Northern Iowa is known for its beautiful architecture, lovely sandy beaches with crystal clear water, the production of the best corn in the country, and its legacy of excellence in the performing arts and music. This part of the American heartland is also known for its entrepreneurship and welcomes many travelers on regular vacations and business trips. Traveling means you’ll need somewhere to stay, and when you do, it’s these reliable, comfortable, and, in some cases, quite unique hotels and BnBs you should choose from.
1. Decker House BnB — Mason City
Ratings: 9.6 — Exceptional.
Reviews: What a terrific find. This was a great B&B. Cynthia is such a wonderful host who we got to chat with and get to know. We were running late and she was so kind to take care of any needs and make certain we were comfortable. Thank you! Awesome breakfast!- Corwin via AirBnb.
Nestled in the historical district of Mason City, you’ll find the outwardly imposing but inwardly comfortable and cozy Decker House BnB. To begin with, if you’re looking for top-rated hotels per state, you can’t do much better than the comfort of the experience you’ll have at Decker House. The location is incredibly convenient if you‘re interested in seeing the sights since it is mere minutes away from the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home and Music Man Square. The BnB is also in close proximity to both the Historic Park Inn Hotel and the Charles H MacNider Art Museum if you’re interested in getting to know the area better.
The guest rooms are only accessible to the guest checked into each separate sparse. Still, all guests have access to the spacious and tastefully decorated living room and the roaring gas fireplace that warms up cold winter nights. Guests can enjoy comfortable seating on the beautifully maintained wraparound porch when the weather is warm. There’s an intimate dining room where guests can partake of meals if they wish and access laundry facilities, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
The 6 guest bedrooms are as follows:
- The Gardenia Room (1st floor)
- The Lily of the Valley Room (2nd floor)
- The Iris Room (2nd floor)
- The Rose Room (2nd floor)
- The Magnolia Suite (3rd floor)
2. Lakeside Inn — Clear Lake
Rating: 9.0 — Wonderful.
Reviews: The accommodations were excellent, the view was beautiful, the staff was friendly, and the price was affordable. — Brandon via Expedia.
The search for a calm, serene place to lay your head ends here at the Lakeside Inn. This boutique lakeside property is the only accommodation location right on the shore of the gorgeous Clear Lake. Each room is lake-facing and offers stunning views, especially early in the morning and at sunset- be sure to book a room with a patio or balcony if you like spending time in the fresh air. The view is one of the best parts of a Lakeside Inn stay, so count on spending a lot of time relaxing and enjoying it.
During the summer months, the Lakeside Landing Kitchen and Bar operates on the premises and provides beautiful balcony seating for all guests to enjoy.
If you are traveling by air, the Inn is very conveniently located just five minutes from Mason City Airport and close to the Music Man Square, North Iowa Fairgrounds, and all the stores you could want to visit in town. Guests at the Inn have unlimited use of the dock and access to boat parking. If you’re looking for outdoor activities to keep you busy or get your mind off of daily stress, there’s boating, watersports, and a lot more available to enjoy.
3. The Historic Park Inn Hotel- Mason City
Rating: 9.4 — Exceptional.
Reviews: We loved the hotel! Our room was cozy and it had a very comfortable bed. We love the FLW prairie style and all the nooks and crannies around the hotel. The Leadlight Restaurant was also very good! Thanks for the hospitality! — John via Expedia.
This hotel’s claim to fame is that it is the last fully operational Frank Lloyd Wright hotel. The intricate details on the facade have remained as beautiful as they were when they were laid, and the architecture is still as remarkable as when it was built in 1910. Though it was originally built for mixed uses (a bank, law office, and other businesses once resided here), the building fell into disrepair, was restored to its former glory, and was made into a hotel in the early 2000s. The cultural and historical significance alone make this place worth a stay, but the hotel itself is incredibly welcoming and comfortable, helmed by experienced and very reliable staff.
You can eat and drink in-house at the beautifully designed, decorated, and run Leadlight Eatery. The chef and team here celebrate timeless classics and provide a warm and welcoming place to enjoy delicious meals. The Draftsman Bar is open every day for unique, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of elevated bar snacks to ward off the worst of your hunger before dinner. If you’re looking for a comfort meal, you can get one at the bar, too — burgers, mac and cheese, or maybe a delicious chicken sandwich.
4. River’s Bend Bed and Breakfast, Iowa Falls
Rating: 5.0 — Excellent.
Reviews: Rita was very nice, she was very responsive prior to our arrival and stayed in contact to make sure everything was as it needed to be. We were up for one night, everything was spotlessly clean, the home was beautiful, and Rita was welcoming. The breakfast was very very good, and more than even my two teenage sons could eat. The fresh strawberries had been picked the day before! — Amanda via Tripadvisor.
The outside of this stunning Greek Revival home is beautiful no matter when you arrive, but during the lovely Iowa falls and springs, the riot of colors in the garden makes it even more appealing. This Victorian masterpiece has stood since the 19th century and provides guests with a relaxing, serene environment in which to rest themselves between excursions. Old-world charm meets modern convenience (wifi and flat-screen TVs in every room), and the incredible comfort of the place is enhanced by home-cooked breakfasts made from the owner’s trusted family recipes.
Guests will have access to the billiards room, the well-stocked library, the parlor, the porch, and the grounds. The main shopping area in Iowa Falls is just a short walk away, and the house’s location on the bluff just above the Palisades of the Iowa River offers wonderful views for evening walks.
You’ll Never Want To Leave
These unique, historically significant, and beautiful locations will win your heart, there’s no doubt about it. Before you know it, you’ll be planning your return trip, and trust us — you’ll want to stay forever!