Traveling to Council Bluffs? This southwestern Iowa city on the banks of the Missouri River is home to numerous hotels that offer more than just a comfortable place to rest your head. For travelers who prefer to start their day with a hearty meal, we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Council Bluffs that offer complimentary breakfast. Whether you prefer a full hot buffet or healthier options like fruit and yogurt, these establishments have got you covered.
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Opting for a hotel that includes breakfast in your stay comes with perks, including a hassle-free start to your day. Breakfast is just a few steps away from your room. It’s also an effective strategy to trim down your travel costs. The expense of daily breakfast can quickly accumulate, especially for extended stays or when traveling with family. Selecting a hotel with complimentary breakfast helps keep your budget in check. You can’t beat the sheer convenience of a free hotel breakfast.
Best Council Bluffs hotels with free breakfast available
Before making a reservation, you should check for road construction nearby. Due to construction on Interstate 29, at least one exit is currently closed. It’s not a deal-breaker for a hotel, but it certainly is an inconvenience if you can’t access the hotel from the nearest exit.
(It’s one of the reasons why a few highly-rated hotels in Council Bluffs are not on this list right now. They’re a pain to reach!)
1. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Omaha East, Council Bluffs
3216 Plaza View Drive, Council Bluffs
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80 AND INTERSTATE 29**
If you’re traveling with a large family and need space, stay at a place like SpringHill Suites. Their studio rooms sleep up to 5. But, we’re talking about breakfast here, and free breakfast at that. SpringHill Suites has an on-site restaurant, and depending on the package you book, it includes a hot breakfast. **Please pay attention when booking, though. Some rooms don’t include the breakfast!**
The hotel also has a pool and hot tub. As for its location, guests rate it a 9.1 for its location, being close to several of the city’s highlights, like the Mid-America Center and Iowa West Field House, and three casinos.
2. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs, an IHG Hotel
2202 River Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80 AND INTERSTATE 29**
Often considered the “one of the Ameristar Casino Hotels,” this particular Holiday Inn stands out among all other Council Bluffs hotels. Overall, the hotel has an average 8.3 star rating, but for location, it boasts an average of 9 star ratings. It’s near both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29, and you can literally see Omaha across the river. As expected for this familiar chain, a daily hot breakfast is free there. Guests rated it a perfect 10 stars. There’s also an indoor pool.
Nearby attractions include the aforementioned casino (plus a few others), as well as Mid-America Center, Iowa West Field House, and Bass Pro Shoppe. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is 4 miles away as is Charles Schwab Field, home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series.
3. Hampton Inn Council Bluffs
2204 River Road, Council Bluffs
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80 AND INTERSTATE 29**
I’m a Hilton fan, so when traveling, I look for brands under their umbrella. Hampton Inn is one of the more budget-friendly options from Hilton that offer comfort, good amenities including a pool, and of course, free breakfast. This Hampton Inn location is connected to Ameristar Casino though it doesn’t feel like a casino hotel.
It has an 8.3 star rating on Booking.com, and one review said of it: “Excellent breakfast. Food was prepared well and kept hot. The location of this hotel was perfect for our needs. The free shuttle to the Henry Doorly Zoo was perfect for us both days.”
4. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
17 Arena Way, Council Bluffs
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80 AND INTERSTATE 29**
Country Inn is another Council Bluffs hotel with an excellent location, pretty much within walking distance of the Mid-America Center and Horseshoe Casino. The complimentary breakfast includes waffles, cereal and fresh fruit. One reviewer on Booking.com said: “Breakfast was good, hot, clean, well stocked. Staff present cleaning and keeping up on it. Coffee was excellent. Staff was friendly the whole visit, even saying hi to the kids.” The hotel also has an indoor pool.
Tip: If you book through Booking.com, this hotel offers free cancellation.
5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha East/Council Bluffs
520 30th Ave., Council Bluffs
**NEAR INTERSTATE 80 AND INTERSTATE 29**
If you’re not interested in staying near one of the city’s casinos, you can find some great and affordable hotel options on the east-side of Council Bluffs. It’s still really close to both interestates, as well. Fairfield Inn is located in a pretty well-trafficked area of Council Bluffs, with a lot of popular retailers nearby.
As a Marriott brand hotel, Fairfield Inn has comfortable rooms and an indoor pool. Their complimentary breakfast is on the small side compared to other hotels on this list, which may not be a big deal if you’re not much of a morning person anyway. They serve a continental breakfast that includes cereal and fresh fruit.
Carter Lake hotel recommendation with free breakfast
Carter Lake is an interesting little town, a part of Iowa that’s tucked in between Omaha and the Missouri River. Hotels in Carter Lake are convenient especially for those coming and going from Eppley Airfield. There’s not much to see and do in Carter Lake, and it’s certainly not a very scenic part of the metro, but you can’t beat the convenience to the airport.
Hampton Inn By Hilton Omaha Airport
2020 Abbott Drive, Carter Lake, Iowa
The Hampton Inn in Carter Lake has a high guest rating of 8.6 stars, making it a good location to consider. Many reviewers noted the efficient shuttle to and from the airport. But, we’re talking breakfast in this post. The smallish continental breakfast is free at the Hampton Inn. There’s an indoor pool at the hotel, though it is pretty small.
Related post: Keep the savings going. Here are 30 free things to do in Council Bluffs!
Whether you’re visiting Council Bluffs for its historic attractions, shopping or a casino, choosing the right accommodation is key to making your stay memorable. We hope our guide to hotels offering complimentary breakfasts helps make that decision easier. The convenience of waking up to a ready-made breakfast, the money you save, and the varied choices offered all contribute to an enriched travel experience.