The Best Hotels in Cedar Rapids

Iowa’s second city is steadily outgrowing its industrial roots to become an attractive, low-key travel destination that represents the best of Midwest American values. Museums here focus on African-American heritage alongside western art. Local venues like the historic Paramount and Theater Cedar Rapids showcase local talents in music and theater, while shopaholics will have no trouble keeping busy in the two major shopping malls. The treasures of Cedar Rapids have to be teased out of the city’s fabric. But they are there, and you will quickly learn why Midwestern hospitality is the stuff of legends.

Hotels in Cedar Rapids

The hotel selection in Cedar Rapids is typical of almost every mid-sized city in the Midwest. Chain hotels rule the roost, followed by a few independent operators of varying degrees of quality. There are only a few upscale hotels here, like the Best Western Cooper’s Mill, which really stand above the other lodging options. Since most visitors to Cedar Rapids are business travelers, hotels here typically have rooms available. Accommodations are mostly clustered together around the city’s top attractions, like Hawkeye Downs Speedway, Lindale Mall, and the downtown riverside area.

Where to stay

If you are looking for vintage Midwest style in your surroundings, then you should find a place to stay in the downtown district. There are a few historic hotels and a couple of upscale chain hotels to choose from, with the riverside Best Western Cooper’s Mill leading the pack. However, staying outside of the city center has its advantages. You tend to get more for your money at top-end chains like the Residence Inn Cedar Rapids and a quieter atmosphere. The great thing about this city is that nothing is really far away if you have a car. Other big attractions like Linden Mall lure chain hotels as well. The Quality Inn Cedar Rapids is close enough to the mall that guests can walk there. Most hotels on the edge of the city offer more amenities than their city center counterparts, so expect swimming pools or fitness rooms.