The Marion center is about 2 miles northeast of Lindale Mall and 3 miles east of Rockwell Collins.
The best time to visit Marion is in the spring and fall. The shoulder seasons experience fewer tourist crowds, which can make your visit more enjoyable. Average highs hover in the low- to mid-70s in May and September, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors. Best of all, hotel rates are fairly low during the off-season. You can take advantage of all the area's attractions, restaurants, and shopping experiences without paying top dollar for your hotel.
Summer is peak tourist season in Marion, which comes with its own advantages. Despite higher hotel rates, summer kicks off with some amazing annual events, including Uptown Marion Market, Marion By Moonlight, the Marion Big Band “Swingin' At Sunset” concert series, and Eat. Drink. & Be Marion: Pub Crawl. Expect average highs in the mid-80s all summer long.
Most visitors stay away from Marion during the winter months. Average lows stay in the teens from December through February, making it difficult to sightsee. You'll also have to contend with Marion's 27 inches of average snowfall. Despite the drawbacks, winters in Marion are beautiful and laid-back, and the hotel rates are unbeatable this time of year. Just be sure to bundle up and book refundable flights in case inclement weather puts a damper on your travel plans.
Those who qualify for special discounted rates can save even more money on their trip to Marion.
For instance, military families and government employees can book special rates at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cedar Rapids Marion. This extended-stay accommodation features an indoor pool, conference space, a meeting room, free newspapers, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor picnic area, and wedding services. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. Guest suites feature kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and ovens, 55-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, well-lit desks, and sofa beds.
Seniors can save an average of 20% off rooms at MainStay Suites Cedar Rapids. Enjoy a complimentary guest reception on select days, a free full breakfast, a fitness center, high-speed Wi-Fi, barbecue grills, a vending machine, and a TV in the lobby. Business travelers will also appreciate the hotel's meeting facilities, business center, free newspapers, and dry-cleaning services. All guest suites feature full-sized refrigerators, stovetops, coffee makers, microwaves, cable TV, and phones.
Seniors can also save at Hampton Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North, which is located about 3 miles west of Marion. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, laundry services, event facilities, an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and free parking. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, minibars, safes, and 32-inch TVs with premium cable channels.
The area around Marion has many midrange hotels that offer a nice range of amenities for the price.
Located minutes from Lindale Mall, Quality Inn North is a highly rated option with a 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, express check-in and check-out, a public computer station, a lobby fireplace, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The comfortable guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, cable TV, hair dryers, toiletries, safes, and well-lit desks, ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy your stay.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marion/Cedar Rapids offers a convenient location close to major attractions. Enjoy a tasty continental breakfast, free newspapers in the lobby, guest laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, a picnic area, and a TV in the lobby. Guest rooms are individually decorated and feature flat-screen TVs, pillowtop beds, down comforters, complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryers, shower/tub combinations, and toiletries.
Another smart option near Marion is Quality Inn at Collins Road, which is located in Cedar Rapids' business district. Featured amenities include a fitness center, a gift shop, a coffee shop, a 24-hour business center, free newspapers, laundry services, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, safes, work desks, cable programming, and phones with free local calls.
Whether you're staying in Marion for a weekend or an entire week, there are plenty of attractions and historic sites worth adding to your itinerary.
History buffs will love The Granger House Victorian Museum, which reflects what middle-class life was like for Americans during the Victorian era. And if you love architecture, be sure to drive by Frank Lloyd Wright's Douglas Grant House in Cedar Rapids.
The Play Station, Eastern Iowa's largest family fun center, is the perfect indoor destination if you're visiting during the cold winter or hot summer months. Otherwise, take the family to Indian Creek Nature Center, Thomas Park, Grant Wood Trail, or any of the city's other outdoor parks.
Exploring Marion and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is always a fun experience. Whether you're looking for an affordable roadside lodging or a luxurious hotel with all the amenities, you can find the perfect accommodation to meet your travel needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Marion, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love the baseball complex!
Downtown was clean and had good eating establishments!
We were travelling through and this one location was close to other amenities like restaurants, fast food and shopping. Other stops we made were pretty isolated so this was much appreciated.