury bathroom products and perks like on-site day spas.

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Our top choices for Ames 3-star hotels

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

Spark by Hilton Ames

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

Courtyard Marriott Ankeny

AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines

Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines - Northwest by IHG

My Place Hotel - Ankeny/ Des Moines, IA

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Urbandale

Wyndham Garden Ankeny/Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Jefferson

TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Des Moines Urbandale

Ames and related destinations

Top Ames Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Ames

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Hilton Garden Inn Ames

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames

Spark by Hilton Ames

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

Home2 Suites By Hilton Ames

Find out more about Ames

Frequently asked questions

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Compare and book 3 Star hotels in Ames, Iowa

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Check availability on Ames 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for Ames 3-star hotels

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

Spark by Hilton Ames

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

Courtyard Marriott Ankeny

AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines

Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines - Northwest by IHG

My Place Hotel - Ankeny/ Des Moines, IA

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Urbandale

Wyndham Garden Ankeny/Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Jefferson

TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Des Moines Urbandale

Ames and related destinations

Top Ames Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Ames

Find out more about Ames

Frequently asked questions

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