Hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Start around NewBo City Market, where food stalls, local shops, and outdoor seating pull in college-age crowds, then walk the nearby Czech Village streets for coffee, murals, and small music venues. In warmer months, the Cedar River trails and parks offer easy bike rides and hangout spots, while downtown brings indie shows, arcade bars for the 21-plus crowd to look at for later, and casual restaurants that work well for groups. One event worth timing your trip around is Freedom Festival in June, when concerts, neighborhood events, and fireworks spread across the city and make it especially easy to find something to do without needing a packed schedule.

Under-21 stays in Cedar Rapids do exist, but you don't have a huge selection. Check the verified hotels below that allow 18-year-old guests.

The list 7 hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Cedar Rapids

This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission, but hotels are listed based on age policies and quality, not commission.

• 1 Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel & Convention Center Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.9

  Our opinion: Featuring a big indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and an attached restaurant, this place works best as a practical base rather than a stylish city stay. It’s a solid pick for a short Cedar Rapids stop when you want easy parking, free Wi‑Fi, breakfast included, and enough on-site extras to hang out without leaving the property. The main caution is the layout: some rooms are a long walk from the pool or breakfast area, so it’s less ideal if you want everything compact and streamlined.
  
  The hotel has a slightly older, motel-meets-atrium setup, but with more amenities than you might expect at this price level. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and coffee makers, and several guests found them spacious, quiet, and comfortable. The standout feature is the recreation side of the property: the warm indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center get mentioned a lot, and there’s also a lounge vibe thanks to the bar and restaurant space. It’s not especially modern, though, and some parts of the building feel dated.
  
  The location is convenient for a low-stress stay in Cedar Rapids. Rockwell Collins is about a mile away, and Lindale Mall is within a short walk, which makes grabbing food, coffee, or basic shopping pretty easy. Guests also liked being close to other stores and restaurants, with a few mentioning nearby Starbucks, Aldi, and retail options. Just note that several reviewers said the entrance and signage can be confusing, especially with construction or map directions.
  
  Reviews are mixed but lean positive on comfort and amenities. People often praise the pool and hot tub, the roomy clean rooms, comfy beds, friendly staff, and the convenience of the attached restaurant. Breakfast gets decent marks overall, though opinions vary a lot, with some liking the variety and others calling it average or disappointing. The most common complaints are about the older condition of the building, worn or dirty common areas, small bathrooms, maintenance issues like drains or key cards, and the long walk to breakfast or the pool from certain rooms. Read more

  Address 90 Twixt Town Road North East Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Tennis court.
  • Pool tables.
  • You can play darts here.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 2 Hampton Inn Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.0

  Our opinion: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and quick interstate access make this a convenient choice for short trips or an overnight stop in Cedar Rapids. It’s best suited to travelers who mainly need a clean place to sleep near restaurants and local venues, while the indoor pool and fitness room add some appeal if they’re open. Overall, it’s a decent option for convenience, though less compelling if you’re after a more polished or consistently updated stay.
  
  The property has the familiar mid-range chain setup: simple, modern basics with comfortable essentials, guest rooms, and standard shared spaces for breakfast and lounging. Rooms are generally straightforward rather than stylish, and several guests mention that some areas feel dated or mid-renovation. On the plus side, free hot breakfast is a real perk for keeping daily costs down, and there’s also a gym plus an indoor pool when available. Some travelers found the rooms clean and comfortable, but the overall vibe sounds more functional than fresh.
  
  Location is one of the biggest advantages here. It’s close to Interstate 380, making it easy to get around Cedar Rapids by car, and reviewers liked having plenty of restaurants nearby. The hotel also works well for event trips, hospital visits, and quick stopovers, while bigger-area outings like Coralville Lake and the Amana Colonies are within driving distance if you want to add outdoor time, wineries, shops, or a day trip beyond the city. In short, it’s convenient for travelers who plan to be out exploring most of the day.
  
  Guest feedback is mixed, with the most consistent praise going to the friendly staff, solid location, and free breakfast when it’s well stocked. Positive reviews also mention clean rooms, comfortable stays, and helpful front-desk service. The main complaints are about maintenance and value: several guests reported construction, closed amenities, broken TVs, drainage issues, limited breakfast refills, small rooms, and beds that felt very firm. That means expectations matter here - some people had a smooth stay, while others ran into enough problems that the hotel felt overpriced for what they got. Read more

  Address 3265 6th Street Southwest Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 3 Ramada by Wyndham Cedar Rapids South Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 6.3

  Our opinion: Close to the airport and just off the highway, this is a very cheap option for a basic overnight stop. Free Wi‑Fi, free parking, plus an in-room mini fridge and microwave add some practical value if all you need is a place to sleep on a road trip. Still, repeated guest complaints about cleanliness, maintenance, and safety make it hard to recommend unless price matters far more than comfort and expectations are very low.
  
  The property is a basic budget hotel with simple, no-frills rooms rather than a polished hangout vibe. Rooms include air conditioning, TV, cable, a private bathroom, refrigerator, microwave, and toiletries, which helps for short stays and late-night food runs. Some travelers found the rooms spacious, with decent beds and reliable Wi‑Fi, but the overall feel is dated and worn. Common areas seem especially inconsistent, and several reviews mention broken fixtures, older bathrooms, and upkeep issues that make the place feel more functional than inviting.
  
  The location is one of the few consistently strong points. It’s convenient for airport access, easy to reach from the expressway, and close to gas stations, restaurants, and other quick-stop essentials. That makes it workable if you’re in town for a fast overnight, a road trip break, or a short event stay where you won’t spend much time at the hotel. Still, some reviewers felt the surrounding area was a bit sketchy, especially at night, so it’s better suited to travelers focused on convenience over atmosphere.
  
  Guest feedback is very mixed, leaning negative overall. The positives usually mention friendly or efficient staff, comfortable beds, roomy accommodations, decent Wi‑Fi, and the convenient location. The complaints are much more frequent: dirty rooms and hallways, bad smells, disappointing breakfast, poor maintenance, broken TVs or outlets, weak front-desk presence, parking issues, and concerns about safety. A few reviews also mention serious pest problems, including bed bugs and roaches, which is a major red flag. Read more

  Address 3315 Southgate Court South West Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 4 Motel 6-Cedar Rapids, IA Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 5.8

  Our opinion: Low rates, free parking, and easy highway access make this more of a practical overnight stop than a hotel to choose for atmosphere. It’s close to Hawkeye Downs Speedway and a short drive from downtown venues, so it can serve as a simple base between plans. Still, the weak review score and repeated complaints about cleanliness, maintenance, and safety make it more of a budget-only backup than a confident recommendation.
  
  The setup is very simple and motel-style, with spacious rooms that include a seating area, work desk, extended cable TV, local calls, and Wi-Fi. Some guests also mentioned fridges and microwaves in certain rooms, plus coffee in the morning, but overall this is a no-frills property rather than a place with hangout spaces or design appeal. Expect a basic, older look instead of anything modern or polished. The 24-hour front desk is useful for late arrivals, especially on road trips.
  
  The location is one of the better reasons to choose it. Hawkeye Downs Speedway is within a mile, the US Cellular Center is about a five-minute drive away, and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is reachable in around 10 minutes. It’s also convenient for Kirkwood Community College and close to the highway, which helps if you’re passing through by car. A few reviewers liked that restaurants and fast food spots were nearby, making meals easy without much planning.
  
  Reviews are mixed at best, with the most consistent positives being the cheap rates, convenient location, and several shoutouts to friendly front desk staff. A smaller number of guests found the rooms comfortable enough for a short stay. The bigger pattern, though, is negative: many reviews mention dirty rooms, smoky smells, broken TVs, unreliable Wi-Fi, plumbing and hot water issues, noise, and concerns about security or sketchy activity around the property. Several guests also complained about the damage deposit and trouble getting it returned, so it’s smart to ask about that policy clearly before booking. Read more

  Address 3325 Southgate Court Southwest Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 5 Rodeway Inn Cedar Rapids Westdale Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 5.4

  Our opinion: For a short, budget-driven stop in Cedar Rapids, this place may suit travelers who prioritize low rates, parking, and basic convenience over comfort. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, on-site laundry, and easy access to Westdale Mall are the main practical advantages, but the low guest rating and frequent complaints about cleanliness, smoke odors, maintenance, and inconsistent service make it a hard one to recommend beyond a cheap overnight.
  
  The property is a simple 2-star roadside stay with air-conditioned rooms, cable TV with HBO, private bathrooms, and some rooms offering extras like a fridge, microwave, or connecting-room setup. The overall feel is very no-frills rather than modern or social, so don’t expect cool common spaces or standout design. It’s more about basics: a place to sleep, decent hot water, and a few useful features like laundry facilities and on-site parking. Some guests found rooms quiet and comfortable enough for the price, but the hotel seems uneven from room to room.
  
  Location is one of the better reasons to book. Westdale Mall is only a short drive away, and several reviewers liked being close to restaurants, shops, Casey’s, Fareway, the library, and other everyday stops. Meadowridge Golf Driving Range is nearby, and the Cedar Rapids Conference Center is about 9 minutes away by car, so it can also work for quick event stays. The area is more practical than exciting, though, with some guests describing it as industrial and not especially lively for hanging out on foot.
  
  Reviews are mixed at best, leaning negative overall. Positive comments mention friendly staff on some shifts, quiet nights, good hot water, cold fridges, easy check-in, and decent value for a low rate. The main complaints are much more frequent: no real breakfast despite it being advertised, smoke smells in non-smoking rooms, dirty carpets and linens, worn bathrooms, broken or weak AC in some rooms, rude management, deposit and overcharge issues, and concerns about safety and security. In short, some travelers found it acceptable for the money, but many others had enough problems that it feels like a gamble. Read more

  Address 4011 16th Avenue Southwest Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 6 Econo Lodge Cedar Rapids South Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 5.3

  Our opinion: Low rates and practical basics make this a possible option for a quick overnight near the airport area and major roads. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, guest laundry, and pet-friendly policies add convenience, but repeated cleanliness and maintenance issues mean it’s best viewed as a budget-only choice rather than a stay to book with much confidence for a relaxed trip.
  
  The property is a basic roadside motel with simple, no-frills rooms rather than a stylish hangout spot. Standard amenities include cable TV, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and some rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges. There’s also a continental breakfast listed, plus a laundry facility, which can be useful on longer drives. The overall feel, though, seems older and worn from many guest reports, so expect practicality over design, atmosphere, or modern extras.
  
  The location is one of its strongest points. It puts you within easy reach of downtown Cedar Rapids, the University of Iowa area, Hawkeye Downs Speedway and Fairgrounds, Westdale Mall, Brucemore, the U.S. Cellular Center, and several colleges nearby. That makes it convenient if your plan is mostly to sleep, shower, and head back out to explore or catch an event. Being close to highways, restaurants, and local attractions is a definite plus for travelers who want a cheap base with easy access to the city.
  
  Reviews are very mixed, leaning negative overall. Guests do praise the affordable rates, roomy rooms in some cases, helpful staff members on certain shifts, decent shower pressure, and the convenient location. At the same time, repeated complaints mention roaches and other bugs, dirty sheets and towels, smoky or stale smells, dirty hallways, broken or noisy bathroom fans, outdated rooms, missing breakfast despite it being advertised, and frustration over security deposits being held or returned slowly. Staff experiences also seem inconsistent, with some guests calling employees friendly and others describing them as rude or unhelpful. Read more

  Address 622 33rd Avenue South West Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 7 Motel 6-Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport Cedar Rapids $$$

  
  Guest Rating 5.2

  Our opinion: In central Cedar Rapids, this motel is mainly worth considering for a very cheap, last-resort overnight stay. It offers quick highway access, sits about 8 minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport, and is roughly 4 minutes from Hawkeye Downs Speedway, with rooms that include cable TV, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Even so, widespread concerns about cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort make it hard to recommend unless keeping costs as low as possible is the main priority.
  
  The setup is very basic, in line with a simple 2-star roadside motel rather than a hangout-style stay. Rooms are straightforward and climate-controlled, with no real design focus or social spaces to speak of. A few guests mentioned decent room size, comfy beds, or working jacuzzi tubs in some upgraded rooms, but that was far from consistent. Overall, expect a no-frills place aimed at sleeping and moving on, not a property with stylish interiors, extra facilities, or much atmosphere.
  
  Its strongest feature is convenience. Being in central Cedar Rapids gives you quick access to local roads, nearby food spots, gas stations, and shopping areas, and it works reasonably well as a base for passing through town. Hawkeye Downs Speedway is close for anyone heading to an event, Kirkwood Community College is around 5 km away, and the airport is nearby for early flights or late arrivals. For a road-trip stop, the location is useful, especially if you want to stay close to transport routes without spending much.
  
  Guest feedback is heavily mixed but leans negative overall. The most common positives are friendly front-desk staff, affordable rates, pet-friendly policies, and a convenient location. The biggest complaints are serious ones: dirty rooms and bathrooms, bad smells, broken or unreliable amenities, missing towels and pillows, noise in hallways, and concerns about safety and upkeep. Several reviews also mention the property looking much more worn than the photos suggest. In short, people liked the price and some staff interactions, but many felt the condition of the motel didn’t match even modest expectations. Read more

  Address 616 33rd Avenue Southwest Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms