Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top-rated hotels in Okoboji that offer both comfortable accommodation and a free breakfast. Nestled in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region, Okoboji is a charming destination that beckons travelers with its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the top-rated hotels in Okoboji that offer free breakfast, taking into consideration factors like customer reviews, amenities and location.
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Being one of the largest tourist destinations in the state with a lot to do, staying any amount of time in the Okoboji area can get expensive quickly. Finding a hotel with free breakfast is an easy way to save some money. What’s moer, you can start your day on a full stomach without the added stress of locating a breakfast spot and then waiting for a seat. Use the money you saved on breakfast to enjoy more of what Okoboji has to offer, like boating on the lakes, visiting the amusement park, having a drink on the waterfront, or shopping for unique souvenirs.
And if you want Okoboji restaurant recommendations, we have some of those. 🙂
How We Rated the Hotels
Hotels are rated using the following criteria:
- Average rankings of guest reviews
- Amenities
- Type of complimentary breakfast offered
- Location of the hotel
For the purpose of this post, Okoboji encompasses the towns near West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, Minnewashta, and the largest natural lake in Iowa, Spirit Lake. Most of the lakes, except Spirit Lake, are interconnected.
Top Rated Hotels in Okoboji Offering Free Breakfast
Hotel 1: The Oakwood Inn
A perennially top-ranked hotel among Okoboji accommodations, The Oakwood Inn is an upscale boutique inn that boasts an average 9.7-star reviews. Guests tend to point out the quality of the breakfast and the beautiful landscaping. The inn is more of a bed & breakfast as it has only 11 rooms. But in trade, you’ll get to know the hosts, you’ll enjoy a gourmet three-course breakfast, and it’s adults-only.
Located in Spirit Lake, there are five golf courses located within 5 miles of the The Oakwood Inn. The Pearson Lakes Art Center is within walking distance if you take the Kenue Park Trail. It has an impressive collection of Russian Impressionist art.
Hotel 2: The Inn Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
The charming Inn Hotel has the benefit of being located “close to it all” in Arnolds Park. It’s not exactly within walking distance of the popular Arnolds Park Amusement Park but it’s pretty close (about 3 miles). Notable amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The free breakfast is a continental one.
The hotel has an average of 8.6 stars on Booking.com, with the highlight being that guests give it 9.5 stars for its location. Beyond mentioning the location of the hotel, reviewers have pointed out the uniqueness of the hotel’s decor. Think art deco.
Hotel 3: Okoboji Inn & Suites
If you prefer a quieter lake getaway, opt for a hotel like Okoboji Inn, located in Milford, a bit further away from all the commotion. It’s still only about 10 minutes from three of the lakes, so it’s not exactly remote. This hotel also is notable for having a family suite that sleeps up to five people. An American-style breakfast – consisting of eggs, pancakes, oatmeal and fruit – is offered complimentary. The average rating is 8.8 stars on Booking.com.
Hotel 4: AmericInn by Wyndham Okoboji
AmericInn has a few things going for it Its location is superb, Brooks National Golf Club just adjacent to the hotel. Plus there’s an indoor pool and hot tub for guests. Overall, it has an 8.3-star rating on Booking.com. Parking is free and dogs are welcome, for an additional fee. The breakfast is on the small side.
Other Noteworthy Hotels in Okoboji
Brief mention of other hotels that didn’t make the top list but still offer great services and free breakfast
- Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is an Okoboji hotel with 100 rooms, and one of the few hotels to have an indoor water playground and outdoor pool. The continental breakfast is complimentary. Reviews of the hotel average around 7.4 stars.The location is pretty good: It’s located on a stunning 27-hole golf course and is within walking distance to West Lake Okoboji.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji is along the lines of budget-friendly chain hotels, good for those looking for a hotel that’s clean and comfortable, but offers not much else. A continental breakfast is offered daily, plus at least you get free Wifi and free parking. And it’s dog-friendly. Located in Spirit Lake, it’s about 5 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Hopefully, you now feel well-prepared and even excited to choose the perfect hotel for your visit to Okoboji region. The hotels in this post not only offer complimentary breakfasts, they also provide comfort, excellent service, and convenient locations, all contributing to a memorable stay. Remember, a hotel is more than just a place to rest your head at night—it’s a key part of your travel experience. So, choose wisely, savor every bite of your morning meal, and step out into the Okoboji sunshine ready to embrace the adventures that await you.
