Hotels in Story City

Whispers of Wonder: Unveiling the Hidden Treasures of Story City

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Story City is a charming, off-the-beaten-path destination that beckons travelers with its quaint atmosphere and rich history. Stroll along its picturesque main street, where unique shops and cozy cafés await. The iconic Story City Carousel, a beautifully restored wooden carousel, enchants visitors of all ages. Nature lovers can explore nearby parks and trails, while the summer Story City Rodeo showcases the town's vibrant Western spirit. With friendly locals and a welcoming vibe, Story City is a delightful getaway perfect for those seeking a slice of small-town Americana. For the best hotel rates in Story City and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Story City

Some of the best places to stay in Story City are Ames, Boone and Iowa Falls. Ames, Boone, and Iowa Falls offer unique experiences for travelers. Ames is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere and cultural attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Boone boasts charming parks and scenic trails, while Iowa Falls features lovely riverfront views and historic sites. Hotel accommodations in these areas range from cozy inns to comfortable chain hotels, ensuring options for every budget, including familiar names like Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn. Enjoy your stay in these delightful Iowa towns! These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Story City:

1. AmesOpens in a new window: Ames is a vibrant city known for its academic atmosphere, thanks to Iowa State University, alongside sports facilities like Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum. The area provides a mix of adventure and family-friendly activities. For accommodation, consider Loya's Little House Bed & BreakfastOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star Bed & Breakfast that offers adventure sports and recreation activities both onsite and nearby. Another option is Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State UniversityOpens in a new window, a 3.0-star hotel perfect for business and family travelers, featuring meeting rooms and pet-friendly amenities. Lastly, Courtyard by Marriott AmesOpens in a new window, also a 3.0-star hotel, provides dining options and entertainment facilities, making it a great choice for relaxed evenings.
2. BooneOpens in a new window: Boone is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with attractions like Boone Speedway and Ledges State Park, offering adventure and scenic beauty. For stays here, Baymont by Wyndham BooneOpens in a new window is a 2.5-star hotel that provides free breakfast and recreational activities like golf and fitness facilities. Cobblestone Inn & Suites - BooneOpens in a new window, another 2.5-star hotel, caters to business travelers with essential amenities, including a conference center and meeting rooms. Lastly, American Inn & SuitesOpens in a new window also offers a 2.5-star experience focused on golf, perfect for those looking to hit the greens during their stay.
3. Iowa FallsOpens in a new window: Iowa Falls boasts a blend of outdoor and urban experiences, featuring sites like Assembly Park and Highland Country Club. For lodging, AmericInn by Wyndham Iowa FallsOpens in a new window is a 2.5-star hotel suited for business travelers, equipped with meeting rooms and a business center. Additionally, AmericInn by Wyndham HamptonOpens in a new window, also a 2.5-star hotel, welcomes pets and offers a range of business amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both leisure and work.

What to do in Story City

Three days in Story City offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, shopping experiences, and local sports events. Explore scenic trails, enjoy recreational boating, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere, making it a memorable destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Story City:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure in the charming Main Street Cultural District, where you can explore unique shops and local eateries, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Next, visit the Octagon Center for the Arts, a hub of creativity featuring rotating exhibitions, art classes, and workshops that showcase local talent. Conclude your day at the Brunnier Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of decorative arts and fine art pieces, providing a perfect end to your cultural exploration.
• Day 2: Start your morning at Reiman Gardens, a stunning botanical garden with beautiful landscapes and vibrant flowers—perfect for a leisurely stroll. Afterward, head to the Farm House Museum, where you can delve into Iowa's agricultural history and explore exhibits that highlight the state’s rural heritage. Wrap up your day at Ames Dog Park, a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, perhaps mingling with local dog owners while taking in the fresh air.
• Day 3: Kick off your day with a journey on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, where you can enjoy a scenic train ride through picturesque landscapes while learning about the area's rail history. Next, visit Ledges State Park, a beautiful natural area perfect for hiking, picnicking, and taking in breathtaking views. Finish your day with a visit to the Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower, where you can learn about the life of the former First Lady and the history surrounding her early years in Iowa.

5 tips to find a great Story City hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those looking for an affordable getaway, Story City is best visited in January, June, or December, when hotel prices are at their lowest. International travelers should aim to book their flights at least two months in advance for the best deals. A stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to fully enjoy the budget-friendly attractions, such as the beautiful lake and the national state park, ensuring great value for money while exploring this charming destination.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: Discovering last-minute deals to Story City is easier than ever with Hotels.com. Simply navigate to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on the site, where you might find great discounts on hotels as your travel date approaches. To ensure you’re in the loop about flash sales and exclusive promotions, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you’re more likely to uncover the best prices and valuable hotel options for your Story City getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices may fluctuate depending on factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates could increase the likelihood that you’ll save on hotel expenses in Story City.
4. Consider your location: Keep your location in mind when booking on Hotels.com for your vacation. Staying near major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and easy access to the sites you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in Story City and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

Best time to go to Story City

Story City experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 19.4°F (-7.0°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 73.4°F (23.0°C). June is usually the wettest month. April, June, and July are the peak travel months in Story City, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light rainfall. On the other hand, January, November, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.