Name: Courtyard Ames
Address: 311 South 17th Street, Ames, Iowa, United States of America, Ames, Iowa, US
Price range: $123–$391 per night
Rating: 9.1

What guests think

Across reviews, Courtyard Ames is praised for its clean, modern rooms, comfortable beds, and a convenient location near Iowa State and dining, with many noting friendly, helpful staff and appealing common areas like the lobby and gym.

Recurring drawbacks include noise from thin walls or nearby traffic and periodic sewer-like odors in some bathrooms or rooms. Housekeeping and maintenance feel inconsistent, with reports of missed room service, lukewarm water or temporary shutoffs, faulty key cards, and one fire-alarm incident that disrupted elevators. On-site dining is limited or closed at times, and breakfast is not complimentary. Expect a comfortable, convenient stay with some service and noise variability.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests like the gym and inviting lobby and outdoor spaces, and parking is generally easy. Occasional maintenance or access issues were noted, including elevator downtime after a fire alarm.

Related guest reviews

10

Jessica

Jun 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great gym. Clean.

10

Cheryl

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are clean and spacious. The area outside was well maintained and parking was not an issue.

10

Diane

Jul 17, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked that they had a small bar. I didn’t like that they had no “ free” breakfast option and only a very limited selection. The breakfast was very slow. The rooms are smaller than expected. The laundry was great! The staff was exceptional! The work out facility was phenomenal!

10

Katie

Apr 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

LOVED this hotel for visiting our college age kids. The lobby had amazing areas for congregating with our group and being able to hang out together.

10

Melissa

Feb 18, 2024

·

Perfect for a weekend stay - room was fantastic - bed was comfy - location was convenient. Would have lived to have breakfast but not a deal breaker for me. Shocked to walk in and see a lil’ hotel bar - that was unique to hotels like this. My only complaint would be the shower - there was no door, the pressure was funny, and I had a hard time figuring out the water temp. I would definitely recommend a stay here and I’m sure I will be back.

10

TaraLee

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to ISU, shopping and dining. Property is very well maintained. Love the gym.

10

Donald

Apr 3, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We liked the cleanliness and unique interior of our room and lobby area. Staff were very friendly and efficient. Enjoyed our stay. Accommodations were excellent. We will be back. Thanks

6

Ivelisse

Aug 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking are and gardens improperly maintained

4

Jill

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fire alarm went off early in morning due to kitchen fans not turned on and my card was inactivated while I went out to my car in the am before checkout. Elevators weren’t working for at least 3 hours after fire alarm. Had to take stairs to get my card reactivated and back up again.

10

Kim

Jul 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, classy with great outdoor area to relax. Will be back!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many guests find the property and rooms very clean, but several report issues such as sewer-like odors, missed housekeeping, and occasional maintenance lapses (e.g., empty dispensers). Overall cleanliness and servicing can be inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

8

Mary

Jun 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The bathroom door didn’t quite clear the floor. My husband just had back surgery, and I have arthritis. We had to shove the door to open and close it. Came back from a funeral service at 5:00 to find room hadn’t been cleaned. Asked at front desk and was told staff left at 3:00. Also, if we wanted clean towels we would have to get them from the front desk instead of delivering them to our room. I couldn’t open the shampoo to pump it out and finally had to pull the bottle off the wall. The pump wouldn’t turn to open, and I managed to twist off the pump and pour out shampoo. Upon checkout, the woman at the front desk didn’t acknowledge me at all. I stood in front of her and waited for her to stop using the computer, but she didn’t even glance up. I finally set the key cards on the counter and left. Positives: very nice man at the desk on Saturday evening. Liked the room set up and cleanliness.

10

Cheryl

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are clean and spacious. The area outside was well maintained and parking was not an issue.

10

Heather

Oct 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and large rooms.

8

Joan

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The only reason I gave 4 stars versus 5 was the sewer smell in our bathroom. The room,service, staff and location were excellent. The rooms are modern and well-designed. Staff was kind and informative.

10

Catherine

Oct 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, super comfortable bed

4

Beverly

May 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The smell in the hotel was awful. The room smelled like sewer. They shut the water off for “maintenance” at 830am in the morning, right when people were trying to get ready.

4

Andre

Jul 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms dirty. Mold in AC unit. I reported a wet carpet and was ignored. Came back from a day out and our room was not serviced. Called downstairs and was asked of I requested my room be serviced. I asked why and was told policy since covid. Another hotel using covid as an excuse to save a penny not servicing rooms but still charging top rates. Avoid this hotel if you like a clean room.

10

katherine

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel, nice location, very clean and comfortable.

6

David

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The first room smelled like sewage. The second room was fine, but we never received maid service.

10

Jonathan

Dec 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean hotel near the Interstate. Not a ton right around it. Room was very clean and recently remodeled. Staff was Iowa nice.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are modern and generally comfortable with notably good beds and some larger layouts. However, several guests mention thin walls or traffic noise and occasional in-room issues like finicky AC or shower temperature and design.

Related guest reviews

10

Peggy

Apr 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was very nice, clean, friendly staff, etc. A bit noisy from the highway but I wear ear plugs myself so I was fine! Overall I’d highly recommend!

10

Heather

Oct 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and large rooms.

8

Sarah

May 1, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I can hear everything going on in the room next door, even talking and faucet running. My family and friends have stayed there before and have had the same complaint. It seems there is no sound insulation room to room. The lobby area and bar were very nice, very clean and modern.

8

Joan

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The only reason I gave 4 stars versus 5 was the sewer smell in our bathroom. The room,service, staff and location were excellent. The rooms are modern and well-designed. Staff was kind and informative.

10

Catherine

Oct 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, super comfortable bed

8

Sarah

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful new hotel - clean, great style snd location, great staff. Only drawback: thin walls - could hear the people in next room talking and snoring.

10

Will

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I will butcher the spelling of the names, but Michelene at the front desk and Regan at the bar were wonderful. Both were very attentive and answered any questions I had. Wonderful new hotel with comfy beds!

10

Melissa

Feb 18, 2024

·

Perfect for a weekend stay - room was fantastic - bed was comfy - location was convenient. Would have lived to have breakfast but not a deal breaker for me. Shocked to walk in and see a lil’ hotel bar - that was unique to hotels like this. My only complaint would be the shower - there was no door, the pressure was funny, and I had a hard time figuring out the water temp. I would definitely recommend a stay here and I’m sure I will be back.

8

Brionne

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check in person did not ask about a vehicle, if it was our first stay, talk about the bar area, etc. The a/c was set to 70 and yet kept changing and the room became hot.

10

Kelly

Jun 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was wonderful!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, with several shout-outs to the front desk and bar team. A few guests reported lapses at check-in or checkout, and isolated complaints about billing or key-card issues.

Related guest reviews

8

Mary

Jun 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The bathroom door didn’t quite clear the floor. My husband just had back surgery, and I have arthritis. We had to shove the door to open and close it. Came back from a funeral service at 5:00 to find room hadn’t been cleaned. Asked at front desk and was told staff left at 3:00. Also, if we wanted clean towels we would have to get them from the front desk instead of delivering them to our room. I couldn’t open the shampoo to pump it out and finally had to pull the bottle off the wall. The pump wouldn’t turn to open, and I managed to twist off the pump and pour out shampoo. Upon checkout, the woman at the front desk didn’t acknowledge me at all. I stood in front of her and waited for her to stop using the computer, but she didn’t even glance up. I finally set the key cards on the counter and left. Positives: very nice man at the desk on Saturday evening. Liked the room set up and cleanliness.

10

Joseph

Aug 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was awesome. I am traveling by motorcycle and like to be able to see my bike from my room so the desk front re-assigned a room with a parking spot right outside that is very well lit. Very accommodating.

2

Denise

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

DO NOT STAY HERE!! I paid for the room through Expedia. When I was checking in I was told to put my card in for $20 incidentals. They charged me $310 extra!!! The manager was this horrible person who laughed and smirked at me while I was explaining what happened. So unprofessional and condescending!! They would not refund the charge. I am actually still going through it and seeking legal counsel. The manager was very young and obviously not ready to have this position. It’s so sad such a beautiful property going downhill because of an incompetent manager.

10

Susan

Mar 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a very nice property. Everything appears new. The staff was extremely pleasant

8

Joan

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The only reason I gave 4 stars versus 5 was the sewer smell in our bathroom. The room,service, staff and location were excellent. The rooms are modern and well-designed. Staff was kind and informative.

2

Lisa

Jun 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was not great. We were not given many details about where to even find the elevator. Hair in the bathtub.

10

Will

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I will butcher the spelling of the names, but Michelene at the front desk and Regan at the bar were wonderful. Both were very attentive and answered any questions I had. Wonderful new hotel with comfy beds!

10

Jessica

Oct 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was very clean and comfortable! The staff was great and so helpful!

10

Caren

Feb 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful rooms, comfortable bed, friendly, helpful staff

10

Jacob

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk was awesome

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Location is convenient for Iowa State University, the stadium, and nearby restaurants and shopping, with easy highway access. A few note there’s not much immediately adjacent or that the area feels less appealing.

Related guest reviews

10

Rhonda

Dec 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean. Close to shopping and restaurants.

10

duane

Jul 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

can walk to restaurant and a couple bars. very nice property

10

James

Jul 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good hotel. Newish. Not a great location.

6

Kelsey

Nov 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Had some issues upon getting to our room that was corrected quickly with a room switch. It was a one night stay. The next morning before check out, I discovered the body wash dispenser was empty while showering so that was frustrating. Quiet hotel in a convenient location with mostly friendly staff. Average stay.

10

TaraLee

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to ISU, shopping and dining. Property is very well maintained. Love the gym.

10

Lee

Aug 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel and location

10

katherine

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel, nice location, very clean and comfortable.

10

Staci

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location near the stadium, restaurants and shopping.

10

Ky

Jan 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really close to lots of good restaurants and right off the highway.

10

Jonathan

Dec 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean hotel near the Interstate. Not a ton right around it. Room was very clean and recently remodeled. Staff was Iowa nice.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

On-site dining and bar options are limited, with the bistro sometimes closed and breakfast not included; service and speed can be slow. Some guests enjoyed the small bar area.

Related guest reviews

10

duane

Jul 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

can walk to restaurant and a couple bars. very nice property

10

duane

Mar 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Love this hotel! the bar area is nice and close to restaurants. When in Ames always stay here!!!

10

Diane

Jul 17, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked that they had a small bar. I didn’t like that they had no “ free” breakfast option and only a very limited selection. The breakfast was very slow. The rooms are smaller than expected. The laundry was great! The staff was exceptional! The work out facility was phenomenal!

8

Jonathan

Apr 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Bad service at the bar, view was the roof of the other part of the building, it sucked.

10

Will

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I will butcher the spelling of the names, but Michelene at the front desk and Regan at the bar were wonderful. Both were very attentive and answered any questions I had. Wonderful new hotel with comfy beds!

10

Melissa

Feb 18, 2024

·

Perfect for a weekend stay - room was fantastic - bed was comfy - location was convenient. Would have lived to have breakfast but not a deal breaker for me. Shocked to walk in and see a lil’ hotel bar - that was unique to hotels like this. My only complaint would be the shower - there was no door, the pressure was funny, and I had a hard time figuring out the water temp. I would definitely recommend a stay here and I’m sure I will be back.

8

Julie

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The advertisement for the property with Expedia said there’s a bar and restaurant and they had a very very limited menu.

4

Lynnette

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Key cards weren't working, Bistro was closed, hotel dirty.

4

Jill

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fire alarm went off early in morning due to kitchen fans not turned on and my card was inactivated while I went out to my car in the am before checkout. Elevators weren’t working for at least 3 hours after fire alarm. Had to take stairs to get my card reactivated and back up again.

8

Scott

Aug 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Would have like it to have breakfast included

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $243	16	17 $216	18 $391	19 $289
20 $179	21 $220	22	23 $225	24 $213	25	26
27 $127	28 $190	29 $200	30 $205

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $237	2 $326	3
4 $146	5 $190	6 $215	7	8 $170	9 $218	10 $275
11 $123	12 $190	13 $235	14 $200	15 $180	16 $308	17 $275
18 $123	19 $160	20 $200	21 $195	22 $180	23	24
25 $137	26	27 $200	28	29 $175	30 $315	31 $309

Select dates to see prices and availability

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Studio, Multiple Beds

Studio, Multiple Beds, Hearing Accessible (Accessible Bathtub)

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Hearing Accessible (Accessible Bathtub)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible (Accessible Bathtub)

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Roll-In Shower

Studio, Multiple Beds, Hearing Accessible

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Accessible Bathtub

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible (Roll-In Shower)

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Hearing Accessible

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Hearing Accessible (Roll-In Shower)

Guest reviews

Superb

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Courtyard Ames

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Prices for upcoming dates