Northeast Iowa Pet-friendly Vacations

The motel was closed due to water damage.

It was a pleasure to stay at the Black Hawk. It is an older, perhaps even historic, hotel that has been updated in all the right places (e.g. bathrooms) while maintaining the charm of an historic place (e.g furnishings and architecture). It feels like stepping back into the 1920s while maintaining the comforts of the 2020s. The room was clean and spacious, and the bathroom was completely modernized and clean. There were several pieces of what appeared to be antique, solid wood furniture in the room, including a 7-1/2 foot-tall ornately carved wardrobe that substituted for a closet. The leather-upholstered rocking chair was so comfortable I fell asleep in it for an afternoon nap. The staff are very friendly and helpful, going out of their way to accomodate the variations in my schedule (early arrival and early departure). Bar Winslow is located off the lobby, and the bartenders are friendly, attentive, and mix great Old Fashioneds. The Black Hawk is located in the downtown area of Cedar Falls within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and bars. The riverfront is close by and has a smooth walking/biking path, as well as places for fishing. However, the one possible difficulty is that the Black Hawk does not appear to have onsite parking. It was not a problem for me, as I did not have a car and used taxis instead. Nevertheless, while I had not anticipated my travels taking me to either Cedar Falls or the Black Hawk, I'm very glad they did and hope to return.

Public wifi did not include service to the room I was assigned so I was unable to watch tv nor read my kindle unless I went to the reception/dining area. The gym was closed for repairs. I mistakenly left on my trip a day early so had no room reservation on the evening of my arrival. I spent over an hour trying to reach Expedia to see if they would cancel the room on Oct 16 and cover the room on the 15th. I called 6 different phone numbers all of which seemed to be third party contacts. I am a senior citizens in her 80s and have limited technology skills, and ultimately paid for the room on the 15th. I was disappointed with the public wifi limitations at Best Rest Inn and I was disappointed with the difficulty I had trying to reach Expedia.