Romantic Iowa
Iowa abounds with historic inns, beautiful B&Bs and luxurious boutique hotels. The four I am sharing today come highly recommended.
The Historic Hotel Pattee, Perry
The town of Perry, located a quick half hour from Des Moines, embraces the beautiful Hotel Pattee in the center of town. The perfect spot to escape for a night or a weekend, Perry is close enough to Des Moines for entertainment, but far enough away to escape and unwind. The Hotel Pattee is one of my favorite Iowa hotels and one I recommend often. All rooms are tastefully themed and hold a bit of Perry’s history within. My favorite room, for it’s hominess and comfort is the Irish Room. The comfortable bed is spread with a hand worked quilt and the wool blankets help make this a cozy room to curl up and watch “The Quiet Man 
The last time I enjoyed the welcome of the Hotel Pattee I splurged and treated my husband to long weekend in the Green Suite. This two room suite features a comfortable seating area, fireplace, beautiful bedroom and large bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and separate shower with dual shower heads. It is a softly romantic room, perfect for romance.
Photo courtesy of the Hotel Pattee
The Hotel Pattee boasts the best restaurant in town which is serving a special Valentine’s menu. Valentine’s packages (click for details) are still available and include massages, chocolate covered strawberries, flowers and champagne. Other packages are available year round. (Phone 515.465.3511; website)
Two Bears Lodge, Madrid
Nestled in the Des Moines River Valley, Two Bears Lodge is a three room bed and breakfast housed in a beautiful custom built log cabin. This inn comes highly recommended as it is close to Snus Hill Winery and the hosts are incredibly welcoming. If you visit in fine weather nearby parks and bike trails will vie for your attention. A special Valentine’s visit can be spent in front of a roaring fire or snuggling in one of three cozy bedrooms. (Phone 515-795-3880; website)
Photo courtesy of Two Bear's Lodge
Mason House Inn, Bentonsport
This nine-room lodge has been welcoming travelers since 1846 when it was built as a hotel for steamboat passengers. The Mason House Inn has an antique theme, so you will find no televisions in the rooms- all the better for spending time with the one you love. For a more unique stay, request the Caboose Cottage- a restore 1952 railroad caboose with a private dining area, full kitchen and bathroom. Bentonsport lies in Van Buren county, an area filled with history and famous for the “Villages of Van Buren”.
Photo courtesy of Mason House Inn
Photo courtesy of Mason House Inn
A single room remains for this Valentine’s Day and the inn’s owners say reserving your rooms early is the best guarantee as the inn is very popular throughout the year with retreats, murder mystery weekends and history buffs. Saturday evening will feature dinner with a “newlywed” theme. (Phone 800-592-3133; website)
A Jacuzzi Suite at the Baymont Inn, Des Moines
I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant to add the Baymont Inn to this list- until I saw the jacuzzi suites. Each of the rooms is spacious and tastefully decorated – in a Japanese, Canopy, Floral or Presidential theme- with a two person corner jacuzzi waiting to be filled and embrace you in bubbly warmth. Get a tray and take the free hot breakfast back to your room for a cozy breakfast in bed.
Photo courtesy of Baymont Inn
Rooms remain available this Valentine’s weekend. This is a wonderfully affordable option and a terrific surprise in the capital city. (Phone: 515-265-4777; website)
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