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Gold Key Motel
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About
#2 of 2 motels in Hampton
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Old-fashioned service never goes out of style here! We're a small, locally owned & operated motel, without the fancy amenities, but with charming alternatives - borrow books, bake pizzas, buy snacks/ice on the honor system, grill steaks, sit on benches, pet the dog, and just generally make yourself at home. Don't come here if you really want to stay in chain hotels with pools, jacuzzis, and exercise rooms. You can wander around and look at the gardens, though, and check the patio table for fresh veggies to grill with your meat.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quaint
Location
1570B Highway 65, Hampton, IA 50441-7464
Getting there
17 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Gold Key is clean, comfortable, quiet (I slept like a rock even through a heavy Iowa storm), and the owners were very friendly and helpful. As a traveling photographer I stay in all kinds of places across the U.S., and Gold Key was a breath of fresh air during my five-day stay stay in Hampton.
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â I had better wi-fi connection closer to the office.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I like the ma and pa motels we have stayed in. This one is a nice one outside of Hampton and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a nice, quiet stay. The owners were friendly and willing to make our visit pleasant. The room was clean and the beds were very comfortable. We used the microwave for popcorn and we just enjoyed our stay. The room was worth the price we had to pay; the chain hotels charge too much for a room. This room had a lamp hanging from the ceiling and it had a 3-way bulb; which was nice when we were using the computer or reading a book. I pulled the chair closer to the table and did some bookwork and it was very comfortable. The valance above the window had a light which I thought was unusual, but probably common years back. I am so glad we had the opportunity to stay in this motel. I would certainly stay here again!
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Date of stay: June 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â There was not a hair dryer for me to use in the morning, I didn't ask the owners if they had...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I stay here often for work. They have clean rooms that have been updated with awesome beds. The shower is also wonderful, and the TV and internet are really good too. The owners are very friendly, and helpful. Just like coming home each time we come back. Would highly recommend this motel.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This motel needs to be closed for renovations and deep cleaning. It was close to our destination and the was friendly. The room itself was in poor condition. I ended up cleaning with clorox wipes and refused to use the shower it was very unclean. The bathroom sink area smelled of vomit. To be fair, the staff was cleaning when we arrived so we didn't think it was too bad at first. Then after we got settled, we realized it was still unclean, the carpet was ok. Its a shame, it could be very nice and probably was once.
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Date of stay: May 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sheri M, Owner at Gold Key Motel
Responded 21 Jun 2017
We are sorry for your view of the room. We are working very hard at up-dating the rooms & customer satisfaction. We have been owners for a short time, and have put in the new beds, carpets , better furnishings, curtains, flat screen TVS, larger refrigerators, better wifi, ect. This is an older building and we try to keep reasonable rates, while giving the customer the things they need. We wish we had known you were unhappy, as we would have tried to make things better at the time. Again we are sorry. Stephen and Sheri
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This motel has been around years but the new owners are gradually remodeling each room and they are very accommodating. Although our room was the old style, it was big and comfortable. The BBQ grills (with propane) are a nice touch and we enjoyed having dinner at the picnic tables.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Most rooms are filled with construction workers, so ask if a newly remodeled room is available.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What I liked was the new owners who go all out to make your stay a good one. There were no stairs to climb,no trains to shake the walls and toot their horns:) I was able to pop corn, get a cold drink, watch flat screen TV, and check my emails all from a clean, comfortable and affordable room. What I liked was that I couldn't find anything not to like.
Rick U.
Rick U.
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Date of stay: April 2013Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Laura B, Owner at Gold Key Motel
Responded 11 Apr 2013
One of our favorite things about running a motel is helping our guests to feel happy and comfortable, and it really makes our day when someone tells us that we're making that happen! Do come again, and don't forget to request your favorite room.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I travel to central iowa on business a few times a year and I have stayed at the gold key frequently. They have a homely feel to the rooms more so than the normal name franchises. The staff know your name and offer snacks gratis that you would otherwise be over charged for. They work great with a late nite or early morning check in. The fees are also very fair.
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Date of stay: December 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Laura B, Owner at Gold Key Motel
Responded 8 Jan 2013
We LOVE it when our guests feel at home! We look forward to seeing you again - we'll save your favorite room for you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a great place to stay! Nice , clean, neat rooms wwith everything you need for a one day stay or weekly visits. Have stayed here many times its always quiet and the people running this are so nice and helpful. Other motels in area have train issues and are overpriced and not worth the cost. The cost is very reasonable and close to town and acces to all major roads. I would recogmend this hotel to anyone traling to this area.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Laura B, Owner at Gold Key Motel
Responded 19 Jan 2013
Thanks for your feedback! We enjoy visiting with our guests to find out how we can make things better with each stay. We are continually striving to improve our facility and services, and we find that the little things DO make a difference. Come again - we look forward to your next visit!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Was there because the family dog was needing to see her vet a few times that week for her cancer, I haven't been able to write this til now, it's been difficult, but this still upsets me as not only were they disrespectful to my sick dying baby, they made the rest difficult as well. The showers run with rust, almost just as much rust as water so I was completely unable to shower and/or use the water. They wouldn't change rooms or give us our money back to go stay somewhere more prepared for guests, the week was awful, the loss of my dog was awful, their lack of care was awful. What I mean by this, is they ask the dogs be using a certain spot to potty, I'm all good with that, I will follow that rule and I will pick up poo, BUT TO PUT A CANCER RIDDEN DYING BLIND DOG IN THE FURTHEST ROOM FROM THE DESIGNSTED SPOT AND SHOWING NO COMPASSION WHEN WE EXPLAINED SHE LITERALLY PHYSICALLY COULDN'T DO THAT LONG OF A WALK ANYMORE, they said they did not want us to pick it up, because it is good for the grass, if they have a dog stay, this is their rule, so put the sick girl close to the spot, just cruel, then they had children and older kids alike making ridiculous amounts of noise RIGHT outside our room (their own children) daily almost all day so while up with the sick dog, neither of us could rest at all there. This is the garage attached to the last room on the south side, they had us in that last room with blue walls that still haunt me and were basically just trying to bother us by using the walls attached to the garage and they had exercise equipment in there they would make noise with at another time, if you must stay here, stay the heck out of the south most room, and absolutely check your water before you settle in. Be prepared for anything here.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Just pick anywhere else.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We chose Hampton as a stopping point on a long road trip, and got into town quite late. I had checked this place out on street view, and decided it was worth a shot. The wife wasn't so sure, but I asked to see a room anyway, and we're glad we took it.
The owner was very friendly and talkative. He said he'd spent 40 years on 'your side of the check-in desk' and promised the room would be up to snuff. The motel itself is your classic L shape with the office in the middle. There's a nice neon sign by the highway, and some picnic tables on the lawn. What appears to have been the restaurant is some kind of weird church or something. The complex was built around 1960, just in time for the interstate to take away all the traffic from 65. I don't know how it's survived, since it is several miles north of town. At least it was quiet way out there.
Since it wasn't too busy, he gave us the front room, which was enormous. Our price was $70-something with tax. The room had two queen beds, a huge new TV, fridge, microwave, very comfortable recliner and armchair, and a table with 4 chairs. Looked perfect for a sportsmen's getaway. There was a newish sink and vanity outside the bathroom, which itself had a sink. All original tile and fixtures, which I am always thrilled to find, although the builders went with a beige/brown scheme.
Bed was comfortable, a/c was cool, water was hot in the shower. What more do you really need?
The owner was very friendly and talkative. He said he'd spent 40 years on 'your side of the check-in desk' and promised the room would be up to snuff. The motel itself is your classic L shape with the office in the middle. There's a nice neon sign by the highway, and some picnic tables on the lawn. What appears to have been the restaurant is some kind of weird church or something. The complex was built around 1960, just in time for the interstate to take away all the traffic from 65. I don't know how it's survived, since it is several miles north of town. At least it was quiet way out there.
Since it wasn't too busy, he gave us the front room, which was enormous. Our price was $70-something with tax. The room had two queen beds, a huge new TV, fridge, microwave, very comfortable recliner and armchair, and a table with 4 chairs. Looked perfect for a sportsmen's getaway. There was a newish sink and vanity outside the bathroom, which itself had a sink. All original tile and fixtures, which I am always thrilled to find, although the builders went with a beige/brown scheme.
Bed was comfortable, a/c was cool, water was hot in the shower. What more do you really need?
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Date of stay: July 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
less than 5 miles North out of Hampton.
"Most rooms are filled with construction workers, so ask if a newly remodeled room is available."Read full review
"There was not a hair dryer for me to use in the morning, I didn't ask the owners if they had one for me to borrow. I just got by."Read full review
LOCATION
United StatesIowaHampton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gold Key Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Gold Key Motel?
Nearby attractions include Beeds Lake State Park (3.0 km), Windsor Theatre (3.0 km), and Pit Row (3.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Gold Key Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Gold Key Motel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Gold Key Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Willie's Sport Bar & Grill, B&C Kitchen, and Rustic Brew.
Are pets allowed at Gold Key Motel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.