Name: Hotel Winneshiek
Address: 104 East Water Street, Downtown Decorah, Decorah, Iowa, United States of America, Decorah, Winneshiek County, US
Price range: US$178–US$189 per night
Rating: 8.65

What guests think

At Hotel Winneshiek, travelers highlight its beautifully restored historic charm and walkable downtown Decorah location, consistently noting clean, comfortable, generally quiet rooms, friendly staff, and a cozy bar, alongside mixed breakfast impressions and a few maintenance or comfort issues.

Many appreciate spacious rooms and large bathrooms, with some units offering whirlpool tubs. Downsides include occasional sagging mattresses, hard-to-adjust thermostats, and thin walls, plus limited on-site dining beyond the bar and continental breakfast. Parking is straightforward, and the interiors draw consistent praise for craftsmanship and character. Expect a boutique experience with period charm, contemporary basics, and a few quirks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site bar/lounge is popular for drinks and atmosphere, and parking is easy; some rooms feature whirlpool tubs. There is no full-service restaurant.

Related guest reviews

10

Jerrod

19 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly environment, comfortable great drinks at the bar

10

Renee

24 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is beautifully restored and the staff is always friendly. Having a nice bar downstairs is a plus for a place to meet with all friends we had traveling together. Cute shops within walking distance.

10

Tamara

28 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was our first stay at Hotel Winneshiek and we will be back! The room was quiet and comfy, the cocktails in the lounge were great and you can't beat the downtown location.

8

Jason

4 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was a little sparse, but the room was clean and comfortable and the common areas were beautiful. Parking was plentiful and staff were friendly. Would stay agin

8

Diane

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautifully restored hotel. Bar with delicious appetizers, but no restaurant. Great location downtown Decorah. Accommodating staff. We needed an accessible room (at minimum bars in the bathtub) but the hotel does not have them.

10

Terrie

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy parking Lovely room Quiet Issues with thermostat controls. Had to call front desk to change settings

10

Dan

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Always enjoy are stay. We have been here 8-10 times and a soak in the whirlpool tub after a day of hiking feels incredible. I do need to be sure to get a room with a desk because I work a little on Mondays after a Sunday night stay.

10

Stephanie

25 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint, updated hotel with spacious rooms. Limited breakfast options (but at least they offer it!); and a nice little bar/appetizer kitchen in the hotel. Friendly staff. Centrally located downtown close to restaurants, shops, etc. Easy access and parking in the back.

8

Steve

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great Lobby, room great, walls Very Thin, tv small for a 2 double bed room, great water pressure, love dedicated parking.

10

Martha

27 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was so historic and beautiful. The room was very large and comfortable. Parking, the check-in process, and the lobby bar and breakfast area were amazing. There was so much to do in the downtown area within walking distance. Great experience!

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Cleanliness

Reviews consistently describe very clean rooms and common areas. A few note lapses such as stained carpet, leftover items, or minor bathroom/elevator cleaning issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Jamie

12 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful property. Nice rooms. Clean!

10

Christine

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean hotel and room. Staff was friendly.

10

Roy

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful stay, location was perfect for sightseeing and shopping. Gorgeous architecture, and hotel felt safe. Rooms were clean and comfortable, exceeded my expectations.

10

Barbara

31 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel Winneshiek is beautiful, well maintained and extremely clean. Built in the early 1900's. Lots of charm.

6

Laurie

12 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Decorah is beautiful and we had a great weekend. The hotel is well located, but…our room had stained carpeting, burned out light bulb above vanity, rude bartender. I probably wouldn’t stay here again.

10

Daniel

26 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, quiet, nice hotel. Will return. Good value - surprisingly good breakfast sandwiches ! Thanks !

8

Craig

26 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Like historical property.like Reception staff, particularly Lynn. Very helpful. Suggestions: 1. For safety, a grab bar in every shower. 2. A bound book or binder in each room with all the background of the property (woth color photos) instead of just on copy paper. This could also include amenities and where to find them as well as pictures of the paintings/wall hangings and info about them. I assume some of the portraits were related to the history. 3. The elevator door tracks are in desperate need of cleaning and polishing. As a retired property manager and owner, I know the value of first impressions. Brass should shine! Overall, a pleasant experience and I would stay again.

8

Jeffery

19 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was great, the bathroom door just had some unknown residue that could be seen and could have been cleaned more thoroughly. Otherwise great trip.

10

Thomas

17 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel with loads of character. Big, clean room and friendly staff.

10

Randall

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Most aspects of my stay were excellent, but there were dirty clothes left in the drawer by the previous occupant, and aside from the complimentary breakfast, dining options at the hotel are nearly non-existent.

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Rooms

Rooms are often spacious, quiet, and comfortable, with large bathrooms; some include whirlpool tubs. Reported drawbacks include occasional sagging or dated beds, difficult thermostat controls, and thin walls.

Related guest reviews

10

BYAL

10 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Could not control room temp in room satisfactorily

10

Rosemary

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Huge room, big bathroom with incredible shower pressure and comfortable beds.

10

Leah

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was beautifully decorated for Christmas! Very nice historical hotel. Large room and bathroom!!

10

Dan

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stay here every time we come through Decorah, quiet, comfortable

10

Terrie

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy parking Lovely room Quiet Issues with thermostat controls. Had to call front desk to change settings

10

Alan

29 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The style of the hotel and the fact that they have maintained it so well is a great plus. The only minor downside is that our bed mattress was nearing the end of its lifespan but was acceptable for now.

8

Steve

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great Lobby, room great, walls Very Thin, tv small for a 2 double bed room, great water pressure, love dedicated parking.

10

Daniel

30 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful old building, staff very friendly, beds could us an upgrade, tore up my shins on exposed metal frame

10

Christine

7 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lots of character in this old downtown hotel. Beautiful inside and it connects the Opera House which I thought was really cool. Bed was comfortable and our toddler got a kick out of the spa tub. Would highly recommend!

10

Jim

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel with lots of room in the bedroom and bathroom.

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, courteous, and accommodating. Occasional issues include slow or rude bar service, reservation or room-type mix ups, and inconsistent front-desk communication.

Related guest reviews

10

Christine

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean hotel and room. Staff was friendly.

10

Kathleen

11 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful unique hotel. The staff was so friendly, accommodating and efficient. I would recommend this hotel.

8

Jean

27 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Exceptionally clean and aesthetically appealing - beautiful hotel! Downsides were the differences of opinion voiced between the 2 front desk clerks at check-in, the sub par offerings of the continental breakfast, the low quality toilet paper, and no grab bars or bath mat in the bathtub/shower (however a mat was provided upon request)

10

Richard

9 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The building is beautiful. Front desk staff worked hard to make things right for us. Lovely accommodations and so convenient to area shops, pubs, and restaurants.

10

DENISE

20 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone was friendly and kind . The staff made sure I had everything I needed .

8

Michael

10 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Upon checking in we were told there weren’t any handicap rooms available. I explained that I had two spine surgeries in the past year and that although the room they had me booked in had a tub that would be impossible for me to use. It took awhile and some “convincing” that the clerk

10

ROBIN

16 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

From the moment we entered, the staff gave excellent service and made sure all our needs were met. This hotel reminds me of elegant past times yet has all the amenities of the present. It is close to shops, great restaurants, and the Norwegian Museum. A great getaway!

10

Charles

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We very much enjoyed the historical significance of this nicely refurbished property and will stay again on our next trip to/through Decorah. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed and the hotel staff are courteous as well as helpful.

6

Teresa

15 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The bar was not busy but the bartenders were very slow and didn’t help us. After waiting 20 minutes, we got up and left.

2

Jerry

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

They said that they had no reservation. Claimed that Expedia has been a problem for a week or so. Offered comparable room for $100 or so more. Drove another half hour and booked a room for the night

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Location

Prime downtown Decorah location with easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and the museum. Guests consistently praise the convenience.

Related guest reviews

10

Barbara

1 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Handy to everything!

10

Tamara

28 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was our first stay at Hotel Winneshiek and we will be back! The room was quiet and comfy, the cocktails in the lounge were great and you can't beat the downtown location.

10

Helen

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

This is a grand old hotel with beautiful woodwork. We've enjoyed staying here several times through the years. It's right on Water Street where the main stores and restaurants are and is a nice little walk to Vesterheim museum.

10

Rodney

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Another great stay. Location is perfect!

10

April

3 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful historic hotel located within walking distance of wonderful shops, restaurants and the Norwegian American museum. The staff were outstanding. The continental breakfast had everything we needed.

10

Suzanne

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully renovated hotel. Walkable to downtown areas. We want to return.

10

Doug

21 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful property right downtown near shops and restaurants.

10

Sandy

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I loved the Hotel Winneshiek. It's right downtown in Decorah and convenient to everything. The property is super cute and well kept. The staff was very friendly. I would stay again.

10

Margaret

6 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. Beautiful old hotel.

10

Martha

27 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was so historic and beautiful. The room was very large and comfortable. Parking, the check-in process, and the lobby bar and breakfast area were amazing. There was so much to do in the downtown area within walking distance. Great experience!

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Dining

Complimentary continental breakfast ranges from adequate to very good, with several mentions of fresh-made sandwiches; the bar offers cocktails and small plates. On-site dining is limited and there is no full-service restaurant.

Related guest reviews

10

Amy

16 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

If you come to Decorah, you need to stay at Hotel Winneshiek. It's right in downtown Decorah where the shopping and food is easy to walk to. The hotel may be old but it has a lot of character and much closer than the other hotels/motels. The morning breakfast is great with pre-made croissants with fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, coffee/tea, etc available. The bar was fun and the staff was personable. We'll come back to Hotel Winneshiek the next time.

8

Jason

4 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was a little sparse, but the room was clean and comfortable and the common areas were beautiful. Parking was plentiful and staff were friendly. Would stay agin

10

Colleen

22 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent stay at Hotel Winn & wished for more than just a quick night! Walked up to Phelp's Park (a must-do!) after grabbing a latte at Impact to go with the excellent continental breakfast. We did visit the bar the night before & enjoyed the potstickers & chicken satay. It is my 3rd time staying at the old beauty & can't wait to return!

8

Robert

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel has been beautifully restored and the staff is very friendly. Breakfast was great with fresh-made sandwiches ready for reheating. We really only have 2 complaints and neither will stop us from visiting again. 1) The mattress needs to be flipped or rotated, if not replaced entirely. Waking up with a stiff/sore back was no bueno. 2) we could not get the jets to turn on in the oversized tub. That may have helped the backs a little.

8

Diane

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautifully restored hotel. Bar with delicious appetizers, but no restaurant. Great location downtown Decorah. Accommodating staff. We needed an accessible room (at minimum bars in the bathtub) but the hotel does not have them.

8

Jean

27 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Exceptionally clean and aesthetically appealing - beautiful hotel! Downsides were the differences of opinion voiced between the 2 front desk clerks at check-in, the sub par offerings of the continental breakfast, the low quality toilet paper, and no grab bars or bath mat in the bathtub/shower (however a mat was provided upon request)

10

Daniel

26 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, quiet, nice hotel. Will return. Good value - surprisingly good breakfast sandwiches ! Thanks !

10

Stephanie

25 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint, updated hotel with spacious rooms. Limited breakfast options (but at least they offer it!); and a nice little bar/appetizer kitchen in the hotel. Friendly staff. Centrally located downtown close to restaurants, shops, etc. Easy access and parking in the back.

10

Lawrence

26 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful historical facility! Very clean. Service was very good - they were just a bit short-handed in the lounge - however I think they were unexpectedly busy for a Tuesday. Great place. I would stay here again.

10

Randall

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Most aspects of my stay were excellent, but there were dirty clothes left in the drawer by the previous occupant, and aside from the complimentary breakfast, dining options at the hotel are nearly non-existent.

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Hotel Winneshiek

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed (King Suite)

Deluxe Suite, 2 Queen Beds (Basler Suite)

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds (Double Queen)

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed (Presidential Suite)

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed (King Executive)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub (King Whirlpool)

Deluxe Suite, 2 Queen Beds (Winneshiek Suite)

Guest reviews of Hotel Winneshiek

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Hotel Winneshiek

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $178	21 $178	22 $178	23 $178	24 $178	25	26
27 $178	28 $178	29 $178	30 $178

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5 $178	6 $178	7 $178	8 $178	9	10
11 $178	12	13 $178	14 $189	15 $178	16	17
18	19	20 $178	21 $189	22	23	24
25 $178	26 $178	27 $178	28 $178	29 $189	30	31