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Cottages in Central Iowa

Cute little cottage on South Shore just steps from city beach and downtown.
Exterior

Cute little cottage on South Shore just steps from city beach and downtown.

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (24)
"Great location"
Cute little cottage on South Shore just steps from city beach and downtown.
≋ The Cottage at Sun Valley Lake ≋
Exterior

≋ The Cottage at Sun Valley Lake ≋

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (74)
"This is maybe our 4th or 5th stay--the lake cottage is always clean, well-equipped, and a perfect haven!"
≋ The Cottage at Sun Valley Lake ≋
Happy Happy Guest House 1bd/1ba in Quiet yet Popular Neighborhood
Exterior

Happy Happy Guest House 1bd/1ba in Quiet yet Popular Neighborhood

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"The hosts were welcoming & easy to communicate with. The property was peaceful, we even heard owls in the trees. A magical spot in DSM. Close to parks, great places to eat and a homey feel. Plus their dog was a sweetheart. It was a comfortable spot! Thank you!!"
Happy Happy Guest House 1bd/1ba in Quiet yet Popular Neighborhood
Charming Eagle Grove Farmhouse w/ Patio!
House (2 Bedrooms) | Interior

Charming Eagle Grove Farmhouse w/ Patio!

3.0 star property
Charming Eagle Grove Farmhouse w/ Patio!
Cottage on Clay - Downtown CF New Construction!
Exterior

Cottage on Clay - Downtown CF New Construction!

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Very very clean and in a fabulous location! Commiunication with Jake was great, even after a little check in hiccup. I would definitely recommend!"
Cottage on Clay - Downtown CF New Construction!
Lake Red Rock Cottage Retreat
Exterior

Lake Red Rock Cottage Retreat

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (37)
"We didn’t need to leave all weekend! So much to do and enjoy on the property."
Lake Red Rock Cottage Retreat
Adorable little beach house by the Surf Ballroom!
Terrace/patio

Adorable little beach house by the Surf Ballroom!

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (3)
"Check in was easy. Location was key for this stay! We came to town to see a concert at the Surf Ballroom. The place was clean and stocked with the basic needs for our stay. We were able to easily walk to the surf within 5 minutes. The place was on the cozy side, but there was only 3 of us, so it fit our needs. The place was nicely decorated and very clean. We would stay again!"
Adorable little beach house by the Surf Ballroom!
Cottage Daze
Exterior

Cottage Daze

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (24)
"We loved this place. Spotless and comfy. We’ll be back for sure! "
Cottage Daze
Angler's Cottage on Lake Cornelia: Pets Welcome!
Terrace/patio

Angler's Cottage on Lake Cornelia: Pets Welcome!

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (7)
"Cute place with everything we needed! Loved it!!"
Angler's Cottage on Lake Cornelia: Pets Welcome!
Swordfish Suite North Beach - Steps to the SURF BALLROOM
Exterior

Swordfish Suite North Beach - Steps to the SURF BALLROOM

9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (12)
"Property was clean, in a great location, and fully stocked with everything we needed for our stay!"
Swordfish Suite North Beach - Steps to the SURF BALLROOM
4 bedroom cottage with 2 indoor fireplaces
Terrace/patio

4 bedroom cottage with 2 indoor fireplaces

9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (32)
"It was great! Hope to visit again. "
4 bedroom cottage with 2 indoor fireplaces
Swan Dive, A Historic Cottage in Clear Lake, IA
Exterior detail

Swan Dive, A Historic Cottage in Clear Lake, IA

9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (4)
"Easily a 5-star must stay place! A cozy home in the most convenient location, especially if the Surf Ballroom is on your list to visit. Immaculate! Highly recommend! "
Swan Dive, A Historic Cottage in Clear Lake, IA
Newly Remodeled Modern Cottage w/ 2 bedrooms, Wi-Fi, AC in peaceful Clear Lake
Exterior

Newly Remodeled Modern Cottage w/ 2 bedrooms, Wi-Fi, AC in peaceful Clear Lake

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (3)
"This house is quite small, but honestly you don't come to Clear Lake to sit in your house! The location is great, the beds were nice, and the air conditioning worked great on a hot weekend! "
Newly Remodeled Modern Cottage w/ 2 bedrooms, Wi-Fi, AC in peaceful Clear Lake
Hike, Fish & Boat: Lake Mills Home w/ Yard
House (3 Bedrooms) | Interior

Hike, Fish & Boat: Lake Mills Home w/ Yard

3.0 star property
Hike, Fish & Boat: Lake Mills Home w/ Yard
Charming Iowa Abode Near Knoxville Raceway!
Interior

Charming Iowa Abode Near Knoxville Raceway!

3.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (1)
"There are no pet friendly hotels in Knoxville so we were very happy to find this pretty house for our stay when back for a family funeral. Pros: ample parking, good location, very clean, large space, nice kitchen, large yard, DISH TV, pet friendly, rapid response from owner, sleeps multiple people Cons: sleeps multiple people but only 1 key provided, couches don’t face TV, 2 BRs have no doors so there is privacy only for people in upstairs BR, outlet in basement bath not working "
Charming Iowa Abode Near Knoxville Raceway!
Quaint Montezuma Cabin Near Lake Ponderosa!
Exterior

Quaint Montezuma Cabin Near Lake Ponderosa!

3.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Great stay. Nice roomy place to stay. Stayed nice and cool during hot summer. Had a small issue and Kelly fixed it right away. Definitely will stay here again. "
Quaint Montezuma Cabin Near Lake Ponderosa!
Family-friendly Des Moines Retreat w/ Patio!
Interior

Family-friendly Des Moines Retreat w/ Patio!

3.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
Family-friendly Des Moines Retreat w/ Patio!
Completely remodeled home within walking distance to the lake!
Exterior

Completely remodeled home within walking distance to the lake!

10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (7)
"Nice place to stay plenty of bedrooms for a large group "
Completely remodeled home within walking distance to the lake!
Charming Winterset Vacation Rental w/ Yard & Patio
House (4 Bedrooms) | Interior

Charming Winterset Vacation Rental w/ Yard & Patio

3.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"We stayed here on a trip for the Knoxville Nationals. Went to the John Wayne Museum, seen the bridges. The house is a nice house, met many locals at the pharmacy-resturaunt in the square downtown, very friendly, ate at several other local spots, all good service and food. The area is quiet and the house in great shape, clean, had plenty of towels and comfortable beds. Would definitely recommend if you need a place in this area. "
Charming Winterset Vacation Rental w/ Yard & Patio
6 Mi to Dtwn Pella: Riverfront Cabin w/ Game Room!
House (3 Bedrooms) | Interior

6 Mi to Dtwn Pella: Riverfront Cabin w/ Game Room!

3.0 star property
6 Mi to Dtwn Pella: Riverfront Cabin w/ Game Room!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Central Iowa Hotel Reviews

Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Beautiful old hotel in a walkable neighborhood. A/C was wonderful on a hot day! Breakfast was delicious. Bed was very comfortable. Will definitely stay here again. "
Leslie 5-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Des Lux Hotel

Frequently asked questions

Why book your cottage in Central Iowa with Expedia?
Expedia has some terrific cottages in Central Iowa, so start packing your bags for an unforgettable vacay on nature's doorstep. If you're sticking to a budget, click on how much you're willing to spend and your preferred property star rating. Or, use our filters to search for cottages with free WiFi or a kitchen. We'll help you find a suitable place whatever your getaway looks like.
How can I find cheap cottages in Central Iowa?
With Expedia's helpful filter tool, getting your hands on cheap cottages in Central Iowa has never been simpler. To find properties that'll make your hip pocket happy, fine-tune your search results by amenities, budget and star rating.
What is there to do in Central Iowa near my cottage?
Whatever you're into, there are so many things to keep you entertained in Central Iowa. If you're bound for Des Moines, swing by Des Moines Community Playhouse, Des Moines Civic Center and Iowa State Capitol Building. Planning a getaway in West Des Moines? Jordan Creek Town Center, West Glen Town Center and Valley West Mall are popular attractions here.