Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Hotels
Independent
9 (267 reviews)
2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50014 , Ames , US

Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
Express check-out
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Garden
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Sauna
Designated smoking area
Wheelchair accessible
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Clean rooms
Good restaurant
Cons:
Dirty rooms reported
Slow service in dining
High prices during peak events
Limited amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
8.25
Several guests mentioned that rooms were dirty or not tidied up as expected.
Service
9.75
Staff received praise for being friendly and accommodating.
Location
9.75
Guests appreciated the hotel's close proximity to Iowa State University.
Room Quality
9.25
Rooms were noted as comfortable, though some specific issues were raised.
Amenities
8.75
Amenities were mentioned, but some guests felt they could improve, especially in fitness.
Value for Money
8.25
Guests felt the price was high for the overall experience provided.
Food and Beverage
8.75
The onsite restaurant received positive remarks for its quality.
Overall Experience
9.25
Mixed experiences, but overall guests indicated they would stay again.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 14:33

Property Description

Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University, where every detail is designed with your relaxation in mind.

Indulgent Amenities
Unwind in our indoor pool or rejuvenate in the hot tub and sauna. Enjoy seamless connectivity with complimentary wireless internet and stay entertained in common areas featuring television lounges.

Dining Excellence
Savor flavorful dishes at The IowaStater restaurant or enjoy room service for a cozy night in. Wind down your day with a crafted cocktail at our inviting bar/lounge.

Event Space
Plan your next event in style with access to 20,000 square feet of flexible conference space and 9 fully equipped meeting rooms, perfect for both corporate and social gatherings.

Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the ultimate getaway experience!

Important information:

  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
  • This property allows pets in specific rooms only (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can request one of these rooms by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: DSM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Only dogs and cats are allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 3

  • Pets

    Pets allowed

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 267 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.25
Service: 9.75
Location: 9.75
Room Quality: 9.25
Amenities: 8.75
Value for Money: 8.25
Food and Beverage: 8.75
Overall Experience: 9.25
D
DougJ25 Business New York City, New York
4
Poor Experience
Pros:

I rate this hotel for the value/price relationship, lack of warmth in the check-in process, deficient amenities, small fitness room and tiny pillows.

This hotel is expensive for the price paid; $329/night in this small city of Ames. The price is higher due to Homecoming weekend.

When I checked in the agent slapped a piece of paper on the counter where I had to initial half a dozen policies (for example, no dogs) - to note that I understood them, as if I’m an unruly college student. I’m not, I’m an alum, having graduated from ISU 35 years ago.

In my shower, someone left a sign saying the soap (body wash) is either broken or empty. Who left the sign? The prior guest? If so, why did housekeeping keep it to be visible to me? I had to go to the front desk to get a replacement. I shouldn’t have to do that.

The fitness center was incredibly small, given this is a conference center. Three treadmills for cardio and one machine for weights.

The pillows on the bed were very small and not luxurious.

2025-10-25 via Tripadvisor
K
Kimberly
8
Pros:

Easy parking close to room, size of room and shower

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
S
Sheila family
10
Pros:

This hotel is clean, spacious and close to ISU campus.

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
S
Sara
10
Pros:

Gateway is consistently a great place to stay. Front desk folks are always friendly, competent, and knowledgeable. Rooms are always clean. I usually stay when things are not super busy so the rate is very reasonable. I love it here.

2025-10-10 via Nuitee
S
Shrabantee family
10
Pros:

Nice clean room. Overall a great experience.

2025-10-09 via Nuitee
C
carrie
8
Pros:

Comfortable bed and clean. But it is a few miles from food (2 miles or so). Gettin into the building from the parking lot was weird - I didn't see any ramp so had to carry suitcases (only a few steps but still not great).
The thing that really bothered me was housekeeping started tapping on doors announcing "housekeeping!" at 7:30 am. I had DND on my door but still woke up to them in the hall knocking on other doors. So annoying after getting in late the night before.

2025-10-07 via Nuitee
J
Judson partner
10
Pros:

Good value
Clean room
Nice location

2025-10-07 via Nuitee
R
Richard
8
Pros:

We have stayed at the Gateway for years and like it very much. We are still disappointed by their recently changed pet policy, which charges quite a bit extra.

Plus, their breakfast policy (one breakfast coupon per night) is problematic. It means that if we're staying for one night, only one of us gets to have breakfast the next morning. That's weird. Why not allow at least two people to have breakfast?

My concern is that their management wants to claim to be "pet friendly" and offer "free breakfast" for people who are searching for those items. Then, the reality is something else.

2025-10-06 via Nuitee
A
Angela family
10
Pros:

Nice large room and good restaurant

2025-10-04 via Nuitee
G
George
8
Nice clean place
Pros:

All good except room price on two football days was quite high. Also, at 7:15 a.m. the roof workers were throwing large chunks of wood into a large container - this makes great noise. I had planned to sleep in that day.

2025-10-04 via Nuitee
T
Theodore
10
Pros:

No review

2025-10-03 via Nuitee
J
Jamie
10
Pros:

Wonderful hotel with updated rooms and very friendly staff! Highly recommend!!

2025-10-03 via Nuitee
J
John
10
Pros:

Clean, updated rooms. Friendly staff.

2025-10-01 via Nuitee
N
Nicholas
2
Pros:

Room was dirty.

2025-09-29 via Nuitee
S
Steve family
6
Pros:

The hot tub and pool area are never available when we stay here. This is the 3rd time.
Do they close because of football weekends?

2025-09-29 via Nuitee
C
Carlos E.
8
Pros:

Clean and comfortable

2025-09-28 via Nuitee
H
Heather
10
Excellent hotel.
Pros:

Very clean. Excellent stay. Easy access to University, Reiman Gardens and interstate.

2025-09-28 via Nuitee
K
Kimberly family
10
Pros:

The room was very clean and comfortable. The staff was outstanding.

2025-09-27 via Nuitee
A
Amanda
10
Pros:

Great hotel!

2025-09-27 via Nuitee
R
Rebecca
10
Pros:

Great place to stay in Ames. Nice breakfast and great pool, hot tub and sauna. Easy to get to Iowa State and Provisions restaurant.

2025-09-25 via Nuitee