cheap hotels in Ames, IA

1. Hilton Garden Inn Ames (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 1325 Dickinson Ave, Ames, IA 50014
  • Phone: (515) 233-8000
  • Ratings: 4.1 (517 reviews) Very good Eco-certified
  • Website : Hilton Garden Inn Ames
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Contemporary hotel with modern rooms & suites, plus an indoor pool, fitness center & a restaurant.

About this hotel

On Highway 30 at the South Dakota exit and 5 miles from Interstate 35, this contemporary hotel is a 6-minute drive to Iowa State University.All rooms and suites offer modern decor and custom-designed beds, plus flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, microwaves, minifridges and free WiFi. Some rooms include whirlpool tubs.A buffet or cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there’s a restaurant serving American cuisine, as well as an unassuming bar and a 24/7 market. There’s also a fitness center and the indoor pool. Additional amenities include 3 meeting rooms, a ballroom and a business center.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests mentioned the rooms are clean
  • The rooms have minibars and TVs
  • Some guests disliked the bathrooms
  • 2 min walk to Perfect Games
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests mentioned hot tubs 16 times
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a casino
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

adam connelly

Stayed here on a Saturday the first week of April of 2022 and my stay was phenomenal I really appreciated the fantastic customer service from the front desk receptionist (I gave you a shout out to your manager so hopefully you got promoted brother) and from the manager the morning I checked out All the staff was accommodating and professional each time I spoke with them

I would highly recommend anyone staying in Ames for a weekend getaway, college visit, or just stopping for a sporting event to seriously consider this fabolous hotel I will be staying there each time I revisit the beautiful city of Ames, the hospitality and service is unmatched!

Rene Jackson

The room had a broken coffee pot that spilled all over the floor No one would come clean it The girl at the front desk was very rude about the possibility of us having coffee from in the lobby

It took two days to get someone to remove the dirty towels from the room and replace them so we could shower The tub drained so slowly that it became slippery an unsafe The kitchen staff for the buffet in the morning we’re lovely people Although the last day we had breakfast they didn’t tell us that the bacon was turkey bacon & turkey sausage and it was cold and tasted like cardboard

Rajko Boom

Good place to stay! I use it during business travel, but also very popular for family weekend stays especially when sports games are going on in town!Just grab a beverage at the bar and you will be fine!

2. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames (2-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off US-30, this down-to-earth hotel is 3 miles from the Ames History Museum and 4 miles from tours at the Reiman Gardens.Featuring bright accent walls and carpeted floors, the relaxed rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as microwaves, and tea and coffeemakers. Suites add sitting areas with pull-out sofas.Freebies include a breakfast buffet and parking. Other amenities consist of an exercise room, an indoor pool and coin-operated laundry facilities, plus a hot tub.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • 6 min drive to Reiman Gardens
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned beds 22 times
  • The fitness center has treadmills

Feedback From Real Customers

Jami Tharp

My parents came into town for a surprise birthday party for my sister-in-law They tried to get a room where everyone else was staying but the hotel was sold outThey were very impressed with Nicole

Her professionalism, courtesy and service was top notch Very accommodatingThe room was nice and clean and very comfortableThe breakfast was very wholesome and offered alot of varietyThey said they would definitely return again to this hotel when they’re in the area

Annie Keller

Everything I experienced at this hotel was great from check in to check out While there as a bit of delay waiting for someone to arrive to check in the front desk clerk was apologetic and super niceThe room was huge and comfortable and well lit

My boys loved the pool and I liked that there was a little outdoor patio next to the pool room to enjoyBreakfast was basic but goodOverall an enjoyable experience and we will use this hotel again!

Laura Bliss

Will stay again! My three kids and I stayed last weekend When we arrived I was struggling with getting everyone and our luggage inside Your front desk clerk Alyssa C

Was quick to come help us! She was very friendly and helped me get all the bags in door and up to our room Once we were in our room she made sure we didn’t need anything else before leaving She had a smile on her face the entire time and was very sweet After she left I realized we needed a few extra pillows, I called down and she had them to us in a flash She made our entire trip so much more pleasant so much so that this is the first hotel review I’ve ever posted I wanted to be sure she was recognized for her hard work and excellent customer service! Thank you Alyssa

3. Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus (2-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off Highway 30, this relaxed hotel is 3 miles from both Iowa State University and Lake LaVerne, and 5 miles from Moore Memorial Park in central Ames.The streamlined rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as work areas, microwaves and minifridges. Suites add sitting areas with sofabeds.Parking is complimentary, as is hot breakfast served in a down-to-earth dining room. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, coin-operated laundry facilities and a fitness room.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the beds
  • Guests liked the down-to-earth rooms, which have refrigerators
  • 1 min walk to Perfect Games
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • The fitness center has elliptical machines and treadmills
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an outdoor pool
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a spa

Feedback From Real Customers

Jennifer Robbins

I gave this hotel 2 stars for the following reasons, which I broke down into Pros and ConsPros:*Very comfortable, clean beds with awesome pillows!* Hotel staff were polite and respectful!* Good-tasting, well-stocked, hot breakfast!*Overall, clean room*Not cheap yet fairly affordable compared to other hotels in the area

* Nice sized fridge and awesome microwave in the room* heating/fans workedCons:* Hottub/spa was out of service (no sign posted) yet it only had a foot or so of murky water in itit looked like it had been sitting lile that for some time (this was a disappointment to me and other guests)* Our room tv didn’t work The hotel front desk staff was kind enough to move us to a new room on another floor, yet it was still a hassle since we had already unpacked* Limited vending machine options They didn’t even have bottled water (and the drinking water in Ames is not the greatest), so had to go the gas station* No coffee cup lids available in case you want your coffee to go* Poorly lit hallways (made the hallways look creepy my kids said)* Check-in isn’t until 3 PM* There were always wet towels laying on the elevator floorexcept the final time we used the elevator!

4. Iowa House (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 405 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014
  • Phone: (515) 292-2474
  • Ratings: 4.8 (123 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Iowa House
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Homey hotel set in a restored fraternity house featuring a casual living room, plus free breakfast.

About this hotel

Set in a restored fraternity house dating from 1924, this cozy redbrick hotel on a leafy property is an 8-minute walk from Iowa State University and 8 miles from Ada Hayden Heritage Park.Warm rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and whirlpool tubs; some offer minifridges, reclining chairs, pillow-top mattresses and/or handmade quilts. Suites feature lofts and spiral staircases.Hot breakfast and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a casual dining room, an informal living room and a frat-style meeting room.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms and liked the beds
  • Walking distance to Christian Petersen Art Museum and Anderson Sculpture Garden
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • The hotel has a boutique store

Feedback From Real Customers

Frank Haege

Really nice place, modern upgrades, very clean and professional Location is in a neighborhood and it backs up to Iowa State softball field and is a few blocks from restaurants and shops It is more of a Hotel than a B and B, so it depends on what vibe your looking for

The hallways are like a hotel not a house, if that makes sense

5. AmericInn by Wyndham Ames (2-star hotel)

  • Address: 2507 SE 16th St, Ames, IA 50010
  • Phone: (515) 233-1005
  • Ratings: 4.0 (361 reviews) Very good
  • Website : AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Traditional property offering free breakfast, parking & Wi-Fi, plus an indoor pool.

About this hotel

Set off I-35, this classic hotel is 3 miles from Reiman Gardens and 5 miles from Iowa State University.The straightforward rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Studios and 1-bedroom suites add living areas with pull-out sofas, and some have wet bars, fireplaces or whirlpool tubs.The property offers complimentary cooked breakfast and parking. Other amenities include an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a business center.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • 6 min drive to Reiman Gardens
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned hot tubs 31 times
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 11 times
  • Guests liked the indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Steve Peterson

Solidly average Fairly well maintained, lobby area was good Bed was decent

TV and other room amenities worked fine Not a lot of electrical outlets for devices, but could make do Shower pressure was weak and the linens are cheap; the washcloths were paper thin and typical small bath towels Hotel was nice and quiet but it was also a weekday in February Did not visit the pool area so can’t comment on that

Courtney Sisson

Staff was friendly and helpful Hotel is dated and could use a good scrubbing Breakfast was slightly disappointing, not much to choose from

Good price and room was comfortable Pool was a little chilly the kids didn’t mind, has a pool table for use so that is cool It was a good stay and would stay again Can’t beat the price or service

Ryen Preteroti

AmericInn hotels were usually enjoyable to stay in at several different locations However this experience was extremely disappointing First the TV cable was broken and taped to the back of the TV and cable did not work

They brought us a whole new TV that was dusty and gross and way smaller We had to hook up the TV on our own We then filled up the hot tub after I wiped it out Very gross Finally sat in to relax and the jets didn’t work Come to find out they knew prior to us checking in the part for that tub was on order So they knew it was broken and still booked us in there at full price The carpet was ripped and gross We ended up leaving and going elsewhere because the only compensation offered was a $20 discount Front desk receptionist was friendly and understanding but over all unimpressed and would not go back to this location

6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

At the crossroads of I-35 and Highway 30, this informal apartment hotel with a bright facade is 4 miles from Iowa State University and 31 miles from downtown Des Moines.Simple studios with warm styling feature kitchens, as well as free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, desks and sofas. The 1- and 2-bedroom apartments add separate living areas.In addition to free breakfast and parking, amenities include a BBQ/picnic area, a fitness center, and an indoor pool with a hot tub. Meeting facilities are also available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the kitchenettes
  • The rooms have refrigerators
  • 6 min drive to Reiman Gardens
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests praised the restaurant
  • Guests liked the beds, mentioned 13 times in reviews
  • Guests mentioned bathrooms 11 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines

Feedback From Real Customers

Regina JOHNSON

Graduation weekend 6 rooms total And everyone was happy with there stay This is my second time visiting this location

The staff is the best!!!! Jeremiah you have a wonderful group of team members making my family stay the best We enjoyed the outside fireplace The staff and I had to learn how to make it work The pool area, I couldn’t breath the chlorine so I didn’t get to the hot tub Wish I’d stayed at this place during the 10 times visiting my daughter The breakfast and lobby was great The conference was nice too, just everything, lolHopefully this TownePlace doesn’t change too much for the next group of college students and their families

Dan Siroky

Update: Overcharge has been resolved, after the 4th time contacting someone Overall stay was good, but getting the charge reversed was a real hassleOriginal Review: Was charged an additional $200 after paying for the stay ahead of time

No explanation from management, except that they’d reverse the charges, which they never did Will not be staying there again

7. Comfort Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

In an area filled with business parks, this unassuming hotel is 2 miles from both the Brunnier Art Museum and the landscaped Reiman Gardens. Highway 30 is less than a mile away.Straightforward rooms offer Wi-Fi and flat-screens, plus minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Suites add living areas with sofabeds.There’s an exercise room and an indoor pool. Other amenities include a business center, and a lobby lounge with a fireplace. Parking and a breakfast buffet are available. Pets are welcome.

Things You Need to Know

  • 3 min drive to Reiman Gardens
  • Guests liked the breakfast
  • The fitness center has elliptical machines and treadmills

Feedback From Real Customers

Megan James

Our family stays here every time we are in Ames The staff is absolutely AMAZING and INVITING These bad reviews are ppl are whiners and complainers

Every hotel has their points But this Comfort Inn has ppl who actually care about their guests The little breakfast attendant Chloe is an absolute delight Goes above and beyond in her job The breakfast area was the cleanest I’ve ever seen Even after sloppy ppl left their messes, she was quick to pick up right behind themIf you stay here, be sure to ask for herThe front desk girls always had smiles and said hello asking us how our stay is going Great view of the fairways from the local golf course Hats off to this Comfort Inn! I’d give them a million stars if Google offered more! Keep up the awesome job!!!

Sherrill Roof

Not only was the Comfort Inn spotless, staff was friendly, the lemon water was wonderful, as was the breakfast In addition, I forgot a compression stocking donner, very important to me, and didn’t realize it until the following morning and my heart sank When I called the hotel, it had been turned in by the cleaning person, Patty

Bonnie, the manager, went to ALOT of trouble, trying to find a box as the item was an awkward configuration, she went to the post office and is putting the donner in the mail to me for which I’m so grateful This is what I’d call “beyond the line of duty” I would certainly recommend a stay at this location, even if I hadn’t left something It was so clean and, I have to add, quiet Our family met there for a weekend reunion and all were very pleased with the hotelSherrillPlymouth, MN

Debra Walters

I have stayed here many times and it has always been my hotel of choice I had an issue that I wanted to discuss at check out (pool was closed for entire stay because of too much chlorine) and was told to call GM on Monday I have tried to reach GM but “other manager” told me to just call corporate and hung up on me

I am not sure what to say about this hotel if they aren’t willing to listen and correct when something goes wrong Things happen, and that is understandable But not listening to your guest is very disappointing

8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA (2-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off I-35, this standard all-suite hotel is 3 miles from Iowa State University and 4 miles from Reiman Gardens.Warm, country-style suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and microwaves, as well as dining tables and separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Upgraded suites add whirlpool tubs.A hot breakfast buffet is complimentary. Amenities include a lounge with a library, along with a hot tub, an indoor pool and an exercise room. There’s a coin-operated laundry. Parking is available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the beds
  • 6 min drive to Reiman Gardens
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the indoor pool and the hot tub

Feedback From Real Customers

Mindy Kimball-Gerritson

We stayed one night as part of a little get away with 2 of our kids after being cooped up due to the recent brutal cold Our short stay was wonderful Room was very clean, kids had a great time in the pool (hot tub jets weren’t working but the tub was still hot and relaxing so we didn’t mind,) all staff we interacted with were helpful, kind and attentive

There was plenty to choose from at breakfast and the attendant did a great job keeping everything stocked despite how busy it was on a Sunday morning Raj checked us out in the morning and was very kind and professional We will absolutely stay here again

E Z

What a Great Place Raj greeted us with a friendly and helpful smile Everything was clean and fresh

Rooms were open and airy Very comfortable and clean beds and bedding Theresa is wonderful in the breakfast area Lots of good food and clean tables Fresh scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy and fresh made waffles This IS the place to stay in Ames

Kevin Koch

Check in was smooth, room was clean, and breakfasts met our needs Unfortunately some improvements are needed The room had a strong musty smell and the air was very humid

I checked the air filter on the AC the first night and it was quite dirty so I cleaned it myself The beds were not comfortable They seemed worn out as they had noticeable lumps What was most disappointing was that the hotel sent an automated text message the first morning asking me to rate my initial experience and upon me giving them a 4/10, they asked for more feedback I gave all of the feedback above and they text back a couple times saying they would respond but never did That just amplified my disappointment If I was in a pinch I’d stay there again but would rather pay more and stay at one of the other several hotels on the same street

9. Comfort Inn (2-star hotel)

  • Address: 425 Timberland Dr, Story City, IA 50248
  • Phone: (515) 733-6363
  • Ratings: 4.3 (288 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Comfort Inn
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Casual rooms in a relaxed hotel with an indoor pool & hot tub, plus free breakfast & WiFi.

About this hotel

Off Interstate 35, this 3-story hotel is 1.2 miles from the Bartlett Museum and 1.5 miles from the Story Theatre/Grand Opera House.The casual rooms feature free WiFi and have en suite bathrooms with showers, as well as cable TV and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add pull-out sofas, as do suites, which add minifridges, microwaves and whirlpool tubs.Freebies include hot breakfast, and outdoor parking for cars, trucks and buses. There’s an indoor heated pool and a hot tub. Other amenities include computers with Internet, an exercise room and meeting space.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • Guests praised the bathrooms
  • 5 min drive to Story City Antique Carousel
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests liked the beds, mentioned 30 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a fitness center
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Kymn Davis

Driving through the state and needed to stop for the night Called about an hour before we got there to book a room–receptionist was very polite and professional Asked for a crib and by the time we got there, they had the crib set up in the room ready to go! Arrived at midnight and the front desk clerk was very fast, efficient, and polite

Room was spacious and clean Toiletries offered were complete–even had mouthwash! Had 3 hand sanitizers in the room for us due to COVID Didn’t get to use the pool (no time), but it looked great Breakfast was great–they had biscuits and gravy, omletes, hasbrowns, bacon, breakfast burritos, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, breads, bagels, and my personal favorite waffles (in cinnamon or regular batter!) As someone who has to sleep with a fan–this hotel was perfect! Their ac unit had a fan option that actually stayed on all night!! Highly recommend!!!

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