Relaxing Retreats with Best Western Hotels & Resorts Across Iowa

The award-winning Best Western Holiday Lodge is conveniently located near downtown Clear Lake and is within walking distance to some of the area’s most popular attractions. Check into your room, then enjoy even more convenience with amenities like a complimentary full breakfast, heated indoor pool, an shuttle to the Mason City Municipal Airport, fitness center and more.
 

When you’re ready to explore, start with a relaxing stroll through the Central Gardens of North Iowa. It’s home to more than 20 themed gardens connected by winding brick paths to create a wonderful escape. Keep an eye on their event calendar to catch live music performances and educational programs. Venture out to nearby McIntosh Woods State Park and enjoy a mindful walk along the 1.5-mile boardwalk trail through the mallard marsh. The trail ends at a wildlife viewing blind and is a popular location for seeing the spring and fall bird migrations. Or, set off on bike or foot on the Ventura Cove trail, which travels around the lake and through a 22-acre woodland.
 

For a moment of nostalgia, stop by the Iowa Trolley Park for a quick history lesson and test your skills pumping an old-time hand car or running a diesel locomotive. Or visit the Clear Lake Fire Museum to relive the history of firefighting.
 

After exploring, retreat to a local eatery to refuel and chat with locals. Cheer on your favorite sports teams at The Boulevard Bar & Grill; enjoy grab-and-go signature soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts from Starboard Market; and indulge in a refreshing acai bowl and bubble waffles at De-Lish Acai Bar.
 

For a nightcap, stop by 173 Craft Distillery to sample the unique takes on spirits crafted by a chemist, physician and engineer.

With amenities like a free hot breakfast, airport shuttle, indoor pool and whirlpool plus a sundry shop and modern suites, Best Western Plus Carter Lake merges the comforts of home and luxurious living. Its proximity to popular Council Bluffs attractions makes your planning even easier.
 

Escape to the outdoors and admire Council Bluffs’ and Omaha’s cityscapes and expansive views of the Missouri River by strolling across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Then spend a casual afternoon soaking in the sights at Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park, a calming five-acre greenspace that preserves key habitats and connects to over 40 miles of recreational trails. For an eye-opening (and free!) experience, stop by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum to explore over 150 years of railroading history.
 

As the day winds down and dinner time rolls around, there’s no need to stress over your dinner plans. The 360 Steakhouse is an easy choice as one of the most scenic restaurants in the country. Enjoy delicious appetizers, hearty steaks or flavorful seafood with a view of the city skylines. For a more low-key eatery, check out Tish’s Restaurant, where soft lighting and a casual space paired with soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads and more make you feel right at home. If you’re feeling social, join locals for a relaxing nightcap at Full Fledged Brewing Company.

Discover the ease of small-town life with a stay at Best Western Holiday Manor in Newton. Its pet-friendly, spacious rooms perfectly pair with the indoor pool and fitness center to ensure you have everything you need. When you make your way to the complimentary breakfast, be sure to say hello to a hotel employee named Lucy, who has worked the breakfast for over 20 years and is a popular person with guests.
 

Disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden, where you can wander between beautifully manicured gardens and relax beside a bubbling stream. Or embrace creativity and culture by paying a visit to the Centre for Arts & Artists, where you can get lost in art displays and studios.
 

If you love history, stop by the Jasper County Historical Museum to peruse a diverse collection of artifacts, photos and exhibits that offer a glimpse into Iowa’s past. For a nostalgic experience, watch a movie beneath the stars at the Valle Drive In Theatre or enjoy a modern-day movie inside an old-fashioned space at the Capitol II Theatre.
 

When you’re hungry, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Biaggio’s or relax with a classic pie at Giovanni’s Pizzeria. Discover a culinary gem with a visit to Viet-Thai Taste, which invites diners to explore the fresh, homemade flavors of Vietnam and Thailand. When you return to the hotel, make the short walk to Gezellig Brewing Company to enjoy a drink surrounded by historic buildings before officially retreating to your room for the night.

Situated in the heart of downtown Waterloo, Best Western Plus/Executive Residency represents revitalization and modern luxury. Each stylish suite features sweeping views of the city and offers access to the indoor pool and fitness center plus a complimentary breakfast every morning.
 

While in Waterloo, you won’t want to miss visiting the many Grout Museum locations. Explore area history, regional flora and fauna and the area’s only public planetarium at the Grout Museum of History & Science; reflect on the stories of Iowa’s veterans and military at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum; or embrace your inner child by learning about how science affects our everyday lives at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. Venture further out and discover a unique piece of area history at the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls.
 

For fun in nature, spend an afternoon exploring Hartman Reserve Nature Center, a 340-acre woodland that features a variety of winding trails surrounded by towering trees, wildlife and Cedar River backwaters. Or stop by the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens to admire brightly overflowing gardens and cozy hideaways where you can enjoy a picnic or read a book.
 

Extend your exploration by refueling at a locally owned eatery. Morg’s Diner, one of the area’s most famous breakfast spots, is known for its plate-sized pancakes; The Brown Bottle boasts an upscale dining experience inside a historic building; Newton’s Paradise Café serves classic American meals with a fun twist inside a nostalgic space; and SingleSpeed Brewing pairs its craft brews with unique food.

Recognized as one of the best hotels in the area, Best Western Mt. Pleasant Inn welcomes visitors with open arms (plus an indoor pool, fitness center and free breakfast). To make your stay even easier, it’s located just minutes away from popular Mt. Pleasant attractions and restaurants.
 

Disconnect from modern day life and step into the past at the Midwest Old Thresher Heritage Museum. Explore everything from traction steam engines, a 1915 farmhouse and old machinery as well as a doll collection and antique printing equipment. Dive even further into the old days by touring the 1876 Harlan-Lincoln House, which shares the stories behind Abraham Lincoln’s connections to Iowa.
 

For a breath of fresh air, stop by the 240-acre Gibson Recreation Area to admire its diverse habitats, from hardwood forests and restored prairies to ponds and marshes. Or, explore Oakland Mills Park’s nature center, live animal displays and nature trail.
 

When you’re hungry, head to The Grange Public House and Brewery to sample eclectic farm-to-table flavors, house-brewed beers and craft cocktails. Or settle into a booth at Jefferson Street Grill to enjoy its cozy atmosphere paired with a burger, sandwich, salad or steak or seafood dinner. For authentic Mexican cuisine, look no further than Antojitos Maya.