J D.
Yelp
Having only slept in a tent among a bunch of drunk cyclists upon my only other visit to Ames, this was one hell of an improvement. It's exactly what a B&B should be: a limited number of rooms in a building that feels more like a house than a hotel, with a comfy living room, and a lovely hot breakfast.
The bedroom: In a chain hotel, you'll get a huge room, with a "meh" bed and a bathroom that just doesn't feel right. At the Iowa house you get a smaller room, that feels entirely yours, with a soft mattress, pillowy duvet and rich blankets. Honestly one of the best nights sleep I've had in ages. There's a flat screen television, fridge, microwave, and a small writing desk. Air-conditioners, of course, and the obligatory mirrors and hangers.
The bathroom: Bright, well-lit with a jacuzzi tub and quality shower (good pressure.) Towels that aren't paper thin, and good quality toiletries. My only qualm is one that affects the ladies, so I'll put it in caps THERE'S NO HAIRDRYER. I'm sure that got your attention.
The house, itself: An old converted fraternity house, renovated to the error when frat boys weren't considered huge, partying jerks, but rather rich, entitled, snobs. Leather chairs in the common space, with a selection of books and newspapers. Clean hallways throughout. Parking spots for every room.
The breakfast: Held in a room off the common area, are two long six person tables in a communal setting. You can sit for coffee (wasn't the best I've ever had), and a staff member will bring you out the breakfast de jour, ours happened to be scramby eggs, sausage, and pancakes. It was just the right amount for the day, with portion sizes matching the 50's decor. We also met some great folks dropping their son off for grad school and stayed chatting probably a lot longer than we should have.
FREE WIFI
You can't beat the price, it was cheaper than some hotels I paid for out in the middle of nowhere off the highway in Wyoming.