Hotels in Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa
Hotels near Ames, Iowa
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames
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Hampton Inn & Suites Ames
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ames
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Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus
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Courtyard by Marriott Ames
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames
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Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Boone
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Staybridge Suites Ames by IHG
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Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
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Comfort Inn Story City
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames
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Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
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GrandStay Hotel & Suites
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ames by IHG
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AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
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Which hotel fits best?
Best brands for team travel and amenities that actually matter.
What's around Ames?
Where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
15 Hotels in Ames
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames
Home2 Suites delivers the space and structure traveling groups need to stay organized and comfortable across multi-night city stays.
- Fitness center provides familiar workout routines when everything else feels new
- Full kitchens in suites reduce reliance on limited local dining options
- Complimentary breakfast removes one daily decision in unfamiliar territory
Hampton Inn & Suites Ames
Hampton by Hilton ensures your group enjoys the consistent comfort and service that transforms any unfamiliar city into a manageable experience.
- 24/7 fitness center offers consistent workout routine away from home
- Meeting space offers private area for group planning and coordination
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ames
SpringHill Suites focuses on delivering the roomy accommodations and reliable hospitality that simplify group travel logistics away from home.
- Guest laundry facilities eliminate overpacking for extended city stays
- Free parking simplifies logistics when navigating an unknown small town
- Meeting spaces provide group gathering areas for trip planning and coordination
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus
Comfort Suites delivers the dependable foundation every group coordinator needs to keep their team organized and focused throughout their city stay.
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates the morning hunt for food in unfamiliar territory
- Meeting spaces provide gathering spots when hotel becomes trip headquarters
- Accessible rooms ensure comfortable stays for all group members
Courtyard by Marriott Ames
Marriott Hotels & Resorts elevates group city travel by combining dependable service with thoughtful touches that help teams maximize every moment of their stay.
- USB charging stations at every bedside keep devices powered overnight
- Mini-refrigerators store leftovers and beverages for multi-day city stays
- Complimentary hot breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames
TownePlace Suites delivers the extended-stay expertise that keeps your group organized, comfortable, and focused throughout your entire city adventure.
- Free parking removes the uncertainty of street parking in unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Full kitchens in suites reduce restaurant dependency during extended stays
- Multi-bedroom suites keep traveling families together under one roof
Booking 9+ rooms in Ames? Get group rates.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Boone
Cobblestone Hotels delivers the budget-friendly coordination your group needs to stay organized and comfortable across multiple tournament nights.
- Indoor corridors shield guests from weather during room-to-room visits
- Suite accommodations create space for planning and regrouping sessions
- Connecting rooms keep families and teams together while maintaining privacy
Staybridge Suites Ames by IHG
Staybridge Suites creates the reliable headquarters your group depends on to manage schedules, meals, and downtime together efficiently.
- Hot breakfast buffet eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
- Meeting spaces give groups centralized planning areas for daily activities
- Guest laundry facilities mean lighter packing for extended city stays
Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
Sleep Inn offers the dependable foundation your team requires when managing group logistics without breaking the tournament travel budget.
- Free WiFi keeps groups connected for coordinating daily plans
- Complimentary WiFi keeps everyone connected during multi-day city exploration
- Free parking secures the group's transportation base in unknown areas
Comfort Inn Story City
Comfort Suites eliminates the guesswork of group accommodation, offering consistent comfort that lets you focus on competition instead of logistics.
- Connecting rooms keep traveling groups together while maintaining privacy
- Kitchenettes reduce dining decisions in towns with limited restaurant options
- Indoor corridors offer secure access when exploring an unfamiliar town
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames
Marriott Hotels & Resorts provides the reliable foundation that keeps traveling groups focused on their tournament instead of hotel hassles.
- Spacious lobby offers regrouping space for families navigating new cities
- 24-hour front desk provides local guidance when exploring unfamiliar surroundings
- Free WiFi throughout property keeps everyone connected during city exploration
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
Park Inn by Radisson offers the reliable framework that keeps traveling teams and families synchronized throughout their city stay.
- Free parking removes downtown navigation stress and unexpected costs
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates the morning hunt for unfamiliar dining options
- On-site restaurant provides reliable dining without exploring unknown local options
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Residential comfort at hotel rates makes multi-room bookings work for teams.
- Start every tournament morning with complimentary hot breakfast for families
- Stretch your tournament budget further with complimentary onsite parking spaces
- Gather your entire team in the welcoming lobby lounge area
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ames by IHG
Holiday Inn Express delivers the reliable coordination your group needs to stay organized and energized throughout your city adventure.
- Free WiFi throughout keeps everyone connected during multi-day city trips
- Indoor pool provides reliable entertainment regardless of weather conditions
- Suite accommodations provide space to spread out and plan daily activities
AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
AmericInn by Wyndham creates the organized comfort and group-friendly environment that transforms city visits into memorable shared adventures for every traveler.
- Free parking removes one major city expense from the budget
- Guest laundry facilities eliminate overpacking for extended city stays
- Indoor corridors provide weather protection in unpredictable climates
Ames, Iowa Travel Guide
Where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
City Overview
Ames sits right in the heart of Iowa as a classic college town built around Iowa State University. With about 65,000 residents, it's big enough to have real amenities but small enough that you won't spend your weekend stuck in traffic. The city revolves around the Cyclones - ISU's sports teams - and that athletic energy spills over into youth and amateur sports throughout the area.
The town has that quintessential Midwest feel: friendly locals, clean facilities, and organizers who actually know how to run tournaments efficiently. Story County consistently ranks as one of the healthiest counties in Iowa, which translates to excellent recreational facilities and a community that takes sports seriously. You'll find well-maintained fields, courts, and venues that can handle everything from youth soccer tournaments to adult softball leagues.
Ames punches above its weight in terms of infrastructure thanks to the university. The hotels are used to handling groups, the restaurants can feed teams, and there's enough entertainment to keep families busy between games. It's the kind of place where tournament directors pick up the phone when you call and parking is actually free at most venues.
Getting Around
You'll fly into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 45 minutes south via I-35. It's a straightforward drive on a major interstate, and most rental car companies operate out of DSM. Ames Municipal Airport exists but only handles small private planes - skip it unless you're flying in on a charter.
Once you're in Ames, everything is accessible by car within 15 minutes. CyRide is the local bus system that's free and actually reliable, connecting Iowa State campus to most parts of town, but it's geared toward students, not sports families with gear. Uber and Lyft work here but with limited drivers - don't count on getting a ride at 6 AM for early games. Most teams rent a van or bring their own vehicles.
Major highways include I-35 running north-south and US-30 east-west, making Ames a convenient stop for teams traveling through the Midwest. Lincoln Way is the main east-west street through town, while Grand Avenue runs north-south. Traffic is rarely an issue except during ISU football Saturdays in fall.
Where to Stay
The South Ames corridor along I-35 has most of the chain hotels and is your best bet for tournament groups. This area puts you within 10 minutes of most sports venues and offers easy highway access. You'll find Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Suites, and similar properties that know how to handle team blocks and early breakfast requests.
Campus area hotels along Lincoln Way work if your events are at ISU facilities, but they book up fast during the academic year and football season. The West Ames area near the mall has newer properties and is convenient for families who want shopping and dining within walking distance. Avoid downtown Ames for sports groups - it's mostly geared toward business travelers and lacks the amenities teams need.
Most tournament organizers will recommend specific hotels they've worked with before. These properties typically offer team rates, late check-out options, and breakfast that starts early enough for 8 AM games. Book early during peak tournament season (March through October) as Ames doesn't have unlimited hotel inventory.
Sports & Recreation
Iowa State University facilities host major tournaments throughout the year. Hilton Coliseum handles basketball events, while Jack Trice Stadium occasionally hosts track and field competitions. The Lied Recreation Athletic Center has multiple courts and pools but primarily serves ISU students.
For youth sports, Ames Athletic Complex on the city's east side is the main hub, featuring multiple softball/baseball diamonds and soccer fields. The Ames Tennis Center runs tournaments from spring through fall, while Brookside Park handles overflow soccer and baseball games. The Ames Ice Arena hosts hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions year-round.
The city is particularly known for softball tournaments - the facilities are well-maintained and the local organizing committees run tight schedules. Youth soccer also has a strong presence, with tournaments drawing teams from across the Midwest. Swimming competitions happen at the Furman Aquatic Center, which has a 50-meter pool and plenty of seating for spectators.
Things to Do
Reiman Gardens on the ISU campus is worth a visit, especially for families with younger kids who need a break from sports. The butterfly conservatory and children's garden provide a nice change of pace. Ada Hayden Heritage Park has trails around a lake - perfect for team runs or just getting some fresh air between games.
The Brunnier Art Museum and Christian Petersen Art Museum, both on campus, offer quick cultural stops when you need to kill an hour. Perfect Games is a solid arcade and entertainment center that teams often hit after tournaments wrap up. For outdoor activities, Ledges State Park is about 20 minutes south and has decent hiking trails.
If you're here during football season, Cyclone sports are a big deal - just know that hotel availability and restaurant waits increase significantly on game weekends. VEISHEA (now called CYtoberfest) in fall brings campus activities, though it's primarily student-focused. The Des Moines metro is close enough for day trips if you have extended downtime, offering more museums, shopping, and entertainment options.
Food & Drink
HuHot Mongolian Grill is perfect for team dinners - kids can customize their meals and the portions are substantial. Hickory Park serves solid barbecue with large group seating, while The Fighting Burrito offers quick, filling Mexican food that works for lunch between games. Jeff's Pizza is a local institution that delivers to hotels and can handle large orders efficiently.
For quick breakfast beyond hotel offerings, Panera Bread and Einstein Bros Bagels both open early and move lines fast. Casey's General Store is everywhere in Iowa and their breakfast pizza is actually decent fuel for early tournaments. Culver's provides reliable fast-casual burgers and frozen custard that teams often hit for celebration meals.
West Towne Pub and Dublin Bay work for adult leagues and coaching staff looking for a beer after long tournament days. The campustown area has numerous pizza places, though service can be slow during the academic year. Chain restaurants cluster around South Duff Avenue and the mall area - nothing exotic, but reliable options that understand feeding groups quickly.
Shopping & Entertainment
North Grand Mall anchors the retail scene with standard chain stores, a food court, and a movie theater. It's sufficient for grabbing forgotten tournament gear or keeping kids occupied during rain delays. Target and Walmart are both easily accessible for team supplies, snacks, and emergency equipment needs.
Perfect Games offers bowling, laser tag, and arcade games - a reliable team bonding spot after tournaments conclude. Cinemark Movies 12 at the mall shows current releases and offers matinee pricing. The Iowa State Center occasionally hosts concerts and shows, though most entertainment revolves around university events during the academic year.
For sports gear, Dick's Sporting Goods handles most needs, while Scheels in nearby West Des Moines offers a larger selection if you're willing to drive. Campustown has local shops and restaurants, but it's geared toward college students rather than sports families. The entertainment options are adequate but not extensive - plan accordingly if you have significant downtime between events.
Weather & Packing
Iowa weather changes fast and can be extreme. Spring tournaments (March-May) require layers - it might be 40°F at 8 AM and 70°F by afternoon. Pack rain gear because spring storms are common and can delay outdoor events for hours. Summer (June-August) gets hot and humid, with temperatures often hitting the 90s, but most venues have adequate shade and water access.
Fall tournaments offer the most pleasant weather, though you'll still want a warm jacket for early morning games. Winter events are typically indoors, but getting between venues can be brutal - pack serious cold weather gear if you're here December through February. Wind is a constant factor year-round, especially at outdoor venues with no tree coverage.
Always pack more layers than you think you'll need and bring waterproof bags for equipment. Severe weather season (April-June) can bring tornado warnings that halt outdoor play entirely. Download weather apps and pay attention to local forecasts. Most tournament directors are experienced with weather delays and have backup plans, but being prepared yourself prevents miserable experiences waiting out storms.
Local Tips
Parking is free at most venues, but Iowa State campus events during the school year can be tricky - arrive early or be prepared to walk. Football Saturdays in fall change everything - traffic, restaurant waits, and hotel availability all become major issues. If your tournament coincides with a home game, plan accordingly.
Local tournament organizers are generally excellent - they return calls, start on time, and have contingency plans. Hy-Vee grocery stores are everywhere and perfect for stocking hotel rooms with snacks and drinks. Their deli sections make decent team lunches too. Casey's pizza is surprisingly popular with locals, though it might seem odd to outsiders.
The CyRide bus app helps if you're using public transit, though most sports families need cars. Iowa nice is real - locals will give directions and recommendations if you ask. Hotel pools typically close early (9 or 10 PM), so don't plan late-night team celebrations around swimming. Gas stations close early on Sundays, so fill up Saturday night if you're driving out Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions travelers ask before booking in Ames — answered with the specifics you actually need.
Questions Travelers Ask What people want to know before booking in Ames
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa are good for families?
Several hotels in Ames, Iowa are well-suited for families. Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), GrandStay Hotel & Suites (2.2 mi, from $102/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Ames (2.21 mi, from $153/night) all offer suites, a pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry. Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus also has connecting rooms. Courtyard by Marriott Ames also has connecting rooms.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa are good for team or group travel?
Several hotels in Ames, Iowa accommodate team and group travel. Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Boone (20.69 mi, from $128/night), Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), and GrandStay Hotel & Suites (2.2 mi, from $102/night) all offer meeting space, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry. Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Boone also has bus or oversized vehicle parking.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Ames, Iowa?
Yes — Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus (5.59 mi, from $80/night) is a budget-friendly option in Ames, Iowa, with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Are there extended-stay hotels in Ames, Iowa?
Yes — TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames (3.15 mi, from $134/night), Staybridge Suites Ames by IHG (3.2 mi, from $113/night), and Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames (3.33 mi, from $123/night) are all extended-stay properties in Ames, Iowa, with full kitchens and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa are great for a weekend getaway?
Several hotels in Ames, Iowa are ideal for a weekend getaway. Courtyard by Marriott Ames (2.21 mi, from $153/night), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames (3.42 mi, from $100/night), and Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites (3.43 mi, from $91/night) all offer a pool and on-site dining.
Hotel Amenities & Features Pools, breakfast, pet policies, and more
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa offer free breakfast?
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), GrandStay Hotel & Suites (2.2 mi, from $102/night), and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ames (3.12 mi, from $123/night) include complimentary breakfast.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa offer free parking?
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames (3.15 mi, from $134/night), and Staybridge Suites Ames by IHG (3.2 mi, from $113/night) offer complimentary parking.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa have suites or extra space?
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), GrandStay Hotel & Suites (2.2 mi, from $102/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Ames (2.21 mi, from $153/night) offer suite-style rooms with extra living space.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa have a full in-room kitchen?
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames (3.15 mi, from $134/night), Staybridge Suites Ames by IHG (3.2 mi, from $113/night), and Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames (3.33 mi, from $123/night) offer rooms with a full kitchen — stove, full-size fridge, and dishwasher.
Which hotels in Ames, Iowa have a kitchenette?
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus (1.97 mi, from $104/night), GrandStay Hotel & Suites (2.2 mi, from $102/night), and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ames (3.12 mi, from $123/night) offer rooms with a kitchenette — typically a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
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