Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection

Where it was located.

Location
Staff was nice and professional

We started coming here years ago for anniversary celebrations. I’m not sure if it was after covid or what but it’s definitely gone downhill in the past few years. Our past 2 stays have not been great. Last time we stayed our room was dirty and reeked of smoke and I wasn’t sure we’d return, but we tried it again due to location, bar/bowling on site and jacuzzi rooms. We were in a non River view suite this time which was much smaller& not as nice of a layout, very dark & just not as homey. Originally we were on the floor with the pool with kids running by constantly screaming. We got moved but the worker seemed very put out to stop looking at his cell phone to help us. He was extremely lacking in hospitality, don’t even tell us our room # when we arrived just handed us our keys & was very rude when giving us our new set of keys. There was no one else around, he wasn’t busy or helping anyone else. Younger guy. Blinds were absolutely filthy in the bathroom (harder to see with the sunlight shining behind) and our heat didn’t work. Someone had to come fix it. The bowling alley didn’t have a single soul playing on a Friday night which was odd, a not a very lively vibe. Ceiling when you walk in from parking has so many water stains, I can’t imagine why they don’t fix that. The place needs updated and cleaned badly, in great disrepair, it’s sad they aren’t keeping it up. It’s those things that make or break your stay, a bunch of little things wrong makes it uncomfortable when you just want to come relax.celebrate etc. we’re not fancy people but expect common decency and cleanliness.

The History & location

I really enjoyed the old timey feel with modern conveniences. The bed was comfortable and the shower was awesome with the dual shower heads.

One of the best jacuzzi tubs I've been in, there was also a tv built into the bathroom mirror wich was superb. The hotel has a barbershop, a spa, a coffee shop, resturant, and even a bowling alley in the basement with a tiki bar. The elegant old time decor and feel of the hotel was charming and the staff were more than helpful and polite. Will definatly be staying again.

The hotel was very friendly and beautiful. We stayed two nights so we could visit my husband's hometown in Marshalltown. We arrived late and was immediately greeted by Anthony. He was amazingly nice and helpful. Our check in was a little slow since there was only one person, and they switched our room from what the app said. The night desk worker was very sweet and helpful so it felt like a breeze. When we got to the new room Anthony had already moved our items. The only things we needed were a bed in a bag and my husband fixed the toilet so the tank would fill.

Breakfast was delicious but the service was a tad slow so I would give yourself extra time. We used the Cafe the next morning which had great coffee and delicious pastries fast.

While there the only amenity we used was the bowling alley. It was really fun! We had no issues with the lanes, the shoes fit great and it had automatic scoring. The pizza was ok but we were informed it was frozen and the drinks were much better in the lobby bar. My only word of warning for families going bowling is the jukebox has pretty much every song.... non censored.

Overall a great trip and we're planning on going back as a couples trip

I stay at this hotel frequently as it is convenient for work and have stayed over many years. The hotel itself is beautiful, great history and such. However I feel in recent stays some things have gone down hill a bit. Service has a bit and all around the hotel seems to need a small refurbishment. My room felt clean, but just knicks and dents here and there. Just feeling a big rundown, which is a shame. There is a lot of potential here.

Loved the history behind the hotel. Wanted a different experience than a chain hotel. And a different vibe.

Vent in bathroom was very dirty and around fridge needed some TLC. Cups and lots of dust were left behind the dresser/fridge.

When I arrived I did not get a good welcome. Just the opposite. No one explained how anything worked. I had to haul my luggage up by myself after figuring out how to use the elevator! No one showed me the amenities in the room. Once again a guessing game.
The room was clean and the bed was marvelous. But I never felt noticed. I was traveling alone to close my mother’s estate. Not a warm friendly place.

Lack of bell hop

Great, clean hotel

Greasy breakfast, no soap in shower dispenser even after leaving note for housekeeping, parking entry ticket reader was too low to reach, windows in room and glass doors to parking area desperately need cleaning.