The Black Hawk Hotel

Beautiful historic hotel in a beautiful downtown setting. The Sturgis Falls Festival was going on that weekend and we had a blast! The hand crafted cocktails at Bar Winslow were to die for. Room cleaning is by request only.

I was delighted with my one night stay at the Black Hawk hotel, so much so that I plan on visiting again for a whole weekend. I discovered this hotel by googling "historicl hotel along my route." The room felt historic for sure and was very cute, but the bathroom was nicely updated and I slept well in the very comfortable bed. You can walk to tons of restaurants and sites. Bar Winslow has amazing bartenders and a great vibe with both locals and tourists. Parking was easy in the area around the hotel. Coffee and scones in the morning were adequate. The public spaces are lovely. People working here were friendly and answered questions about the area. Highly recommend!

This is a really cool hotel. It's the oldest in Iowa and the second oldest in the US that's been in continuous operation. They really highlight and have the history preserved but still have the modern conveniences of air conditioning. It was a really well cooled and heated facility. The bathroom was kind of trippy. You had to step up in it and there were a few times. I almost fell going into the bathroom because I forgot about the step so if they had tape or something they would say step up that would be beneficial but it was pretty modern and the toilet could really handle things a lot of toilets or not designed to do that or have less optimal pressure, etc. This was a really nice bathroom and overall facility. Really kind of old school. Would they still had a fridge there. I was glad I stayed here and would come back

A real gem! Located right in the middle of downtown Cedar Falls. Walking distance from food, shopping, nightlife (albeit 90% of the patrons here are college age). Rooms were unique, comfy and quiet. A lot of historical artifacts, photos, etc. you can really imagine what the place looked like in 1853.

Hello from California!! By far my favorite place to stay! The hotel was so rich in history. I felt like I was being taken back in time. The rooms are beautiful and cozy. The hotel inside is just gorgeous. I especially enjoyed the reading room and hotel bar area. The staff was extremely kind and helpful. Devon was truly amazing as well as Sav. The hotel is located right where all the action is. Amazing restaurants and shopping are walking distance. Hiking trails are beautiful. I can't wait to visit again. This hotel is the perfect vacation getaway. I love Cedar Falls!!!!

Sadly this beautiful structure is on the decline. No more convenient parking near the building, no more breakfast Café on site. The "free continental breakfast" consisted of a cinnamon roll and a pot of coffee. Literally nothing else. They didn't even have decent to go cups. Just Styrofoam cups that you would have for a cold drink. And found three cigarette butts on the floor by the bed. Nice cleaning job!||Very sad to see this historic building with such potential offer fewer and fewer amenities. Maybe someone will buy it and restore it to its former glory.||To add insult to injury was scammed by the "Blackhawk Holding Co" by trying to locate this Blackhawk Hotel through a 3rd reservation party via Google search. Ended up having to cancel my credit card with no reservation to the actual hotel. Not their fault but beware!!

While the parking was discouraging somewhat, it really isn’t. You can unload behind the building at the back door, they have a trolley to load your belongings, then you can check in, then move your car. I parked 2 blocks away in 24 hour free parking. And these are not 2 large city blocks. The service was above and beyond, top notch, and I loved the touch of having a real, heavy duty metal key that had been hand stamped. Super cool! A historic building that old is going to have some signs of age, and it does give it character. It’s not super bougie, but it’s real, historic and an amazing location for downtown dining and shopping. The free drinks were appreciated, and the bartender was also friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. I tend to prefer cooler lighting and don’t like dark corners, but I am not letting that affect my review so much. I do think some lighter decor could help balance out some of the darkness (woodwork absorbs light, and can be challenging). I will be back! We have a few more shops to revisit and a few other restaurants to try out! Oh, our room got toasty, and the front desk clerk fixed it right away while we were at dinner! And it was the perfect temp when we got back! He had great recommendations and we had a discount at the Patton. Which we also now highly recommend! If you get the chance, stay here! The price is reasonable, too!

Great historic hotel in the heart of Cedar Falls. Are the floors level, no, but that is part of the charm of a 170 year old building. The beds are comfortable, the water is hot and has good pressure. What makes it the best is the people and vibe. Devin at the desk was a great first impression of the town. The bartender, sorry, forgot his name, was knowledgeable and friendly. We even met the owner and GM, everyone is committed to providing the best stay possible. It beats a big box hotel any day.

An amazing old fashioned hotel with beautiful antiques everywhere . Super hospitality and rich decor make this place a hidden gem. A cute nook to get spirits and tasty breakfast cafe are inside as well. Clean rooms yet has the charm of an old fashioned setting . Lots of wood and unique furniture make this stay cozy. Very friendly staff will do more than necessary to make you feel at home .

I give this iconic hotel 4 stars & not five, because you must have an indoor pool to qualify for five stars. Our team has been staying here on an annual basis for well over a decade now. Not because of the plush linens, or fancy towels, but because the people that run this hotel care. So why would we leave that? We look forward to seeing the Black Hawk team next year. Thank you all...

We've stayed at the Blackhawk Hotel twice now. Love this place. The rooms are clean and the beds are comfy. 1000% better than staying at the in-laws. They have a great little prohibition era themed bar on the first floor. Only complain: the bar is closed on Mondays.

Have stayed here two different times. Dog friendly and really nice rooms. Comfy beds, rainfall shower heads, and a fantastic prohibition-era cocktail bar with great drinks and service. Free coffee/tea in the mornings, free parking, and nestled in a vibrant small town downtown area. Will stay here every time we are in the area.

What a charming hotel! I wasn't sure what to expect when traveling to Cedar Falls, but this gem of an establishment was a treat. First off, let's talk about location. If you're traveling to Cedar Falls, don't assume you're going to a podunk town in the middle of nowhere. This little town has one of the most vibrant, hip, cool vibe, and the downtown is packed wall to wall with restaurants, shops, and a fantastic theatre. In the middle of it all is the Blackhawk. This place used to be a railroad hotel back in the 1800's, but during its more recent renovation, all of that character was retained while giving this place a modern feel. Rainfall showerheads? Check. Adorable displays of antiques scattered throughout the hotel to make you feel like you might need to hop on a stagecoach? Also check. The breakfast is served in a lovely room overlooking the main street, and while it isn't elaborate, the pastries and coffee come from a local roasters. The beds are very comfortable, and I rather enjoyed having an old-fashioned key to the room. The front desk staff? Shoot, they're like family. I had an appointment show up an hour early, and the front desk clerk decided I should have the hour to get ready, so she sent them away. She was a delight.

We had an incredible time at Blackhawk. We came to the hotel for a wedding shower on a Saturday. We have a small baby who needed to nap and our room wasn't ready, so they let us set up his pack n play in another room while ours was being prepped. The shower party at the hotel was great, the bar area there was such a great vibe and we slept great that night. If we find ourselves in Cedar Falls again we will no doubt stay at Blackhawk not just for the historic feel, but the friendly staff and perfect proximity to all the fun bars and restaurants Cedar falls has to offer.

We spent 2 nights and were not impressed with the room. We booked a Queen room for $166.88 per night. The minibar was not stocked with locally sourced items, like the website said. The heat/air did not work. We were sweating all weekend. The water pressure would go in and out while taking a shower. The room had a very rundown look, especially the carpet. NOT WORTH THE PRICE.

Restored back to what it was originally intended- beautiful detail in woodwork, antique furnishings, themed rooms but they do have modern plumbing and bathrooms- some things need the upgrade. Bar Winslow is a quaint bar that is newly open- it has growing pains but the cocktail menu is solid! Hotel food is provided by the Farm Shed next door and the food is amazing! Great get away place to stay.

Quaint little hotel within walking distance to everything downtown. Im giving it 4 stars because the staff were so kind and friendly when we checked in! A couple things to be aware of...1. When you book ask to be in the main building, otherwise you may be in the very odd "motel" like building across the back parking lot (where the rooms need an update! 2. DO NOT EXPECT an actual breakfast, it's not even a regular hotel continental breakfast, just some store bought breads and yogurt. For protein you'll definitely need to go elsewhere!

I found a bit of a gem here. When I called I was told the only rooms were in the motor lodge, the hotel was full. I found a good experience. There is night-life conveniently located within easy walking distance. Front desk was professional and prompt. The room was a throw-back delight. 1950's modern I'd say for all elements from counter top in bath to bed spread. Lava light (unfortunately it didn't work well). Clean room and bed. Interesting towel colors. No white towels, but dark green and brown to match color decor. Large size room with over stuffed lounge chair (think Mad Men perhaps). And don't forget the welcoming rubber ducky in the bath. Breakfast was included. Not a normal waffle, egg, etc bar. Meat and cheese cold cuts, juices, pastries, toast. But for a quick meal it worked and wasn't McDonald's. I'd return. Give it a try.

First time stay, and I will recommend to friends staying in the area. I posted photos of the interior of our room, which was simply retro gorgeous! The owners have borrowed small space design techniques from the Marriott: deep sinks, retractable mirrors, curved shower rod, etc. But it's the ATTENTION to small details that I appreciated the most: original art, antique-look fixtures with modern flair, and sleekness of the furniture. We had a marvelous leather, Mad Men sitting chair that I really wanted to spend more time in! Now for the reason of 4stars: breakfast. Luckily, the BH is in downtown Cedar Falls, a gem of the Midwest and just down the street from one of the best coffeeshops in the area, Cup of Joe. Do not pay the $6 for breakfast; for what is offered (toast, oatmeal with no hot water, fruit, muffins, meager bacon/sausage, and carton eggs), the cost should be absorbed into the room price. And, for $6, go to a nearby cafe to complete your visit to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area.

This historic hotel is an important component of Cedar Falls' thriving Main Street revival. You can stroll for several blocks from the hotel finding trendy restaurants, bars and shops. I didn't see a single empty storefront in the area. The hotel itself is nicely maintained and comfortable. The breakfast was fine. (Important note: The hotel has a "contemporary" annex that looks uninteresting. Make certain you reserve an "historic" room.)

This place is so quaint and has great personality! It is decorated in all antiques, which are so cool to look at. I had a very comfortable stay. Free breakfast in the morning, which was decent. Good price and service

Superb unique hotel right downtown near everything!! If there are rooms available don't wait and i would be ashamed to stay at a chain over this gem. A throwback to a different era but still comfy bed and all amenities we needed. Staff were all great. Lobby bar is nice to relax and have a drink in casual atmosphere. Breakfast is included at Farm Shed next door and this place is great too. Can't go wrong staying here.

The Black Hawk Hotel offers a truly unique overnight experience in Cedar Falls! Main Street is wonderful! Our young family greatly enjoyed the hotel's amenities, historic value and location in Cedar Falls. The staff is very accomodating and the room was incredible! I wrote more about the experience at the link below: https://agoodrun.com/2017/01/30/rediscovering-cedar-falls-iowa-and-the-cedar-valley/

I've had to travel for business to Iowa twice now, and both times I've stayed at the Blackhawk. I love the B&B feel of the hotel when you stay in the main building, and the more modern Ikea-inspired rooms in the second building are pretty fun as well. Although the main building was built in the late 1800's, all rooms have modern amenities and are quite comfortable. They even have a movie library with over 150 titles from every genre you can think of, in case you can't find anything on a cable channel to watch. The hotel has great little features like Starbucks coffee for your coffeemaker, mini fridges with complimentary mini bottles of water, bath products that smell awesome and a hair dryer that works great! There is the SOHO that is attached to the hotel, but if you don't feel like eating or grabbing a drink there you are within a 5 minute walk anywhere downtown and there are great options.

After staying in mediocre hotels on our trip from Idaho, finding the Blackhawk made the trip special. Comfortable rooms, helpful staff and a wonderful location !

Amazing hotel in the middle of town. Great room with food and shopping out the front door. The old hotel has been very well taken care of. Our room was like walking into a old home with antique wood furniture and a comfortable bed, ceiling fan and Jacuzzi tub. The staff was well attentive and willing to answer questions. Love the Black Hawk hotel.

You know you've found a great spot to stay when the hotel staff gives you a larger room for the same price "just because it was open". Although the gentleman who assisted us with check-in was a little quirky (think April Ludgate-style enthusiasm), he was informative, in a droning sort of way. The woman assisting me on the phone also helped arrange an early check-in at no additional cost, which was invaluable in helping me prepare for the wedding I was attending. Our room was truly lovely, with a king sized bed and a three-room suite. The details in the rooms are great; (slightly crooked, which I found charming) high ceilings, wooden wardrobes and vanity, and marble shower with soaking tub. A small rubber ducky greeted us on the edge of the bathtub, along with some thoughtful bath salts and exceptionally fluffy towels. One strange thing - when checking in, we were offered breakfast, which my friend and I opted not to receive, which seemed to surprise the staffer assisting us. It made us wonder whether breakfast was included in the room fee, but we never returned to ask the question. Something to consider for future visits, perhaps? I could go on and on about how much I love Main Street Cedar Falls, but since this deals exclusively with the hotel, I'll just say that it is perfectly suited to its location; clean, appealing, and thoughtful, with loads of character and convenient surroundings.

I've stayed here at least 10 times, including at Christmas and during Sturgis Falls Days, whenever I come to visit family in Cedar Falls. Having grown up in Cedar Falls I also have a nostalgic connection to this place, and its location on my hometown Main Street. Black Hawk Hotel and Cup of Joe across the street are my favorite local businesses. The rooms are fabulous, filled with interesting antiques, as well as modern amenities like flatscreen televisions and refrigerators. Every room is a bit different, but most of them have high ceilings, seating areas, interesting art, and comfortable bedding. The lobby is also filled with interesting antiques and artifacts. There is free wi-fi, a computer room with a printer, even a tiny workout room. It's just a charming place, and everyone here is nice as can be. I recommend skipping the breakfast (served next door at Soho, which I would also avoid) and have coffee across the street at Cup of Joe and breakfast (and lunch, and pie) at Maid-Rite a couple of blocks away. Do visit the Stuffed Olive martini bar for a drink, but don't try to charge your drinks to your room, as there is a large service charge for doing so. Other than that, I love everything about this place.

Bad experience! After calling and making reservations to stay in a "classic queen" room in the historic hotel, were we ever shocked upon our arrival from out of state to be told that we had been "upgraded" to a king room in the retro motel behind the historic building. We thought there was some mistake but the classic queen rooms were no longer available and there was nowhere else to stay. The retro motel is NOT what we had reserved and not at all where we had planned on staying. Breakfast the next morning is exactly as another reviewer stated....seemed picked over, not much available and looked old (meat and cheese tray was warm and oily looking). We were unable to determine which glasses were clean or used and there was no attendant at 9:25am on a Sunday. To top it off, we were charged a higher rate than what we had been quoted. This is my first Yelp review but this was such a disappointment that I want others to be aware.

We stayed in the motel(cheap) section of the hotel. For $80 a night it was well worth the dollars. Pros: retro vibe, simplistic, coffee maker, fridge, comfy bed, cheap, great location on Main Street. Cons: you are not in the historical part of the Blackhawk hotel At this price, I would def stay here again. Great location!

I stayed one night for $95. It is clean, quiet, and right in the middle of town. They have a free parking lot too.

I've been staying here for a few years now and I wish there was one in every city I travel to. Restored building on adorable Main St. in Cedar Falls, IA where every room is a tad different. They have photos and floor plans of each room on their website, so you can pick out exactly what you want. I've always had exceptional service from the staff and for a frequent traveler with very high standards, the place is always very clean and comfortable. And it doesn't hurt that there is a martini bar downstairs:)

Has a bed and breakfast feel with comfortable rooms, spacious and modern setting. Go back in time when in the lobby. Charming setting with allure of leather seating areas and a perfect little place to gather with friends. All amenities (with a discounted breakfast from adjoining cafe) included. Ideal location within a short walk to fine dining and play in downtown Cedar Falls. The local boutique shops along main street are just outside the hotel doors. The staff was warm and helpful.

What a lovely hotel! We stayed in the modern part. It was sparkling clean, bed was comfy and amenities were just right. So close to many restaurants and bars. Next time I'll pay the extra $40 and stay in the historic part. Highly recommend!!

This is probably one of the best hotels around. It is classic and clean. Staff there are friendly. Location is good so as the parking. Will stay there again.

I always prefer to stay at a hotel with character. Especially if the character comes from refinished antique furniture, big brass keychains, quality bath products and an extensive DVD collection. Blackhawk Hotel has all this, plus very friendly, personable staff and a great location right on Main Street. It's more like a big bed and breakfast than a hotel. I loved the extra down comforters in the closet and Starbucks coffee next to our coffee maker in the room. Breakfast included the usual toast, juice, cereal and pastries, plus eggs and bacon, which is nice, but the food quality was just average. We also had some problems trying to get a document printed, but I don't get the feeling they have too many business travelers there. Overall, a really nice place to stay and enjoy downtown Cedar Falls. They are a KUNI radio sponsor, too, so we got the room for free since we played at the station. Yay!

Wish I knew how this hotel were rated so highly. We were charged almost $200 to stay in the hotel and then directed to the motor lodge behind it. The breakfast was a leftover meat plate and bread. It was a make your own sandwich breakfast. The people next to me said it looked like the leftovers of someone's party the night before. I would never tell anyone to stay here. Wi Fi that didn't reach the cinder block building we were sent to. Stay away.

Have stayed here many times. The location is perfect for dining, drinks or business in nearby Waterloo. This is not your typical hotel, this is history preserved and appreciated. The rooms are unique and very reasonably priced. The best part is The Stuffed Olive martini bar in the lobby. It is part of the Soho Sushi Bar and has a huge library of martinis. Every night offers a different drink special and the sushi is very good for Iowa. The bartenders are young and energetic so you won't be forgotten. I won't stay anywhere else if I can help it. This is not a chain hotel so give it a chance.