The hype
Travelers appreciate the friendly staff and low price, but consistently complain about the noise and worn-out bathrooms.
Red Roof Inn Ames
$55-85/ night
Book this if You need a dirt-cheap crash pad near ISU that welcomes your dog for free.
Why People Love It
- Pets stay 100% free (rare for budget hotels)
- Direct access to Highway 30 and I-35
- Rates often drop below $60/night
Quick Take: A utilitarian highway motel that trades sleep quality and modern hygiene for rock-bottom prices.
Reviewed by @Pbc968: I needed a quick place to crash while driving through Iowa and this spot was perfect. For $58, getting a King bed and a clean room right off the highway was exactly what I needed. Nothing fancy, but it got the job done for a great price.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'free breakfast' is often just coffee, juice, and a sad waffle; don't expect a real meal.
- You are traveling with a dog and refuse to pay pet fees
- You just need a place to shower and sleep for under $70
- You are visiting ISU on a shoestring budget
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests find it 'spotless', others report missed trash and dust bunnies.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Expect dated tubs, potential hair in drains, and worn grout.
- Maintenance: Aging property. Reports of broken outlet covers, peeling paint, and slow drains are common.
- Linens & towels: Functional but scratchy. Inspect sheets for stains immediately upon arrival.
- Odors & scents: Often carries a mix of stale air and strong cleaning chemicals to mask it.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway 30 traffic (constant drone)
- Thin walls/ceilings (footsteps and voices)
- Hallway noise due to gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- This property may have formerly been a Super 8; some GPS systems still get confused.
- There is no elevator; if you have heavy bags, request the ground floor.
- A $100 refundable deposit is often required at check-in.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Your own pillow if you're picky (hotel ones are flat)
- Disinfectant wipes for the remote and door handles
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor room (2nd floor) to avoid hearing footsteps from above
- Back-facing room (away from the highway) to minimize traffic noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the entrance (high foot traffic)
- Highway-facing rooms (loudest)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on the 2nd floor, facing away from Highway 30, to minimize noise. Please ensure the room has been recently inspected for cleanliness.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really a pool?
No. While some third-party sites or the neighboring Sonesta listing might mention one, this Red Roof Inn does not have an operational pool.
Is breakfast actually free?
Yes, but it's a bare-bones 'grab and go' style: think coffee, juice, cereal, and maybe a waffle. Go to a local diner for real food.
How much is the pet fee?
$0. Red Roof Inn's 'Pets Stay Free' policy applies here (usually 1 pet up to 80lbs).
Is there an elevator?
No. This is a two-story motel with stairs only.
How far is it from Iowa State University?
About 3 miles, or a quick 5-10 minute drive down the highway.
Is the Wi-Fi good enough for video calls?
Surprisingly decent. Most guests report speeds of 50+ Mbps, adequate for streaming.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Sonesta Essential' next door (or at the same address) sometimes causes confusion—double-check the sign before walking into the lobby.
- ✨
The vending machines are often empty; buy snacks at the gas station down the road before checking in.
- ✨
Ask to see the room before accepting the key—cleanliness varies wildly from room to room.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'non-smoking' rooms can sometimes still have a faint stale smoke smell.
💡The bathroom fans are incredibly loud (or non-existent).
💡There are reports of 'dead bugs' in reviews from 2022—check your mattress seams.
💡The 'business center' is usually just a computer in the lobby that may or may not work.
💡You might find construction crews staying here long-term, which means early morning truck noise.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Red Roof Inn Ames is located and what's nearby.