Historic hotels have become our favorite stays and a night at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, recently was no exception.
We were given a gift certificate for Christmas to the Black Hawk Hotel and I couldn’t wait to use it as this has been on my “must-visit” list for awhile now! We decided to use it on a Friday night for a quick getaway before T started spring fieldwork. The gift certificate we were given was part of a holiday promotion in which we were able to get the best available room, 2 free drinks from the bar, and an early check-in and early check-out time! (Watch their social media channels for different promotions!) Lucky for us, the best available room was a queen spa suite. WIN!
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History of the Hotel Black Hawk
The Black Hawk Hotel has been a part of downtown Cedar Falls for over 150 years. In fact, its history dates all the way to 1858 but back then it was known as the Winslow House. It began its life as a stagecoach hotel and tavern. Over the next century and more years, it under went many changes, but one thing never changed and that was its presence on main street Cedar Falls. Now, the hotel is a mix of historic and modern.
High End Amenities
High quality room amenities like plush robes in the room, thick and soft towels, and incredibly luxurious sheets make your stay at the Black Hawk Hotel as cozy as possible. They have done an amazing job renovating the hotel but maintaining its history as well. The rooms are smaller, but have a lot of character and are well appointed.
The queen spa suite is a 3-room suite with a bedroom, sitting room, and expansive bathroom. The sitting room has 3 chairs, a desk, TV, a mini fridge stocked with water and soda, and a small basket of locally sourced snacks. The first thing I noticed in the bedroom was that our bed was a real bed! It is a bed frame and mattress! The bathroom has a toilet, armoire, vanity created out of an old wash-stand, corner jacuzzi tub, and shower!
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Top Notch Customer Service
The staff at the Black Hawk Hotel strives for the very best service. From the time I booked the room over the phone to check-in and our visit to the hotel bar, the service was simply the best. The folks were friendly and aimed at serving us the best way possible. The rooms are spotless and they are providing additional sanitizing products due to COVID-19,
Bar Winslow
Located on the main floor of the hotel, you’ll find Bar Winslow. This unique speakeasy style decorated bar is the namesake of the original hotel name. Now, you can enjoy a before or after dinner drink from a menu of craft martinis, local beers, or your own creation. We enjoyed a post dinner drink before heading up to our room. The martinis are top notch as they are creating them with only the highest quality liquors and house made fruit syrups.
In the morning you can enjoy a continental breakfast of fruit, scones, coffee, & juice!
Downtown Cedar Falls
Not only is a stay at the Black Hawk Hotel an escape, but downtown Cedar Falls just adds to your visit. Check in to the hotel, park your car, and walk around the downtown district. The area offers several options for supper of pizza, Mexican food, a couple coffee shops, donuts, bar & grill, and more. Looking to browse some shops? They have many locally owned ones to support! Additionally, you can walk to the Cedar River and enjoy the river walk, ice cream, and some street art.
Getting to Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls is located in Eastern Iowa situated along a 4 lane highway and easy to get to! There is also a regional airport in nearby Waterloo if you’re flying!
If you’re traveling by car….
- Des Moines, Iowa – 1 hour, 54 minute drive time
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – 3 hours, 8 minute drive time
- Chicago, Illinois – 4 hours, 24 minute drive time
- Kansas City, Missouri – 4 hours, 35 minute drive time
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Book a Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel
A stay at the Black Hawk Hotel is the perfect escape from the real world. With historic features, modern amenities, top notch customer service, and a great location, you will enjoy your visit to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and the Black Hawk Hotel.
