Plan your trip
Our total price for your stay includes taxes and fees
Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide with Member Prices
Search almost a million properties worldwide
Check prices for these dates, December 15 – 16, 2026
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Waterloo offers a variety of budget-friendly activities perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and culture. Start your day by exploring the vibrant local art scene at public galleries, where you can admire rotating exhibits showcasing local talent—many of which are free to enter. For an outdoor experience, visit the stunning gardens that boast picturesque landscapes and seasonal blooms, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. If you're a history enthusiast, take a self-guided walking tour through charming neighborhoods filled with unique architecture and historical significance. Don't miss the local food markets, where you can sample delicious street food and pick up fresh, affordable produce, offering a taste of the region's culinary delights. Finally, consider staying in the downtown area, where you’ll find a range of affordable hotels that put you in close proximity to these attractions, making it easy to explore the city while enjoying attentive service and comfortable accommodations.
For travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Waterloo, Iowa, these top budget-friendly hotels offer excellent value without compromising on comfort and amenities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls
Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley
Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls
For budget travellers seeking great value in Waterloo, Iowa, consider The Weis Mansion, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, and Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG.
The Weis Mansion is a 3-star hotel with an exceptional 10.0 review rating, offering fantastic value with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, a free full breakfast, and free self-parking. Guests consistently describe the rooms as comfortable and beautiful, the breakfast as excellent, and the staff as friendly. It is conveniently located near Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, a 3-star property with a 9.2 rating, provides excellent amenities such as a free buffet breakfast, free wired internet in public areas, and free toiletries. Travellers appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, the friendly and kind staff, the hot breakfast, and the convenient location. It is situated near Cedar River.
Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, rated 8.8 by our customers, offers valuable perks like free self-parking, free RV, bus, and truck parking, a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free toiletries, including a to-go breakfast option. Reviewers frequently mention the clean and fabulous rooms and the helpful and great staff. This hotel is also near Cedar River.
Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, a 3-star hotel with an 8.8 rating, provides free WiFi, free self-parking, and even free airport transportation, along with accessible fitness facilities. Guests often comment on the great and big rooms and the helpful receptionists. It is located close to Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, also with an 8.8 rating, ensures a great start to your day with a free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, free wired internet in public areas, and free WiFi. Customers consistently praise the great and tasty breakfast, excellent customer service, and clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Cedar River.
Budget hotel prices in Waterloo vary, but you can find a great deal from $50 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—off-peak and mid-week stays are typically cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.
For travellers seeking cheap hotels in Waterloo, downtown or areas near the Crossroads Mall offer some of the most budget-friendly options. These locations provide good value, often combining lower prices with convenient access to amenities and attractions.
Solo travellers might find downtown Waterloo appealing, with several lodging options that cater to various budgets, from independent motels to national chain hotels. The downtown area is walkable, featuring the Grout Museum District and various local eateries, making it easy to explore on foot without incurring additional transportation costs.
Families on a budget could consider areas around the Crossroads Mall. This district typically hosts several value-oriented hotel chains, many of which include amenities like complimentary breakfast or indoor pools, adding to the overall savings.
For top-rated, budget-friendly hotels in Waterloo that are excellent for families, consider the Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, and Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waterloo.
The Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, with an impressive 8.8 review rating, offers valuable amenities like free self-parking and complimentary WiFi. Guests frequently praise the clean and fabulous rooms, as well as the helpful and great staff. It's conveniently located near the Cedar River.
Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, rated 8.6, provides free WiFi, complimentary breakfast on weekends, and free airport transportation, making it a convenient choice for families. Reviewers often highlight the spacious and clean rooms, the friendly and helpful staff, and the good location. Nearby attractions include the Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waterloo is a 3-star hotel with an 8.0 review rating, offering free cribs, complimentary WiFi, and free continental breakfast, all of which are excellent for families. Our customers consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the nice and clean rooms, the good breakfast, and the wonderful pool.
For budget-friendly hotels in Waterloo that include complimentary breakfast, consider The Weis Mansion, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, and Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls.
The Weis Mansion is a 3-star hotel with an exceptional 10.0 review rating. Guests consistently praise the comfortable and beautiful rooms, the excellent and wonderful breakfast, and the friendly staff. It offers free full breakfast daily, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Nearby attractions include Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, a 3-star hotel with a 9.2 rating, provides a convenient stay with a hot buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and free toiletries. Guests often comment on the comfortable and clean rooms, the comfortable beds, and the friendly and kind staff. It is located near Cedar River.
Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, rated 8.8, offers a free grab-and-go breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking, including space for RVs, buses, and trucks. Reviewers frequently highlight the clean and fabulous rooms and the helpful and great staff. This hotel is also located near Cedar River.
Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, with an 8.8 rating, ensures a pleasant stay with a great and tasty buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Customers often praise the excellent customer service and clean rooms. It is conveniently situated near Cedar River.
Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, a hotel with an 8.6 rating, offers free breakfast on weekends, free WiFi, and free airport transportation. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, the friendly and helpful staff, and the good location.
The most affordable time to visit Waterloo, Iowa, is generally during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), as well as the winter months (November-March), excluding major holidays. During these periods, you'll often find lower prices on accommodations and fewer crowds, making it ideal for solo travellers.
Solo travellers will appreciate the quieter atmosphere and potentially better deals on hotel rooms or guesthouses. While summer offers many outdoor activities, the demand drives up prices. In contrast, spring and fall provide pleasant weather for exploring attractions like the Cedar Valley Trails without the peak season costs. Winter, though colder, can also yield significant savings, especially for indoor activities like visiting the Waterloo Centre for the Arts or the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.
Consider planning your trip outside of popular local events or holidays to maximize savings.
For travellers seeking budget-friendly hotels with a pool in Waterloo, Iowa, several excellent options stand out, including Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, and Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls is a 3-star hotel with an impressive 9.2 review rating. Guests consistently highlight the comfortable and clean rooms, the friendly and kind staff, and the hot breakfast, which is conveniently free. Free WiFi and complimentary toiletries are also provided, enhancing the value. This hotel features both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool for your enjoyment. It is located near the Cedar River.
Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, with an 8.8 rating, provides excellent value with free self-parking, free RV, bus, and truck parking, and a complimentary breakfast, including a grab-and-go option. Free WiFi and toiletries are also included. Reviews frequently praise the clean and fabulous rooms, as well as the helpful and great staff. The hotel offers an indoor pool. It is located near the Cedar River.
Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls is a 3-star hotel, rated 8.8, offering free WiFi, free self-parking, and complimentary airport transportation. Guests appreciate the great and big rooms, and the helpful receptionists. This hotel features a pool and is conveniently located near Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, the Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, with an 8.8 rating, includes a free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Wired internet in public areas is also complimentary. Travellers often praise the great and tasty breakfast, the excellent customer service, and the clean rooms. The hotel boasts an indoor pool. It is located near the Cedar River.
Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, rated 8.6, provides free WiFi and free airport transportation, along with complimentary toiletries. A free breakfast is offered on weekends. Reviewers often mention the spacious and clean rooms, the friendly and helpful staff, and the good location.
Yes, Waterloo, Iowa, is a budget-friendly destination, especially for solo travellers and couples looking for an affordable American getaway.
Solo travellers will find numerous free or low-cost activities. Explore the Cedar Valley Trails, a vast network of paved paths ideal for walking or biking, offering scenic views of the Cedar River and surrounding natural beauty. History buffs can visit the Waterloo Centre for the Arts, which often has free admission for its permanent collections, or the Grout Museum District, which offers affordable entry to multiple museums focusing on local history and science.
For couples, dining out can be economical, with many local eateries offering delicious meals at reasonable prices. Consider exploring the downtown area for quaint cafes and diverse cuisines.
For budget-friendly hotels in Waterloo offering cooking facilities or kitchenettes, consider Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waterloo, and Motel 6 Waterloo, IA - Crossroads Mall - Cedar Falls.
Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, with an 8.6 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms, as well as a kitchenette for your convenience. Guests also appreciate the free WiFi, complimentary weekend breakfast, and free airport transportation. The staff is consistently described as friendly and helpful. This hotel is located near the Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waterloo is a 3-star hotel with an 8.0 review score, providing kitchenettes, free WiFi, and free self-parking, including RV, bus, and truck parking. Guests often highlight the friendly and helpful staff, nice and clean rooms, good breakfast, and wonderful pool. Free cribs are also available. The hotel is situated near the Cedar River.
Motel 6 Waterloo, IA - Crossroads Mall - Cedar Falls provides kitchenettes, free WiFi, free self-parking, and allows pets to stay free. It also features an indoor pool for guest enjoyment.
For budget-friendly hotels in Waterloo with excellent customer service, consider The Weis Mansion, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, and Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls.
The Weis Mansion, a 3-star hotel with a superb 10.0 rating, offers a complimentary full breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff. It is conveniently located near Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls, a 3-star property with a 9.2 rating, provides a free buffet breakfast, free continental breakfast, and free WiFi, along with complimentary toiletries. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and kind staff. The hotel is situated near the Cedar River.
Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, boasting an 8.8 rating, includes free self-parking, free RV/bus/truck parking, free WiFi, and free toiletries, as well as a complimentary to-go breakfast. Customers often praise the great and helpful staff. It is located near the Cedar River.
Holiday Inn Express Waterloo Cedar Falls by IHG, also rated 8.8, offers a free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Guests consistently report excellent customer service. This hotel is also conveniently close to the Cedar River.
Best Western Plus Waterloo & Cedar Falls, with an 8.6 rating, includes free WiFi, free breakfast on weekends, and complimentary airport transportation, along with free toiletries. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful. It is situated near Phelps Youth Pavilion, Young Arena, Cedar River, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
For couples looking for free activities in Waterloo, Iowa, exploring the city's parks, historical sites, and artistic offerings presents several engaging options. You can immerse yourselves in the natural beauty and local culture without spending a dime.
Start your exploration with a stroll or bike ride along the Cedar Valley Trails System, which offers miles of paved paths through scenic landscapes and connects various points of interest in the city. For a dose of history and reflection, visit the Waterloo RiverLoop Amphitheatre and Plaza, a charming area along the Cedar River that often hosts free community events and provides a pleasant setting for a leisurely walk. The Black Hawk County Veterans Memorial is also nearby, offering a poignant tribute.
Art enthusiasts can appreciate the vibrant public art installations scattered throughout downtown Waterloo, including captivating murals and sculptures that add character to the urban landscape. Another interesting stop is the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum. While some exhibits may have a fee, the general grounds and certain outdoor displays can be enjoyed without charge, offering a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.
Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect vacation package.
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Waterloo for you.
See less