The sixth largest city in Iowa, Waterloo is the county seat of Black Hawk County, but its beginnings were more modest. The community was originally established along the Cedar River in 1845 as Prairie Rapids Crossing. After the town petitioned for a post office, it was dubbed Waterloo, and the name stuck. The community grew rapidly between 1895 and 1915, helping establish the city we now know.
Best Time to Visit Waterloo, IA
Summer is the most popular time to visit Waterloo, but it can also be the most expensive. Not only are hotel rates high, but local children are out of school, resulting in longer lines at attractions. Still, if you don't mind the crowds, Waterloo offers warm, pleasant summer temperatures topping out in the mid-80s. Summer is also a great time to experience local events, including the Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Waterloo, IA:
Waterloo by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Waterloo, IA. You can use these charts to determine the best time period to stay in Waterloo for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Waterloo, IA
If you prefer upscale accommodations in Waterloo, the city offers a few options. Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo is located just 5.4 miles from downtown. On-site amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool tub, three restaurants, a fitness center, and a casino with 950 slot machines, live poker, and table games. Guest rooms are well appointed and feature plush bedding, flat-screen cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. Upgraded suites add in-room whirlpool tubs.Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Cedar Falls, IA. Located across from the University of Northern Iowa, this hotel serves up a free hot breakfast buffet every morning in a casual dining room. There's also a fitness center, a library, a heated indoor pool , and laundry facilities on-site. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minifridges, and microwaves. Suites add sofa beds in separate sitting areas, separate living rooms, kitchenettes, or in-room whirlpool tubs.Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls is a classic accommodation close to downtown Cedar Falls. Its chic guest rooms boast custom-designed beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, microwaves, and mini fridges. Suites add fireplaces and separate living areas with pullout sofas. Some even throw in whirlpool tubs. The Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls also offers a freshly made breakfast, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor patio, a bar, a convenience store, an indoor pool, a fitness center, free parking, multiple meeting rooms, and a business center.
Affordable Hotel Options in Waterloo, IA
3 Star Average Prices: £82.02
Finding an affordable hotel in Waterloo is easier than you might think. Days Inn Cedar Falls — University Plaza is a basic roadside hotel within walking distance of College Square Mall. The straightforward guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi internet access, cable TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, plus children 17 and under stay free. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast , free parking, guest laundry facilities, and an available airport shuttle service.indoor heated pool , free parking, free morning coffee, and a coin laundry.
2 Star Average Prices: £73.08
Best Discounts in Waterloo, IA
If you plan ahead, you can find money-saving deals to help you keep your budget in check during your trip to Waterloo. Most area hotels, including Comfort Suites in Cedar Falls, provide reduced rates to military families, government employees, seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, and rewards members. Qualifying for these special rates can help you save as much as 20 percent off the cost of your stay.
Best Value Options in Waterloo, IA
Waterloo also offers several midrange hotel options that give you the best bang for your buck.Grout Museum District , Hampton Inn Waterloo is a modern hotel offering a free on-site breakfast, weekday breakfast bags to go, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, an exercise room, two meeting rooms, a business center, and free parking. Guest rooms include custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs with high-definition channels, minifridges, microwaves, coffee makers, work desks, and lap desks for working on the bed.Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterloo Cedar Falls is a laidback lodging 3 miles from the Waterloo Center for the Arts . Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast , free parking, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour convenience store, a business center, and laundry facilities. Rooms are modern with free Wi-Fi access, work desks with ergonomic chairs, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable. Upgraded studio rooms add pullout sofa beds.Pets are also welcome for a fee.
Top Museums in Waterloo, IA
With so many attractions in Waterloo, you may be wondering where to begin. The city's broad range of museums is a good place to start.
FAQs about hotels in Waterloo