Hotel Grinnell

A lovely hotel with nice rooms and friendly staff, located in the heart of downtown Grinnell and just a few minutes walk from the campus. In an old school building, they play on that theme in their design and branding. The restaurant on the premise has playful drinks and good food. Abundant free parking. Perfect for a visit to the college or just to enjoy a small town.

I am so torn over this place. I’m a Grinnell alum and I love the fact there is now a hotel literally a few blocks from campus, right downtown. But, as a few other reviews have mentioned, there are areas in which this hotel falls short. First, the good. My bed was comfy and my room (a suite) was huge. My room had a little fridge which came in handy. And, again, the location was fabulous if you are visiting campus (or Grinnell in general). There is a very nice bar with a limited menu attached and there is an absolutely gorgeous patio off of the bar/restaurant. It has tons of comfy seating and I think three or four (I forget) seating areas with fire pits. Hotel was full this weekend (reunion) and I was shocked that more people didn’t make use of that part. I think the lack of customers accounts for two unfortunate facts: it does not open until 4pm, and every night we were there they closed up shop around 10pm because it was absolutely dead. I fear for its ability to stay open, frankly. As for the hotel, I have to agree with others. It was incredibly expensive. We understand that it was reunion weekend, so they were probably charging as much as they could, which makes sense. But for New York prices, I was kind of expecting much better amenities. I had no toiletries in my bathroom (was given some when I requested). I also had no bath robe, which was advertised. They offered to give me one, but I declined. At that point I just wanted them to know in case they were going to think I stole it. But if something is listed as included, I expect it to be there. The same can be said for the fact that it advertises that you can stream from your own device onto the TV. Even though I was in one of the most expensive rooms, I could not. I had friends staying there this weekend as well and they told me the tv in their (normal, non-suite) room had that ability. So I don’t understand why a suite wouldn’t have the same ability. Again, it’s listed as an amenity so it should be there. The towels were nice and my shower was ridiculously large, but the outlets near the sinks did not work (no matter how many times I tried to reset the GFCI). The “industrial” feel of the room meant there was no dresser in the bedroom. In fact, there was nothing for clothes storage in the bedroom. There was a big shelving unit in the living area that had a closet rod, but on the base of that section was the mini fridge so your clothes either hit the top of the fridge or you used the one inch or so of bar that didn’t have the fridge below it. And you pretty much would put your clothes in the other shelves of that unit. So all your clothes would either be in full display in the living area, or you would simply never even take them out of your suitcase. There was not even a luggage rack in the room. It was a weird configuration, considering I was thinking that the living room would be a place for my friends and I to gather, but I didn’t need them looking at all my stuff. But there was

Hotel Grinnell is trying to be a boutique hotel, but in reality is a very, very, very over-priced Motel 6... Check-in - not welcoming or warm, perfunctory. So much so that NOTHING was explained to us... Ummm, there is a small continental BREAKFAST included? That would've been good to mention. Hey - there is bottled water and snacks in a fridge for all to share? HEY! That would be a good point to include in the guest welcome (before we made a drive out to WalMart to get what was included but we were not told...). Bed is comfy. Cannot control heat from the room and the front desk didn't ever adjust it (after 3 calls to them). Never anyone at the front desk - need more help. Hotel used to be a school, so soooo much potential to work with that. But it all falls short. Toiletries are a joke. Bottle marked "foaming soap" is super smelly janitorial style soap (which does not foam and is not in a foaming bottle, not sure why they added the "foaming soap" label). There is no soap in the shower/bath - just a SHAMPOO/BODY WASH COMBO. Ummm, if I wanted to use cheap Suave toiletries we would've picked those up at WalMart with the water we went to get... At the price point they are charging they at LEAST need to have separate shampoo and soap. TV doesn't work. Will try to ask for new remote batteries soon, but doubt the front desk person will be there. In room coffee maker DIRTY. Coffee in lobby out - we asked if they could make more and were told to wait 20 minutes. Good location if you are doing anything at Grinnell College. Way over-priced for what you get.

Really enjoyed the stay. Room was clean and comfortable. Interesting space in an old school. I would stay there again.

Bar/Restaurant had Excellent food! Hotel staff were very helpful.