Top Iowa Gala Hotels

• Spaces for 200-475 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Total Spaces

• Spaces for 50-140 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 3 Total Spaces

River View Lodge is a private boutique lodge and event venue perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in LeClaire, Iowa. Designed for couples who want more than a single wedding day, it offers a serene, all-in-one setting where ceremonies, receptions, and overnight stays flow together beautifully. The lodge sleeps up to 20 guests in luxury suites — each with river views and many featuring ensuite saunas or jetted tubs — and includes an indoor heated pool, spacious patios, and a stunning ballroom. Unlike traditional venues, River View Lodge gives you privacy, flexibility with vendors, and full-weekend access so you can slow down, savor the celebration, and enjoy every moment without rushed timelines or strict rules. Beyond wedding season, the property transforms seamlessly for corporate off-sites, wellness retreats, family holidays, milestone celebrations, showers, and mid-week suite getaways — offering a destination feel close to home, without the stress or high minimums of typical venues or hotels.

• Spaces for 300-700 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 3 Total Spaces

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center is a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel and event venue in Cedar Rapids, Iowa — and the only luxury teaching hotel of its kind in the nation. Operating as a learning laboratory for Kirkwood Community College's Hospitality Arts program, the property pairs award-winning facilities with a one-to-one employee-to-guest service ratio, a standard that has earned it Four Diamond recognition for 12 consecutive years and the title of Best Banquet/Event Facility from readers of the Corridor Business Journal. With nearly 22,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, the hotel accommodates gatherings from cocktail receptions for 700 to business meetings for four. The Ballroom — at 7,454 square feet — seats up to 450 for banquets and connects to a 4,100-square-foot Pre-function Area with floor-to-ceiling windows. An indoor Atrium, a formal outdoor garden, and six flexible breakout rooms round out the event offerings. In-house catering is required for all on-site events, and all room setup and teardown is handled by the hotel staff. The property also showcases more than 100 original artworks throughout its public spaces, including hand-blown glass installations and pieces by student, faculty, and local artists — among them "Constellation" by Susan Chrysler White. On-site dining is anchored by The Class Act Restaurant, one of Cedar Rapids' most recognized dining destinations, and the Maikka Lobby Bar.

• Spaces for 103-450 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Theater

Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center is a full-service hotel and event venue situated near the Mississippi River and Port of Dubuque, Iowa. The property combines comfortable accommodations with more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, making it a practical choice for planners coordinating everything from intimate business gatherings to large celebrations. The conference center's signature space is the Mississippi Ballroom, which spans over 4,100 square feet and accommodates up to 450 guests for conferences, receptions, or speaker series. The ballroom subdivides into three sections — Mississippi A, B, and C — allowing the space to flex for smaller groups. A 103-seat tiered Symposium Theater, a private Executive Boardroom, the Eagle Point Conference room, and the Great River Suite round out the meeting and event offering. For weddings, the property positions itself as an all-inclusive destination. The venue's staff handles coordination details and the hotel provides tablecloths, linens, and skirting at no additional charge for all banquets. In-house catering covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with customization available for dietary needs. On-site guest rooms accommodate out-of-town attendees, and the 7 Hills Tap House offers on-site dining. The hotel has earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence five years running, placing it in the platform's Hall of Fame.

• Spaces for 160-400 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Meeting Space

The Kinnick Event Center brings more than 25 years of event experience to Coralville's Iowa City corridor, offering over 6,500 square feet of renovated space for weddings, quinceañeras, corporate meetings, and social celebrations. The center sits adjacent to the Holiday Inn Coralville – Iowa City, giving guests the convenience of on-site hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast just steps from the event floor. The flagship Kinnick Ballroom seats up to 400 guests for dinner and dancing, while a set of modern salons provides a more intimate option for ceremonies and smaller gatherings. A dedicated culinary team handles all catering on-site, offering custom menus built around the event's specific needs. The center is located at 1220 First Avenue in Coralville, two miles from I-380, making it straightforward for guests traveling from across the region.

• Spaces for 2,000 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Convention Center

Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel is a nonprofit entertainment destination in Altoona, Iowa, operating as one of only two nonprofit casinos in the country. Founded in 1989, the property combines a full-scale casino, live and simulcast horse racing, hotel accommodations, and extensive event facilities under one roof. The Meadows Event Center spans more than 34,000 square feet with over 20 configurable rooms, accommodating events of up to 2,000 guests. From business conferences and galas to weddings and race day corporate outings, the facility supports a wide range of occasions with chef-prepared catering, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, and a dedicated conference concierge. AJ's Steakhouse offers a private dining room for smaller gatherings, from intimate celebrations to executive dinners. As a licensed 501(c)(4) organization, Prairie Meadows has contributed more than $2.4 billion to the state of Iowa through taxes and charitable donations, directing proceeds toward economic development, arts, education, and human services across central Iowa communities.

• Spaces for 238-2,335 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 2 Ballrooms
• 2 Convention Centers

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex anchors downtown Cedar Rapids with 267 guest rooms and a direct connection to the Alliant Energy PowerHouse arena and convention center — giving planners access to more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space within a single property. The venue hosts gatherings of nearly any scale, from intimate board meetings to citywide conventions. The Grand Ballroom spans 12,359 square feet and accommodates up to 1,030 guests for receptions, while the 2,856-square-foot Parlor Ballroom on the 16th floor seats smaller groups in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. The Exhibit Hall provides 27,300 square feet of open floor for large conferences, trade shows, and seated banquets. In-house catering, a dedicated events team, audiovisual services, and a rooftop restaurant called 350 First are available on site. The property is fifteen minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport and two blocks from the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre.

• Spaces for 10-577 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Meeting Spaces

The Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny is a full-service hotel and event venue in Ankeny, Iowa, situated directly off Interstate 35 approximately ten minutes north of downtown Des Moines and twenty minutes from Des Moines International Airport. The property features more than 6,300 square feet of flexible event space across six configurable rooms, accommodating gatherings of up to 432 seated guests or up to 577 in a theater arrangement. At the center of the event offering is the Grand Ballroom — 5,280 square feet divisible into four individual salons — suited for wedding receptions, galas, corporate events, and banquets. The ballroom features a built-in dance floor and 13-foot ceilings. A smaller meeting room and boardroom round out the portfolio for more intimate gatherings. The hotel's events team and on-site catering support planning from initial consultation through event day. With 119 guest rooms and suites on property, the Courtyard Des Moines Ankeny provides a convenient option for guests traveling for multi-day celebrations.

• Spaces for 150-250 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Meeting Space

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is a full-service hotel located minutes from Des Moines International Airport, offering convenient access for both overnight guests and event attendees. The hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service, making it an accessible choice for groups traveling from out of town. The property features over 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space across four rooms, accommodating up to 250 guests for conference-style events or 150 for banquets. In-house catering and AV capabilities support a range of gatherings — from corporate meetings and seminars to private celebrations and receptions. Guests and event attendees have access to a heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast, rounding out the stay-and-celebrate experience.

• Spaces for 50-500 Guests
• 4 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 1 Meeting Space

The Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center is a full-service hotel and event venue located at 5000 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, Iowa, just off the interchange of I-35 and I-80. The property combines resort-style amenities with more than 10,000 square feet of dedicated event space, making it a practical choice for both corporate functions and celebratory gatherings. The centerpiece of the conference center is the Main Ballroom, a 5,200-square-foot space with 14-foot ceilings that accommodates up to 350 guests for banquets or 500 in a theater arrangement. Additional ballroom sections and salon rooms allow for flexible configurations ranging from intimate breakout sessions to large receptions. In-house catering, bar service, and onsite event coordinators are available to support the planning process. Beyond the meeting facilities, guests have access to an 18,000-square-foot indoor water park with waterslides and a poolside tiki bar — an amenity that distinguishes the property for multi-day events and group stays.

• Spaces for 1,200 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Convention Center

The Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel brings together 22,321 square feet of event space and 285 guest rooms under one roof in West Des Moines, Iowa — a ten-story full-service hotel positioned at the interchange of I-35, I-235, and I-80, fifteen minutes from Des Moines International Airport. At the heart of the property is the five-story Atrium Party Deck, a 2,300-square-foot semi-private gathering space ringed by lush greenery and a signature waterfall. The atrium sets the tone for the rest of the venue: a setting where scale and warmth coexist. For larger celebrations, the Convention Center accommodates up to 1,200 guests, with the full portfolio of 16 function rooms handling events from intimate board-room dinners to grand receptions. Wedding packages include a stage and dance floor, tables and chairs, china and glassware, linens, a champagne toast for the head table, and a dedicated catering sales manager. The hotel's culinary team handles all food and beverage in-house, with plated and buffet dinner programs, hors d'oeuvres, and bar service tiers available. Guest room blocks — courtesy (up to 15 rooms) or guaranteed (16 or more) — give out-of-town guests convenient access to the celebration without leaving the building.

• Spaces for 55-300 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 5 Total Spaces

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center sits in Johnston, Iowa, just minutes north of downtown Des Moines with easy access to Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Events Center, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The property draws on a rustic, northwoods aesthetic — log furniture, natural wood finishes, and warm fireplaces — that lends a distinctive character to gatherings of any size. The conference center offers more than seven dedicated event rooms, anchored by the Northwoods Ballroom, which accommodates up to 300 guests for banquets or 400 in theater configuration. The Pioneer Room handles mid-sized events for up to 120, while smaller breakout spaces — including the Meadows, John Deere Room, and Bear's Den — seat groups from 55 to 80. Outdoor patio areas and fireside seating extend the gathering options beyond the main rooms. Wedding packages include a dance floor, lighted pipe and drape, linens, centerpieces, and a dedicated event coordinator, with on-site accommodations available for overnight guests.