The first weekend in October was in the 90s and put an immediate damper on our outdoor activities as you can't do much with 10 year dogs in that type of heat. Fortunately, we were on the Concierge floor with a great room, the proper sports channels and all of Iowa City's best quick eats within 4 blocks of the the hotel. I will admit that it could use a bit of a "lipstick and rouge" make-over as the hall rugs are stained in areas and there is some wallpaper pull away, but when you are talking about a hotel that has maximum capacity 7 days a week, it is standing up quite well to the use.

The price of the room might seem a bit steep for the middle of Iowa, but realize it is the only hotel directly in downtown and the pricing helps to prevent it from becoming a no-tell, motel.

The pool area was clean and easily accessible. It is sad that the steam room and sauna are gone, but the whirlpool still works.

The parking is on property and reasonable. There is no longer any free parking in IC and rightfully so as they are trying to keep city revenues up and keep the students honest.

As far as the dogs were concerned they were quite happy with the accommodations. We were given a special do not disturb sign that let people know they were with us. The surrounding neighborhood is very good for elongated walks when the need arises, as well as the lighting of the area is conducive to evening walks before lights out.

The staff is very friendly and quick to offer help or suggestions. Having not been there in a while I needed directions to a restaurant and the bell hop quickly gave me simple directions.

This is a great place to be if you objective is to really see the University and the town.

Spent 3 nites here over Labor Day weekend.

Pro's: Great location, friendly staff. Can walk everywhere to good restaurants and adjacent campus.

Cons: Hotel is badly in need of a renovation. Am surprised
Starwood lends its name to this property.
Carpets stained everywhere. Bathrooms old & small.
Very limited TV stations in an age where even low-end
places give you 80 channels.
Bad parking info from front desk staff, who said attached structure
at $9 a day was 1/3 cost of public structure half block away,
while in fact the public place was free all weekend.
On-site health club is in fact a separate private operation (Iowa
City Fitness) and which is not particularly good at all.
Hotel ought to be leveled and rebuilt.
Would suggest staying at very nice Hotel Vetro next door for a few $ more.

Very nice. Room service very quick and good. Only complaint is that it's a little loud being downtown next to bars. Maybe try to get a room on a higher floor.

Pros: Great location and proximity to downtown attractions; valet parking; many services (business, restaurant, etc.); good bedding; rollaways available; helpful staff

Cons: Some common areas are dingy and smell like cigarette smoke; pool is chilly and is 4-5 feet deep (too deep for very small children); hot tub was broken; bathroom is very small and door opens awkwardly for bathroom use; room seemed overpriced at $120/night.

It is not very suitable for families with young kids stopping off the interstate. I would recommend it as a decent place for people traveling without children who want to enjoy the downtown. I feel the regular rooms would be a value at under $100/night.