Iowa City's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Iowa City's "BEST Kept Secret." And let me tell you, after spending actual quality time there, it might not be a secret for much longer. This isn't just a hotel; it's practically a… a portal. To relaxation? To deliciousness? To maybe, just maybe, a slightly less stressed version of yourself? Let's find out.
SEO-tastic Breakdown & My Unfiltered Take
Alright, let's get the necessary evil out of the way. SEO, baby! Gotta help those Googles find our little haven.
Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. While the hotel claims Facilities for disabled guests, I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to fully experience them. I could see an Elevator, which is HUGE, and the general layout seemed accessible, but I can't give a definitive thumbs up without firsthand experience. Something to double check for sure.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Wheelchair accessible: Again, the potential is there, but I need to see it to believe it. Call ahead, folks! Double-check the details. I’m basing this on the visual cues, and I want to be accurate.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (and other techie bits)
- Internet access: They have it. Thank the tech gods!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Finally, a hotel that gets it. Seriously, after a long day, you need to doomscroll.
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't dig into this specifically, but given the overall tech setup, I'm betting it's available if you're a wired kind of person.
- Internet services: Probably standard stuff like printing and whatnot.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: And it worked! Didn't have to wrestle with a dodgy signal, which is a win.
Getting Down to the Juicy Stuff: Things To Do, Ways To Relax (and maybe a little bit of drool)
Okay, this is where the hotel really shines.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: THIS is where I spent a shameful amount of time. The Spa itself is gorgeous, all hushed tones and soft lighting. The Sauna was legit (hot and steamy, as it should be), and the Steamroom… oh, the steamroom. It felt like being enveloped in a cloud of pure bliss. Consider this my single, deep dive experience! I basically melted into a puddle of "ahhhh" in there. A true experience.
- Massage: Offered. Didn’t get one, but the vibe was definitely conducive to serious pampering.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] & Pool with view: Didn't experience and this is a HUGE bummer, it wasn't open during my visit. I’d gladly have taken a dip any day. Definitely worth checking if its open during your visit.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I peered in, and it looked well-equipped. But after all that steaming and sauna-ing, my muscles were screaming for a nap, not a workout.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: All available. Prepare to be exfoliated into a better version of you.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive? (Thankfully, Yes!)
Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
Breakfast in room: Sounds lovely, didn't try it.
Breakfast takeaway service: Nice option if you're in a hurry.
Cashless payment service: Modern and convenient.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring!
Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
First aid kit: Always a good thing to have.
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Gotta get the cleanliness down.
Hygiene certification: (They claimed it, I assume they did.)
Individually-wrapped food options: Good for safety-conscious eaters.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They seemed to take it seriously which I appreciated.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Another plus.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Bonus points for choice.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
Safe dining setup: Everything felt clean and safe.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Standard, but important.
Shared stationery removed: Good.
Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed on top of it.
Sterilizing equipment: Hopefully used.
CCTV in common areas: Yes, made me feel a bit like I was in a slightly cheesy spy movie, but overall alright.
CCTV outside property: More security, less chance of shenanigans.
Fire extinguisher: Always a good sign.
Front desk [24-hour]: Someone always there, helpful.
Non-smoking rooms: A must for me.
Smoke alarms: Important!
Soundproof rooms: They delivered!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Taste Buds Thanked Me
- Restaurants: Plural. This is a good sign.
- Bar and Poolside bar: The bar situation was well-stocked and the poolside bar (when it’s open) is essential. Drinks were pretty great and also the atmosphere was awesome!
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! This is my jam. Comfort food at any hour? Sign me up.
- Coffee shop: Important for that morning fix.
- Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant: Standard, reliable.
- Asian breakfast & Asian cuisine in restaurant: Did not try these, but interesting!
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: A wide variety of options. Loved.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area & Elevator: Essential in the Iowa summer heat.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Might be important if you're hosting a conference or something.
- Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center: If you have to work, at least they have the necessities.
- Cash withdrawal: Always a plus.
- Concierge: Super helpful and able to set up a quick route through the town
- Contactless check-in/out: Easy peasy.
- Convenience store: For those last-minute needs.
- Currency exchange: Useful for international travelers.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always felt pristine.
- Doorman: Classy touch.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Practical.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (See Accessibility section – call ahead!)
- Food delivery: Convenient option.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For your last-minute purchases or a nice memento of your trip.
- Indoor venue for special events: Great for gatherings.
- Invoice provided, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events: They seemed to have a lot for different types of events and meetings.
- Safety deposit boxes: Secure.
- Smoking area: For those who partake.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Another win.
- Taxi service, Valet parking, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking: The hotel has got you covered.
For the Kids (and the Kids at Heart)
- Babysitting service & Family/child friendly & Kids facilities & Kids meal: I didn't witness any of this, but I’d recommend checking the specifics if you’re traveling with your brood.
In-Room Amenities: The Comforts of Home (and Then Some)
- Available in all rooms: Okay, let's get a little more specific.
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels,
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't going to be your perfectly-polished, travel-blogger-approved itinerary. This is going to be… well, my itinerary. For a weekend in Iowa City/Coralville, starting and ending at the Super 8. Let's see if I survive.
Day 1: Arrival, Apathy, and Anticipation of Greasy Goodness
3:00 PM: "Arrive" at Super 8. Okay, fine, "arrive" eventually. Took longer than expected. Traffic from Chicago was, let's just say, spirited, the kind of spirited where a minivan tried to merge into me. Heart rate currently at "slightly elevated but manageable." Check-in. Pray for clean sheets. And a working AC. Seriously, Iowa heat and humidity? Not my friend.
- Note to Self: Pack a better power adapter. And maybe a therapy session beforehand.
3:30 PM: Settle in the room. It's… adequate. Smells faintly of… well, let's not dwell. Survey the landscape. The TV is on. The local news seems to be covering – wait for it – a missing dog. I already feel right at home.
4:00 PM: Wander aimlessly. I need to get my bearings! (aka my bearings are as lost as that missing dog.) Head to the Coral Ridge Mall. (Because, Iowa.) My travel partner, bless their heart, is already drooling about a specific restaurant (I'm withholding the name until later). This is both comforting and slightly alarming.
5:00 PM: Mall-browsing. Standard fare, the usual. Actually, the one thing that sticks out is the sheer amount of flannel. Am I in Iowa or lumberjack heaven?
6:30 PM: A near-disaster. Okay, maybe not a disaster, but a definite moment of panic involving a parking garage and a very small space. Managed to maneuver the car. Feeling alive.
7:00 PM: THE MEAL. IT'S HERE. Okay, okay, fine. I'll name it. Hamburg Inn No. 2. My partner's been going on about this place for weeks. Diner food. Gotta be good. The menu is as vast as my hunger. Ooh, the pies! So, yeah, the meal was… memorable. The pies? Divine. I might have ordered two slices. Don’t judge me. It's research!
- Rambling Thought: Is it just me, or do diners always have a certain… vibe? It's like stepping back in time, but with better coffee and probably less discrimination.
8:30 PM: Post-dinner stupor. Seriously, I'm considering a strategic nap. But no! This is a trip! We must do things. (Or, at least, pretend to.)
9:00 PM: Stroll along the Iowa River. It's surprisingly pretty. There are actual fireflies. I haven’t seen fireflies since I was, like, eight. Briefly feel a nostalgic pang. Then the mosquitoes attack.
9:30 PM: Retreat. Room. TV. Missing dog update.
Day 2: Literature, Locals, and a Little Bit of Regret (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Decide the world isn't ending. Yet.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Super 8 continental, of course. Let's just say, the waffles are… waffle-like. Grateful for the coffee, even if it tastes vaguely of old newspaper.
- 10:00 AM: The University of Iowa. Okay, this is actually quite cool. The campus has a certain… gravitas. Visit the Iowa Writers' Workshop. So much history! So many famous writers! I briefly consider attempting to become a famous writer. Immediately abandon said consideration.
- 11:00 AM: The Iowa City Public Library. WOW. Seriously, this place is amazing. Books, comfy chairs, quiet… I could stay here all day. But alas, we have a packed schedule (or, what passes for one).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local spot called Short's Burger & Shine. Omg, the burgers are amazing, the fries are perfectly crisp, and the staff is friendly. This is the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular.
- 1:30 PM: Drive and explore. Drive around. Admire the houses. Wonder if I could actually live in Coralville or Iowa City. Decide, probably not. I'm a city person.
- 3:00 PM: The "Iowa City" experience. Shop for souvenirs at a locally-owned store. Buy a t-shirt that says "Iowa: Where the Tall Corn Grows." Feel vaguely self-conscious.
- 4:00 PM: The Iowa City Farmer's Market. Ooh, the smells. The sights. The temptation to buy all the things. Manage to restrain myself, but only just.
- 5:00 PM: Regret purchasing the t-shirt.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place that was recommended by a local. Orchard Green. Delicious and fresh, but a bit pricey. Still, worth it.
- 7:30 PM: Attempt to watch a movie on TV. Fall asleep.
- 9:30 PM: Wake up thinking about a Midnight snack. Decide against it.
Day 3: Packing, Panic, and Pending Departure
- 8:00 AM: wake up (again). Actually feeling pretty good.
- 8:30 AM: Another Super 8 breakfast. This time, the waffles are… barely digestible.
- 9:00 AM: Pack up. Ugh, packing. The bane of my existence. Somehow, manage to cram everything back into the suitcase. Which now feels slightly heavier.
- 9:30 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Super 8 (and the questionable waffles).
- 10:00 AM: One last drive around town.
- 10:30 AM: Gas up the car.
- 11:00 AM: The drive home. Traffic. Again? Yes. The car is now an oven. Heart rate slightly elevated again.
- 1:00 PM: Think about the pie.
- 1:15 PM: Think, "I may actually consider going back to Iowa… eventually."
- 2:00 PM: Done. Made it home. And somehow… survived. And had a great time. (Even if my itinerary doesn't exactly reflect it.)
Iowa City's "Best Kept Secret" Hotel: Prepare to be... well, Prepared. (FAQ)
Seriously, is this place *really* that secret? I can't find any reviews!
Okay, so "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration. Think more like... whispered about. Like, you know how you find the best dive bar, and you almost *don't* want to share it? That's the vibe. Finding reviews *can* be a challenge. My *personal* theory? The people who *really* love it are too busy enjoying it to write stuff online. OR, maybe the management is actively trying to keep the riffraff out – I half-jokingly suspected they might be paying me to write this (they're not, haha). But trust me, it's worth the treasure hunt. I mean, I spent *hours* searching online...and then I found it, like, on a dusty brochure at a travel agency *three towns* over! Seriously, that's how old-school it felt.
What *kind* of place are we talking about? Boutique? Rustic? Haunted? (Please be haunted!)
Okay, so *rustic* is probably closest, but not in the Pinterest-perfect, "shabby-chic" way. Think more... authentic. Like, "This paint job is from 1978, and it *shows*, but in a charming way" authentic. There are definitely quirks. And *maybe* a ghost. I distinctly remember one shadowy figure *slightly* out of the corner of my eye near the vending machine at 3 AM… but that could have just been a caffeine withdrawal hallucination. (I *needed* that Snickers.) Basically: prepare for character. Lots of character. It’s the kind of place you expect to find a time traveler hiding out, or maybe a very reclusive author.
Give me a *real* example of the quirks! Give. Me. Details!
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets good. Picture it: you arrive. Check-in is…uh… informal. Let's just say the front desk isn't exactly staffed around the clock (see my caffeine-fueled, vending machine adventure above). The key? An actual *key*. Not a keycard. A key with a big, clunky brass head. This is before even *getting* to the rooms. And the room… *my* room... was like stepping back in time. The furniture felt decidedly old-fashioned. The television? A flat-SCREEN of course, but it had a surprisingly loud *hum* that reminded me of a refrigerator my grandparents had YEARS ago! And the pillows? Oh, those pillows. I'm pretty sure they were stuffed with actual cotton batting. The kind that makes your neck ache if you're not careful. But, okay, the bathroom? Well, it wasn’t *bad*. The shower had decent water pressure, and the towels were *clean*… if a little threadbare. And the *view*! Okay, it mostly overlooked a parking lot, but, listen - even a parking lot is part of the experience, right? (Or maybe it was just the view from *my* room…) But here's the thing: despite the quirks, and the slightly-sketchy vending machine, I *loved* it. It had a certain… *je ne sais quoi*. Yeah, maybe it was the lack of pretension. Or the fact that there was absolutely NO pressure to be anything other than yourself.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, internet.
Okay, this is a *sensitive* topic. Let's just say it might not be up to the standards of a Silicon Valley tech mogul. Expect something closer to... *intermittent*. And by "intermittent," I mean, be prepared for the Wi-Fi to cut out at the most crucial moment. Like, right when you're in the middle of uploading that perfect Instagram post, or, you know, *working*. Embrace the digital detox. Bring a book. Actually, bring *lots* of books. Or maybe just a very long-lasting mobile data plan.
Is it clean? Like, actually clean?
Yes. Mostly. The rooms are cleaned every day, and the general impression is one of… serviceable tidiness. Look, it's not a sterile, clinical environment. You might find a small cobweb in a corner, or a stray hair in the bathroom. But, honestly, I've stayed in *much* worse places. Let's just say the staff definitely care, and they're trying their best!. It’s not the Ritz, but it's definitely better than your college dorm room!
Is it worth the "shock?" Should I book it?
Okay, this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? The "shock" part is definitely a bit dramatic. But – is it worth it? YES! If you’re looking for that cookie-cutter hotel experience, turn back now. But, if you're looking for something different, something with character, something that might just give you an actual story to tell, then ABSOLUTELY. Book it. Go. Explore. Embrace the slightly wonky, the slightly outdated, the slightly… *magical*. But do it soon, before everyone else finds out and the secret is out. Then *I* won't have my escape. And trust me, you'll need an escape. Because life? Life is exhausting. And this? It's a (mostly) charming, slightly wonky escape. Just… bring a decent book. And maybe your own pillow.
Okay, I'm in. Where do I park?
This is a very great question. I had to ask myself, and my friend, the very same question. Parking is… well, it's available. There's a lot, and it's right there! However, depending on when you arrive, space can be a bit tight. Plan on maneuvering your vehicle – like, *really* maneuvered it – but in the end you'll be able to park your car.
Let's Talk Breakfast, Shall We?
Oh, *breakfast.* Well. Prepare yourself. No, there's no complimentary buffet of eggs and bacon. Okay, there's no breakfast. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. You are on your own. Which, on the plus side, means you are free to roam Iowa City and discover some of the delightful cafes or diners yourself. But plan accordingly. And maybe pack some granola bars. Just in case.
