Altoona Hotels

Top reasons to visit Altoona

• Thrilling Amusements: Altoona features an exciting amusement park with rides suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun-filled day for families.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the great outdoors at local parks, campgrounds, and the popular Altoona Dog Park.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore historic civic buildings and the vibrant downtown, rich with welcoming locals.
• Sports Enthusiasts: Experience exhilarating horse races and well-maintained golf courses for sports lovers.
• Diverse Accommodation: Altoona offers a range of lodging options, including family-friendly and pet-friendly stays.

Find great hotels in and around Altoona

Discover a variety of accommodation options in Altoona, Iowa, designed to meet the needs of every traveller. Whether you're seeking a business-friendly hotel, a charming motel, or a pet-friendly haven, Altoona has it all. Enjoy an inclusive environment with welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA guests. With convenient access to local attractions, Altoona's hotels offer a perfect base for your holiday adventure.

• My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA: This budget-friendly hotel offers a comfortable and practical stay for both business and leisure travellers. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, My Place Hotel combines affordability with essential amenities, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Located in Altoona, the property is particularly suitable for pet owners, allowing dogs and offering a variable fee for pets. Guests can enjoy features such as a well-equipped kitchenette in each room, making it ideal for longer stays or those seeking a home-like experience.
• Best Western Plus Altoona Inn: The Best Western Plus Altoona Inn provides a reliable lodging option for those on a budget, with a focus on business travel. This hotel is conveniently situated in Altoona, making it easy for guests to access local attractions and business centres alike. The property boasts a range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience, including complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, ensuring that guests start their day right before heading out for meetings or exploring the area.
• Homewood Suites By Hilton Ankeny: Located a short drive of 9.7km from Altoona, Homewood Suites By Hilton Ankeny is a 3-star property with a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for extended stays or a more spacious accommodation option. With its pet-friendly policy allowing both dogs and cats, guests can enjoy the comforts of home, complete with a full kitchen and separate living areas. The inviting communal spaces and complimentary evening socials create a friendly atmosphere that encourages relaxation after a busy day.

Where to stay in Altoona

Altoona, Iowa, offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Explore the vibrant downtown, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. With its convenient location in Central Iowa, Altoona provides easy access to top attractions, ensuring a memorable experience filled with excursions and relaxation. Whether you're seeking romance or a fun-filled family holiday, Altoona has something special for everyone.

• Des Moines: As the vibrant capital city of Iowa, Des Moines offers a rich cultural experience with a mix of urban and outdoor activities. Located in close proximity to Altoona, this metropolis attracts visitors year-round, particularly from June to August. Families and business travellers alike will find plenty to engage with, from shopping malls to event venues. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the scenic lakes and the impressive modern college campus that add to the city's charm. The blend of family-friendly activities and a bustling business environment makes Des Moines an excellent stop on your journey.
• Ankeny: A charming city located a mere 14.5km from Altoona, Ankeny is known for its family-oriented attractions and outdoor adventures. With visitor numbers peaking in April and June to July, this city provides a welcoming atmosphere for tourists seeking fun-filled experiences. Popular spots include an exciting amusement park and inviting campgrounds, which are perfect for families. Ankeny also boasts a vibrant educational landscape, making it a great place to explore local culture. The presence of a theme park and waterpark nearby ensures that adventure seekers will have plenty to enjoy.
• Pleasant Hill: Just 8.0km away from Altoona, Pleasant Hill is a delightful city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors flock to this area, especially from April to July, for its engaging fairgrounds and amusement park. With attractions such as a theme park and a waterpark, there is no shortage of entertainment. Pleasant Hill also features event conference venues that can cater to business needs, making it a versatile destination. The city’s inviting atmosphere and array of activities make it a fantastic addition to your itinerary.

Things to do near Altoona

Shopping

In Altoona, you can visit the Outlets of Des Moines for a variety of brand-name shops. If you're up for a drive, the Valley West Mall in West Des Moines features a wider selection of stores, including popular fashion and home goods retailers.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at the Spa at Prairie Meadows, offering soothing treatments and wellness therapies to rejuvenate your body and mind. For outdoor enthusiasts, Altoona's Adventureland Park provides thrilling activities and beautiful landscapes, perfect for a fun-filled day with friends and family.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Knoxville Raceway, located 46.7km from Altoona. Feel the excitement as cars speed around the track, and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of this iconic venue, perfect for motorsport enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush.

Nightlife

In Altoona, enjoy a lively evening at Prairie Meadows Casino, where gaming and entertainment blend seamlessly. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the Big Steer Restaurant and Lounge, known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty meals, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Altoona

Altoona offers numerous ways to save on your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Drake University, the Iowa State Capitol Building, and Easter Lake Park. For affordable transport, consider using the bus service. The best time to visit is from November to January for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find deals by sorting hotel prices from lowest to highest and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options at reasonable prices.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Altoona are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Altoona is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Altoona is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to customise your search based on your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by combining your hotel booking in Altoona with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Altoona

Altoona, Iowa, is an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers, offering a variety of attractions such as urban parks, historic civic buildings, and amusement parks. Visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it perfect for all types of travellers. Notable places to explore include the Altoona area and the Altoona Dog Park, ensuring a delightful holiday filled with fun and relaxation.

• Adventureland: Nestled within Altoona, Adventureland is a vibrant amusement park offering a range of thrilling rides and attractions suitable for families. With its outdoor settings and adventurous spirit, visitors can experience the excitement of roller coasters, water rides, and entertaining live shows, all in a delightful family-friendly atmosphere.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located 8.0km from Altoona, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a lively fairground where families can enjoy various events and activities. Emphasising outdoor fun, the fairgrounds are a hub for local culture, featuring seasonal fairs, exhibitions, and markets that celebrate Iowa's agricultural heritage.
• Iowa State Capitol Building: Situated 12.9km from Altoona, the Iowa State Capitol Building is an architectural gem rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore its stunning dome and intricate interiors while learning about Iowa's legislative processes and heritage, making it a significant civic landmark.

Best time to go to Altoona

The best time to visit Altoona can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Altoona falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Altoona falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.4°F (-5.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	40.1°F (4.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Altoona

Flying into Altoona, Iowa, can be conveniently achieved via Des Moines International Airport (DSM), situated 19.3km away. Notable hotels nearby include the 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University, 8.0km from the airport, and the AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport, a mere 644m away, both offering shuttle services. For those considering Cedar Rapids (CID), located 149.7km from Altoona, options include Hotel Millwright and Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South, both within 16.1km. Alternatively, Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is 135.2km away, with nearby hotels like Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Waterloo Downtown, 8.0km from the airport.