Hotel Grinnell, Ascend Hotel Collection, Grinnell

Hotel Grinnell, Ascend Hotel Collection - A boutique hotel in a historic junior high with craft cocktails, unique event spaces, and downtown location

Located in the heart of downtown Grinnell, this 45-room boutique hotel occupies a century-old junior high school building meticulously converted into a 4-star accommodation. The property features hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and educational-themed touches including chalkboards and "Hall Passes" for room keys throughout its thoughtfully designed spaces. Hotel Grinnell offers diverse room options ranging from cozy queen lofts to a luxurious penthouse suite with a jetted tub and private dressing room. Guests can enjoy cocktails like the "Prom Queen" and "Lab Partner" at The Periodic Table lounge and outdoor patio, which serves craft beers from local Iowa breweries including Big Grove, Exile, and Toppling Goliath. The Grinnell hotel provides a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills and free weights, complimentary bicycles, Chromecast in rooms, and $10 breakfast vouchers for local eateries. Business travelers have access to multiple meeting spaces, including a 300-seat ballroom and 450-seat historic auditorium. Positioned across from Central Park and within walking distance of the town's best restaurants, galleries, and a 9-hole golf course, Hotel Grinnell sits just 62 miles from Des Moines International Airport.

Pros

Pet-friendly accommodations available for $30 per pet per stay

Modern amenities include organic bath products and luxury sheets

On-site entertainment includes shuffleboard, skee-ball, and giant Scrabble

Gas fire pits and lounge seating on the outdoor patio

New pickleball courts open to hotel guests

Cons

No on-site breakfast service, only vouchers for local establishments

Limited food service hours at the restaurant (4PM-9PM daily)