Find hotels in Central Iowa, IA from £46

Top reasons to visit Central Iowa

• Stunning Architecture: Explore the magnificent Iowa State Capitol, showcasing beautiful design and rich history.
• Outdoor Adventures: Central Iowa boasts numerous urban parks and scenic landscapes ideal for family outings.
• Vibrant Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and unique traditions that define Midwestern charm.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Enjoy a wide range of hotels from charming downtown stays to unique agritourism properties.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Central Iowa offers activities and attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable holiday.

Find great hotels near Central Iowa

Discover a diverse selection of hotels in Central Iowa, tailored to meet the needs of every traveller. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly retreat, a business-focused environment, or an LGBTQIA-welcoming experience, this region offers a variety of accommodations. From charming downtown hotels to unique agritourism properties, you'll find options that suit your preferences and budget, all while enjoying the warm hospitality that Iowa is known for.

• Sonesta Essential Ames: Nestled 6.8km from Central Iowa, Sonesta Essential Ames offers a welcoming atmosphere tailored for family and business travellers alike. This pet-friendly hotel caters to guests with its thoughtful amenities, including a 24-hour business centre and child-friendly features such as video game consoles and a focus on child safety. The hotel embraces a family-centric theme while ensuring that your furry friends feel right at home with a pet policy that allows dogs and cats. Ideal for those seeking a blend of comfort and convenience, Sonesta Essential Ames is the perfect choice for a memorable stay.
• AmericInn by Wyndham Ames: Located 6.8km from Central Iowa, AmericInn by Wyndham Ames is designed with both business and family needs at heart. This hotel fosters a friendly environment, complete with a meeting room and a business centre to accommodate your work requirements. Families will appreciate complimentary cribs, engaging games, and art supplies to keep the little ones entertained. As a pet-friendly establishment, AmericInn welcomes your four-legged companions, ensuring a stress-free stay for all. This hotel is ideal for those wanting a homely touch while on a business trip or family getaway.
• Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites: Situated 8.7km from Central Iowa, the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites strikes a perfect balance between business efficiency and pet-friendly comfort. With accessible business centres and meeting rooms, this hotel caters to the needs of working travellers. Pets are also welcome, though with some restrictions, ensuring a caring environment for all guests. The hotel's focus on both professionalism and personal comfort makes it a fantastic option for those on a business trip who don’t want to leave their pets behind.

Where to stay near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers a delightful family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic explorations. Whether you’re visiting vibrant downtown areas or enjoying the charm of local neighbourhoods, you’ll find affordable accommodations that cater to all travellers. Experience the spirit of Iowa State and immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm hospitality that define this region. Your holiday here promises memorable moments and a true taste of Midwestern charm.

• Ames: Located 7.5km from Central Iowa, Ames is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, visitors flock here for the educational opportunities and bustling shopping centres. The city is home to a prominent university, which adds a youthful energy to the area. During the summer months from June to August, Ames comes alive with events and activities, making it a popular destination for tourists. Don't miss the local stadium and sports facilities, which host various events throughout the year, offering a taste of local sports culture.
• Nevada: Just 2.5km away from Central Iowa, the charming city of Nevada offers a delightful mix of outdoor experiences and cultural attractions. Ideal for romantic getaways, this city boasts beautiful recreational areas and an entertainment arena that hosts a variety of events. Peak visitor numbers occur during the summer and early autumn months, particularly from June to July and September, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The presence of a modern college university adds to the vibrant atmosphere, making Nevada a welcoming place for all.
• Colo: A mere 1.9km from Central Iowa, Colo is a picturesque city that attracts visitors seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. With a seasonal influx of travellers, particularly from March to May, Colo is perfect for those looking to explore nature trails and enjoy the local lake. The town's romantic charm is further enhanced by its proximity to a theme park and educational institutions. Whether you're wandering the trails or simply soaking in the beautiful surroundings, Colo promises a refreshing escape.

Things to do near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, making it ideal for family holidays. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the bustling fairground and its lively shows, along with educational experiences that enrich the trip. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Central Iowa has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Outlets of Des Moines, 16.8km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of brands. Closer to Central Iowa, the Northview Shopping Center, 14.3km away, provides a family-friendly atmosphere with diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium, where you can immerse yourself in exhilarating sports events. Enjoy a round of golf at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, surrounded by lush landscapes. For family fun, head to Furman Aquatic Center, perfect for splashing around and relaxing together.

Adventure

Explore the scenic High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile path perfect for cycling or walking, offering stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley. For a thrill, try skydiving at Skydive Iowa, where you’ll experience breathtaking aerial views of the picturesque landscapes below.

Nightlife

In Central Iowa, Cinemark Ames Movies 12 offers a delightful cinema experience with a blend of family-friendly and romantic films, located 8.1km away. The Story City Carousel, 9.3km out, provides nostalgic amusement rides, while Fred Maytag Bowl, 18.0km away, showcases vibrant theatre performances, perfect for culture enthusiasts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Iowa

To save money on your trip to Central Iowa, consider visiting in the off-peak months of March or December to January when accommodation prices drop. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to customise your hotel search, and filter for Eco-certified options to find sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Opt for public transport or explore on foot to keep travel costs down, and always sort prices from low to high to snag the best deals.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Iowa are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Iowa is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Iowa is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to customise your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay in Central Iowa with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, featuring urban parks, modern colleges, and event venues. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Iowa State Capitol, which showcases stunning architecture, and various captivating sites throughout the region. Whether you seek scenic landscapes or vibrant city experiences, Central Iowa provides a diverse range of activities to ensure a memorable holiday.

• Iowa State University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Iowa State University, renowned for its beautiful campus and modern facilities. Explore its rich history, engaging student life, and innovative research while soaking in the lively city vibes that surround the university.
• Harrington Park: This urban park offers a delightful escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With ample green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails, it’s perfect for a leisurely day out amidst the city atmosphere, making it a popular spot for relaxation and recreation.
• Hickory Grove Lake: Enjoy the serene beauty of Hickory Grove Lake, an ideal location for a romantic getaway. With its scenic views, sandy beach, and outdoor activities, it’s perfect for picnicking, swimming, or simply unwinding by the water.

Best time to go to Central Iowa

The best time to visit Central Iowa is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	15.8°F (-9.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	21.9°F (-5.6000000000000005°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	37.0°F (2.8000000000000003°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	39.9°F (4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Central Iowa

When visiting Central Iowa, you have convenient access to three major airports. Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) is 53.4km away, with nearby hotels like the 4-star Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 4.3km from the airport. Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) is positioned 23.6km from Central Iowa, with excellent options such as the 4.5-star Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, just 5.6km away. Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) sits 37.9km from Central Iowa, featuring hotels like the 3.5-star Black Hawk Hotel, 1.9km from the airport. Each airport offers accessible transport to these accommodations, ensuring a smooth journey.