Property grounds

Reviews of Botanical Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn


Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sheri F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Book a Reservation Already!
This unique place has it all: charm, class, comfort, beauty, and fun. When you first walk in, you are greeted with a gorgeous staircase leading to most of the rooms. Our room was spacious, with a luxurious bathroom. The gourmet kitchen is equipped for anything and everything with seating for eight. The adjoining dining room has a large table with additional seating and windows lining two walls. And clean! This VRBO was impressively clean! I have to say the jail was a little eery after dark, but it didn't stop us from watching a football game, playing cards and shuffleboard, and exploring the jail cells. The jail is attached to the back of the main building, so you can actually stay here without even seeing the jail itself, but make sure you don't miss it. Check in was a breeze. Parking was plentiful. The grounds are well maintained and very pretty. This would be a great place to stay for a family reunion or holiday. We found the people of Elkader to be friendly and helpful. The downtown area is easily walkable with old buildings that have been beautifully renovated. Stop in at GEAR for breakfast and a great cup of coffee. We definitely recommend you give the Jailhouse a try!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Historic fun place to stay
Nice amenities, would have appreciated instructions for use of TV and hot tub. All TV options had low or no signal. Jets in Hot tub kept coming on after draining - random buttons finally set timer to 0 but have no idea how.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Romelia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Very beautiful and interesting property. Navigation took us to the back door, so getting in was tricky. I loved the cleanness of the place and the coziness of our bedroom.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sabahudin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historical building. Nice room. Amazing bathroom. Beautifully renovated.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter Getaway
My girlfriend and I had the whole place to ourselves and that was a treat. Although, the inn would be wonderful for a murder mystery party setting. The history of the place naturally creates a mild spooky vibe that we adored. Shelly from the portrait was very accommodating, but I could swear she kept moving her faceless doll around. Odd. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. The Botanical's bathroom and tub are dreamy. Bathroom was very clean (although the cleaning fee for two nights was steep) and the kitchen was generously equipped. Elkader is a charming town. Be sure to stop by GEAR Elkader for breakfast, Schera's for dinner, TD's for late night grub, and Turkey River Mall for hours of great antiquing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Vicki W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice home with many antiques and much character.
I loved the main home n my room. Awesome bathroom. found the jail room interesting but would rather have tv in room. The bed in room was not comfortable since i prefer a firm mattress.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Elaine B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Review
No elevator so carrying suitcases up steep stairs not good. No one there to answer questions - no breakfast. Three nights I was all by myself which was a tad unnerving. Unable to control temp in my room - cold every night. There 7 days & no housekeeping. This could be a charming place but you need people on property
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 9, 2021
Hi Elaine, Unfortunately this is an old jailhouse so there is no elevator and the stairs to the second floor are quite long. The Master is our only main level suite option for those that can’t or don’t want to climb stairs. We are short term rental property and unlike hotels we do not offer amenities, like room service or a free, continental breakfast. We don’t have anyone on-site to clean your room on a daily basis either. We don’t advertise or claim to offer these amenities. Our sincerest apologies if you were under the impression that these would be provided. As far as answering questions we can be reached via VRBO messaging, email, or even our phone number that is provided under our contact info. We have guest reach out to us from time to time and are happy to answer questions as they arise. Our cleaning staff is also happy to answer questions on days where they are getting rooms ready. Yes the Jailhouse is a big place and can be a bit unnerving all by yourself. I think that’s why we get some of the adventures guests that we do, just hoping for the chance to get a glimpse at a ghost! :) It is true there will be times when staying with us that you might be the only guest. Our apologies on the temperature being too cold. We just updated the AC unit and it is working better than the old one :) Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we will update the house manual with information on the thermostats location which is right outside the bedroom. If you have any other questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for staying with us ! The Elkader Jailhouse Inn.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice jacuzzi
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Kayla M.

Weekend getaway
My husband and I looked for a weekend getaway and came across this. The home was beautiful as was the surrounding area. We would love to come back again during a different season and see the area when the vegetation is blooming ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rashell A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved my stay!
Very relaxing and homily

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet peace in a piece of history
The Renovated old jailhouse was just what we were looking for. We had 2 goals in our search for a vacation place: a hot tub/ jacuzzi tub and quiet peace without being crowded by people. We enjoyed the room, shuffleboard, history of the building and the small beautiful town. I would recommend this to others and stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alison M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great central location for NE Iowa
My husband and I had a great stay in Elkader. The property was clean and well stocked on everything you need for a getaway. The check in/out instructions were clear and the hosts were quick to respond to questions. The building itself is full of historical charm and located in a great spot to explore NE Iowa. We will definitely return.

10/10 Excellent

CeCe K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Motorcycle Trip to see the colors!
This place was so amazing. Character, clean and unique. The gourmet kitchen was very unexpected. The large soaking tub is what sold me.. and I got my money’s worth!

10/10 Excellent

Jason F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
Interesting place to stay. We enjoyed it and will definitely stay again. It would be great with a group of friends and rent the entire place out for a quick weekend trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

Liked: Cleanliness
lovely surprise
The bathroom was amazing and the bedroom was lovely. The wireless lock set up made it easy to come and go. We ordered pizza and enjoyed it on the sunny and comfortable porch. The remodel of the jailhouse is well done.