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A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast
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About
#2 of 4 B&Bs in Iowa City
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Nineteen-twenties air-conditioned home, tastefully decorated with antiques and international artifacts. A Bella Vista provides three large comfortable suites with private baths and two rooms with shared baths. Guests can enjoy coffee on the back deck or front porch facing the garden and the quiet, private Bella Vista street. Conveniently located in the historical Northside. Within walking distance to the U of Iowa and downtown. Nice view of the Iowa River and Hancher Auditorium. This B&B was included in Rachel Ray's magazine in an article about Iowa City. Cable TV and free wireless access available. Breakfast with international flavor provided by well-traveled hostess, who in addition to English is fluent in Spanish and speaks some French. Her photographs of the Antarctica are the ones most appreciated by her guests.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Special diet menus
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Air conditioning
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Great View
Location
2 Bella Vista Pl, Iowa City, IA 52245-5840
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 45 out of 100
45
Cedar Rapids Airport
27.8 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
19 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
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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.
Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
We've stayed at this comfortable B&B several times and always have had a great time. The owner is very personable and makes you feel at home, with good room choices and great breakfasts. The location is in a quiet neighborhood, with easy access on foot to the downtown. We look forward to our next visit!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
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 is a very nice B & B in a quiet, residential neighborhood. We had to make a last minute reservation based on a change of travel plans and Daissy was great to work with as far as logistics.
The arrangements and the hostess make you fee like you are staying with a relative. Daissy is wonderfully chatty and the house and room were decorated very non-formally, with lots of memorabilia from her many travels. There is a quaint and homey feel about the place which was very welcome after a long day on the road.
Breakfast was a homestyle take on Juevos Ranchos, tasty and filling. We didn't have any particular dietary requirements, but I'm certain Daissy would be able to address any of her guest's dietary needs.
I would definitely recommend this B&B, especially if you like less formal settings and want to feel like you are a member of the family. We had a great stay!
The arrangements and the hostess make you fee like you are staying with a relative. Daissy is wonderfully chatty and the house and room were decorated very non-formally, with lots of memorabilia from her many travels. There is a quaint and homey feel about the place which was very welcome after a long day on the road.
Breakfast was a homestyle take on Juevos Ranchos, tasty and filling. We didn't have any particular dietary requirements, but I'm certain Daissy would be able to address any of her guest's dietary needs.
I would definitely recommend this B&B, especially if you like less formal settings and want to feel like you are a member of the family. We had a great stay!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
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.
Excellent stay at A Bella Vista. It feels like one is staying in a friend's home--warm, cozy, beautifully appointed and Daissy (the owner) has wonderful stories to share. Daissy takes great care of her guests from her beautifully presented breakfasts to all the little details she provides to ensure a comfortable stay. The B&B is located in the historic district of Iowa City and is walking distance from restaurants, the university, and downtown on a beautiful and tranquil street. Hope to be back soon!
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Date of stay: September 2021
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 were attending the MSU-Iowa football game and spent two nights at Bella Vista. Our host Daissy gave us good suggestions for restaurants and places to visit in the area prior to the game. Beds were comfortable and breakfasts were good.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Our first stay with Daissy was the summer of 2006 when we came to Iowa City for the jazz festival, and we have stayed with her each summer since then! Daissy's home is warm and welcoming, and her breakfasts are very good. We have brought friends and family with us over the years, and without exception, everyone has so enjoyed their stay. A Bella Vista is within walking distance to the jazz festival (downtown), John's Grocers where we pick up beverages and snacks for the festival, and shops and restaurants. The highlight of our stays is the time we spend visiting with Daissy over breakfast. Stories of her world travels, growing up in Columbia and her life in Iowa City are fascinating! We look forward to returning each summer for great music and our stays with Daissy at A Bella Vista.
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Date of stay: July 2022
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 stayed with Daissy for a total of eight nights over a three-week period while attending the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Daissy and her warmth and hospitality are as big a part of my memories as the rest of my experience in Iowa City.
I expected to stay in a nice home (and I did) but what I didn't expect was to become friends with my host. Over breakfast each morning, which was delicious every single time, I got to hear Daissy's stories of her travels to 80+ countries. Every dish in her house is from somewhere exotic. Her home is filled with photographs from her travels. I could have spent my whole three weeks just looking through her pictures and listening to her rehash her adventures.
A Bella Vista B&B is walking distance to several restaurants, coffee shops, and a couple of bars, as well as a mere five-minute walk to campus. I never had to use my car while I was there. There's a designated parking spot in front of the house for those who do have a vehicle.
I already miss Daissy and her lovely home. I would never consider staying anywhere else in Iowa City!
I expected to stay in a nice home (and I did) but what I didn't expect was to become friends with my host. Over breakfast each morning, which was delicious every single time, I got to hear Daissy's stories of her travels to 80+ countries. Every dish in her house is from somewhere exotic. Her home is filled with photographs from her travels. I could have spent my whole three weeks just looking through her pictures and listening to her rehash her adventures.
A Bella Vista B&B is walking distance to several restaurants, coffee shops, and a couple of bars, as well as a mere five-minute walk to campus. I never had to use my car while I was there. There's a designated parking spot in front of the house for those who do have a vehicle.
I already miss Daissy and her lovely home. I would never consider staying anywhere else in Iowa City!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
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.
For the 2023 Iowa Summer Writers Festival I stayed at A Bella Vista where I had stayed four times previously. The artistically decorated ambiance and comfort of this wonderful Bed and Breakfast has been ideal for fostering creativity and writing. The breakfasts are delicious and conversations with the owner Daissy Prada Owen very enjoyable. The street is very quiet, ideal for restful sleep. The perennial garden carpeted with colors lovely. The proximity to the University campus very convenient. I highly recommend A Bella Vista for anyone visiting Iowa City for business or pleasure.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Mi estadía en Bella Vista fue una de las mejores de mi vida. La anfitriona es una gran mujer, preocupada de muchos detalles. El desayuno riquísimo, variado, contundente. Las instalaciones muy gratas, cómodas y hogareñas. La ubicación inmejorable: a distancia caminable en pleno invierno, rodeada de un silencio maravilloso. Recomiendo a ojos cerrados estar en Bella Vista BB si estás en Iowa City.
My stay at Bella Vista was one of the best of my life. The hostess is a great woman, concerned about many details. The delicious, varied, forceful breakfast. Very pleasant, comfortable and homely facilities. The unbeatable location: within walking distance in the middle of winter to the city center, surrounded by wonderful silence. I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Bella Vista BB if you're in Iowa City.
My stay at Bella Vista was one of the best of my life. The hostess is a great woman, concerned about many details. The delicious, varied, forceful breakfast. Very pleasant, comfortable and homely facilities. The unbeatable location: within walking distance in the middle of winter to the city center, surrounded by wonderful silence. I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Bella Vista BB if you're in Iowa City.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
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.
My husband and I spent only one night at this lovely B&B, but we feel we have made a friend for life. Daissy has traveled the world just as we have and her home is filled with mementos and photos. We shared stories and experiences finding much in common. We enjoyed fresh fruit and Daissy's own egg Benedict recipe along with coffee and tea served in lovely china. Thank you, Daissy. You can be sure we'll contact you if we come back to Iowa City.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Daissy will select the perfect room for you.
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.
Miss Dassiy is a delight and welcomes you into her home. She has numerous rooms to offer. We had lovely conversations over breakfast every morning. The home is located on a very quiet street and offers a peaceful setting. She worked with us on a food allergy as well. If you are looking for places near the campus, this is a great one to stay at!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
To my knowledge, there are no shuttles whatever.
"You can literally walk to everything you need in downtown Iowa City (University, restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores)."Read full review
"Make sure you email Daissy about availability. She is very prompt and professional in replies."Read full review
"Just send an email to Ms. Daissy and explain what you are looking for, she'll steer you in the right direction."Read full review
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LOCATION
United StatesIowaIowa City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Frequently Asked Questions about A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast
Which popular attractions are close to A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Nearby attractions include Old Capitol Museum (1.2 km), Museum of Natural History (1.1 km), and Hancher Auditorium (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include Pullman Bar & Diner, Basta Pizzeria Ristorante, and Oasis Falafel.
Are there any historical sites close to A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Capitol Museum (1.2 km), Johnson County Historical Society (2.6 km), and 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse (3.2 km).