Viking Hotel Story City, Story City

I highly recommend this inn for an inexpensive stay. Even with children and/or for the older generation. They aim to please, and they hit the mark. Upon entering the inn, I was nervous as the building was of older construction, and the walls and the carpet worn. However, when I was greeted at the front desk, it was with such efficiency, friendliness and a sincere eagerness to please that I was put at ease. We found the room to be clean and basic. Everything worked! I cannot tell you how many times I've stayed at a franchise hotel for $20 to $30 times more only to find the refrigerator or microwave, or a lamp or two not functioning, or the room not vacuumed well. Here, although not all items matched, the decor and some repairs were done on a budget, everything worked. The room did smell like cleaning fluid when we walked in, but I opened the window for a bit and the scent cleared out quickly. My mother is very sensitive to smells and our stay did not bother her at all. There was no mustiness or pet smells. In fact we were surprised to find out this was a pet friendly hotel. Usually Mom can tell right away with her nose. In the bathroom, we were once again reminded that this was an older constructed building. However we found everything to be very clean and in good working condition. A nicety was the beautiful way our towels were folded on the towel rack. I found the beds to be firm and comfortable. My older parent thought her bed to be too firm, but noted that I slept like a rock which is not the norm for me when we travel. The sheets and duvet were clean, scent-free and fresh, not worn out or thin as they can be at some of the more expensive franchised places (the only exception was one pillowcase which was starting to become "pilly"). My mother was pleased to find the bedding did not bother her allergies. Another small note: the design of the duvet spreads and pillowcases was pleasing and neutral, not borderline obnoxious or ugly like the franchises often have. Breakfast options the next morning consisted of English muffins and bread for toasting, butter, jams and peanut butter to top them off with, cornflakes, sweetened puffed wheat cereal, danishes, and cinnamon mini-buns. Fresh coffee, milk, and an orange-ade type drink. There is a Happy Chef within walking distance if one wants something with more substance. There is free freshly popped popcorn in the evening which we found to be tasty. This we enjoyed while watching a DVD freely borrowed at the front desk. There is a deposit which is refunded fully upon the return of the DVD to prevent the DVD from coming home with you by mistake. A patio with a couple of metal type picnic tables is off to the side, which leads into a nice fenced in 'back yard' area with a beautiful green grass lawn for the kids and pets to let off steam and run around a bit. One of the best features of this hotel is the couple that operates it. Very personable and welcoming. They are knowledgeable about the area and will make recommendations if asked about everything from places to eat, shop, play, and how to get where you need to go. What you won't get is a pool or a spa, a bill for $20 more a night, or rates which go up or down depending on weekday/weekend, or if there is something special happening in Story City or Ames. The rates depend on how many adults stay per night, and are set. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find a place like this anywhere else on the road. I'd like to be able to compare this hotel to the two other ones nearby, but frankly I don't want to throw away my money at those places now that I am so pleased with my stay at the Viking Hotel.

What a lovely experience. Sharon and Sven are welcoming and always ready to help with any questions. They have obviosuly spent a lot of time, thought and money in rennovating the Viking Hotel. A super DVD selection, hair dryers in rooms, fitness room, continental breakfast, wireless internet and best of all duvets on the beds. Would highly recommend.