The Most Unique Hotel
In Ames, Iowa.
to the Iowa State Campus.
in one of our three meeting areas.
Whirlpool Tubs
Free WiFi
Free Parking
Gourmet Breakfast
And More!
Make your experience relaxing and memorable.
Massive renovation transformed fraternity house into charming 15-Room ISU hotel.
Our Guests Enjoy These Modern Amenities:
And Many More!
The Closest Hotel to Iowa State University.
The Only Hotel Within Walking Distance.
- One block west of Welch Avenue in the heart of Campustown.
- 3 Blocks south of Lincoln Way and the Iowa State Central Campus.
Groups & Events
We're an excellent choice for weddings, receptions, reunions, and retreats.
We host reunions, wedding groups, family gatherings, retreats, and extended stays.
Iowa House guests may gather in our living room, dining room or the former fraternity Chapter Room.
We offer whole house rentals per request.
History & Architecture
Built in 1924 as the "Sigma Sigma Delta Chi" fraternity. Iowa House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, under Sigma Sigma Delta Chi Fraternity House. Massive renovation in 2007-2008 transformed the building into a unique hotel to accommodate visitors who appreciate history, the multi-cultural ISU campus ambiance and state-of-the art conveniences.
Iowa House is a three-story brick building with a unique double façade, facing both Hayward Avenue and Knapp. Lower gables intersect the steeply pitched, complex hip roof. The façade facing Knapp sports a porte-cochere or covered coach entry.
History & Architecture
Built in 1924 as the "Sigma Sigma Delta Chi" fraternity. Iowa House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, under Sigma Sigma Delta Chi Fraternity House. Massive renovation in 2007-2008 transformed the building into a unique hotel to accommodate visitors who appreciate history, the multi-cultural ISU campus ambiance and state-of-the art conveniences.
Iowa House is a three-story brick building with a unique double façade, facing both Hayward Avenue and Knapp. Lower gables intersect the steeply pitched, complex hip roof. The façade facing Knapp sports a porte-cochere or covered coach entry.
Current Weather in Ames, Iowa
50/27°F
43/28°F
59/45°F
54/28°F
Current Weather in Ames, Iowa
50/27°F
43/28°F
59/45°F
54/28°F
Hear It Directly From Our Guests!
- Jill P
I stayed here on October 27, 2019 with my son when we went to Ames for a tour of Iowa State. Location was close to campus and they advertised... read more wonderful homemade breakfast. I even spoke to the manager ahead of time to make sure they could meet my son's dietary restrictions. When we went down for breakfast in the morning, no one from the hotel was there. The other guests and I waited for a while, tried calling the hotel number, but there was no answer. (We actually heard it ringing at the front reception area, but there was no staff in the building). While we were on the university tour, I received a voicemail message (which I still have) from Noah, the manager who apologized and stated that they were offering each of us 50% off on our next two stays. He stated that he would keep a list of our names and I should call, rather than book online, and he would be sure to give the discount. Well, my son decided not to enroll at Iowa State, so we had no reason to return to Ames. I thought about calling to request some money back, instead of the discount that I was not likely to ever use, but I thought that would be a hardship for a small business, and I didn't want to be "that person," so I let it go. I guess it doesn't pay... I stayed here on October 27, 2019 with my son when we went to Ames for a tour of Iowa State. Location was close to campus and they advertised wonderful homemade breakfast. I even spoke to the manager ahead of time to make sure they could meet my son's dietary restrictions. When we went down for breakfast in the morning, no one from the hotel was there. The other guests and I waited for a while, tried calling the hotel number, but there was no answer. (We actually heard it ringing at the front reception area, but there was no staff in the building). While we were on the university tour, I received a voicemail message (which I still have) from Noah, the manager who apologized and stated that they were offering each of us 50% off on our next two stays. He stated that he would keep a list of our names and I should call, rather than book online, and he would be sure to give the discount. Well, my son decided not to enroll at Iowa State, so we had no reason to return to Ames. I thought about calling to request some money back, instead of the discount that I was not likely to ever use, but I thought that would be a hardship for a small business, and I didn't want to be "that person," so I let it go. I guess it doesn't pay to be nice. Well, now that my daughter is considering Iowa State, I called to reserve a room with my discount. They refuse to honor it or to offer any sort of discount at all. First, she said it was because Noah is not there anymore and they cannot find the list (but she was able to verify my prior stay). I offered to play the voice mail message that I still have. Then, the reason she gave is that she never would have resolved it that way. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. Too bad for them - we are going down on a Sunday night and the place will likely be mostly empty. If my daughter does end up going to Iowa State, we'll certainly never stay here. More 
September 9, 2022 - kimv527 I was in town on business and all the hotels were sold out. I happened to find this gem on Tripadvisor and booked it, as I had no other... read more choice. BOY am I glad everything else was sold out! Super comfortable bed, spacious room, great breakfast and the jacuzzi tub was the icing on the cake after driving all day across SD & IA! And the price was even cheaper than all the chain hotels! How can you beat a deal like that! Iowa House will definitely be my first choice in places to stay if I am in Ames again!
September 3, 2022 - Gungabill Perfect location. Quaint setting with wonderful guests and great amenities. It was a little noisy, especially near the stairway, but that's expected given the age of the building.... read more We plan to return with a few other couples to make it a "thing".
March 1, 2022 - jenniferfT793IY This is a quaint and convenient place to stay. -Clean room, comfy beds, wonderful hot breakfast and super friendly proprietors. It was our first visit, and we will... read more be staying at Iowa House again! It is a beautiful, historic site.
January 25, 2022 - N611VMandread Charming décor, immaculately clean, great breakfast, near restaurants, right by Iowa State, complimentary snacks available 24/7, and contactless entry available. Duplex room was available. No elevator that I saw,... read more though, so if you would like a third-floor room, be prepared for stairs. (There are first-floor rooms available, though). Would stay here again
November 11, 2021
Hear It Directly From Our Guests!
- Jill P I stayed here on October 27, 2019 with my son when we went to Ames for a tour of Iowa State. Location was close to campus and they advertised... read more wonderful homemade breakfast. I even spoke to the manager ahead of time to make sure they could meet my son's dietary restrictions. When we went down for breakfast in the morning, no one from the hotel was there. The other guests and I waited for a while, tried calling the hotel number, but there was no answer. (We actually heard it ringing at the front reception area, but there was no staff in the building). While we were on the university tour, I received a voicemail message (which I still have) from Noah, the manager who apologized and stated that they were offering each of us 50% off on our next two stays. He stated that he would keep a list of our names and I should call, rather than book online, and he would be sure to give the discount. Well, my son decided not to enroll at Iowa State, so we had no reason to return to Ames. I thought about calling to request some money back, instead of the discount that I was not likely to ever use, but I thought that would be a hardship for a small business, and I didn't want to be "that person," so I let it go. I guess it doesn't pay... I stayed here on October 27, 2019 with my son when we went to Ames for a tour of Iowa State. Location was close to campus and they advertised wonderful homemade breakfast. I even spoke to the manager ahead of time to make sure they could meet my son's dietary restrictions. When we went down for breakfast in the morning, no one from the hotel was there. The other guests and I waited for a while, tried calling the hotel number, but there was no answer. (We actually heard it ringing at the front reception area, but there was no staff in the building). While we were on the university tour, I received a voicemail message (which I still have) from Noah, the manager who apologized and stated that they were offering each of us 50% off on our next two stays. He stated that he would keep a list of our names and I should call, rather than book online, and he would be sure to give the discount. Well, my son decided not to enroll at Iowa State, so we had no reason to return to Ames. I thought about calling to request some money back, instead of the discount that I was not likely to ever use, but I thought that would be a hardship for a small business, and I didn't want to be "that person," so I let it go. I guess it doesn't pay to be nice. Well, now that my daughter is considering Iowa State, I called to reserve a room with my discount. They refuse to honor it or to offer any sort of discount at all. First, she said it was because Noah is not there anymore and they cannot find the list (but she was able to verify my prior stay). I offered to play the voice mail message that I still have. Then, the reason she gave is that she never would have resolved it that way. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. Too bad for them - we are going down on a Sunday night and the place will likely be mostly empty. If my daughter does end up going to Iowa State, we'll certainly never stay here. More
September 9, 2022 - kimv527 I was in town on business and all the hotels were sold out. I happened to find this gem on Tripadvisor and booked it, as I had no other... read more choice. BOY am I glad everything else was sold out! Super comfortable bed, spacious room, great breakfast and the jacuzzi tub was the icing on the cake after driving all day across SD & IA! And the price was even cheaper than all the chain hotels! How can you beat a deal like that! Iowa House will definitely be my first choice in places to stay if I am in Ames again!
September 3, 2022 - Gungabill Perfect location. Quaint setting with wonderful guests and great amenities. It was a little noisy, especially near the stairway, but that's expected given the age of the building.... read more We plan to return with a few other couples to make it a "thing".
March 1, 2022 - jenniferfT793IY This is a quaint and convenient place to stay. -Clean room, comfy beds, wonderful hot breakfast and super friendly proprietors. It was our first visit, and we will... read more be staying at Iowa House again! It is a beautiful, historic site.
January 25, 2022 - N611VMandread Charming décor, immaculately clean, great breakfast, near restaurants, right by Iowa State, complimentary snacks available 24/7, and contactless entry available. Duplex room was available. No elevator that I saw,... read more though, so if you would like a third-floor room, be prepared for stairs. (There are first-floor rooms available, though). Would stay here again
November 11, 2021
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