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Colo Motel

Discover Colo Motel, a charming 4.4-star vintage motel at the crossroads of Lincoln and Jefferson Highways. Enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, friendly service, and nearby attractions like Hickory Grove Park and Indian Creek Country Club. Perfect f

18 Lincoln Hwy, Colo, IA 52349, United States View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 32 recent guest reviews
Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

A charming vintage stay with attentive service

Guests appreciate the motel's nostalgic atmosphere linked to historic highways, along with warm hospitality and a convenient location. Rooms are small but comfortable, offering a cozy shelter especially during harsh weather conditions.

Guests often praise

  • Comfortable beds and hot showers despite modest room size.
  • Friendly, welcoming, and accommodating staff who go the extra mile.
  • Unique vintage ambiance reminiscent of a 1920s gas station experience.
  • Excellent meals served at the adjacent classic diner, highly recommended.
  • Quick and helpful service during adverse weather, including snow storms.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are small and basic, suitable for short stays rather than extended comfort.
  • Check-in and check-out are handled at the nearby Niland's Cafe next door.
  • Air conditioning and heating comfort depend on weather and season; some guests noted limited usage experience.
  • Located off the main path, so navigation and access may require attention especially in winter weather.
  • Not a typical large motel—only five rooms are available, emphasizing a quaint and intimate setting.

Best for

  • Travelers looking for a nostalgic stopover tied to historic US routes.
  • Visitors seeking a warm, safe place to wait out sudden weather changes.
  • Guests who enjoy small, unique motels with authentic vintage charm.
  • Fans of classic diner food and vintage Americana experiences.
  • Those traveling light and looking for simple, clean accommodations.
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About this property

Welcome to Colo Motel

Colo Motel stands as a charming relic along the historic Lincoln Highway in Colo, Iowa. With a solid rating of 4.4, this refurbished 1920s roadside motel captures the spirit of classic Americana while offering a warm, welcoming refuge for travelers. Nestled at the junction of Route 65 and Lincoln Highway, Colo Motel provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Hickory Grove Park and Indian Creek Country Club, making it an ideal stop for visitors seeking both comfort and convenience.

The motel itself is modest in size, boasting five cozy rooms that prioritize comfort over sprawling space. Guests consistently praise the surprisingly comfortable double beds and reliably hot showers, essentials that elevate the stay beyond mere shelter. The air-conditioned rooms cater to diverse needs, while the kid-friendly atmosphere makes Colo Motel a practical choice for families on the road.

What truly distinguishes Colo Motel, however, is its sincere hospitality. Multiple guests have recounted moments when staff went above and beyond—swiftly readying rooms during harsh winter storms and ensuring paths were cleared in heavy snow. Such genuine kindness, paired with a 1950s aesthetic and an excellent adjoining restaurant, weaves a nostalgic yet inviting experience that stays with visitors long after departure.

Colo Motel does more than offer a place to rest; it captures a moment in time while adapting gracefully to modern expectations. Its unique blend of historic charm, attentive service, and strategic location makes it a memorable haven for travelers who appreciate authenticity and heartfelt care. For those journeying through Iowa’s heartland, Colo Motel is not just a stop—it’s a meaningful part of the road trip narrative.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

EW
Earl Westerlund Jan 04, 2026
10

This is a refurbished classic roadside motel and restaurant at the junction of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways (today's US Routes 30 and 65). There are five small rooms to rent. They aren't large by today's standards, but the double bed is very comfortable and the shower is hot. The weather when we were there didn't require heat or AC, so I can't comment on that. We walked around the grounds and checked out the historical markers and the gas station. It's almost like spending the night in a museum! To check in, go to Niland's Cafe next door and let the folks at the counter know. They'll get you the key. To check out, hand them the key and leave. And have a meal at the Cafe! It's got great classic diner food. Thanks to Kelsey and crew for making this a great stop on our cross-country drive! A lot of people have worked to restore this corner. I'm so happy to support them with my business.

CK
Connie Karsten Nov 11, 2025
10

In Jan 2024 on our way back to Minnesota we ran into a snow storm and found this place last minute. They went out and cleaned the room in that freezing snowy weather for us. At that point we would have taken a dirty room. As it is off the beaten path a bit it is small and quaint. Everything was perfect and the way I like it.

RA
Ryley Adams Oct 29, 2025
10

We called around 7:30 pm on December 6th 2025 needing a room due to a snow storm. They had a lady immediately cleaning a room out for us (we got into the room by 8pm) and another guy was shoveling a path to get us from the car to our room. He even came to shovel by my car doors to help out a little bit. Everyone we talked to there was so kind and very welcoming. Rooms are pretty small but perfect for a warm place to stay to wait out the snow storm!!

KK
Karen Kuhn Oct 14, 2025
10

I love this place. I use it several times throughout the year. It's so welcoming and very accommodating for my needs. I highly recommend this unique little motel.

JE
Jay Elvers Sep 27, 2025
10

Excellent place to stay! I'll say this, instant hot water!!!! Nice 50s style motel, excellent restaurant next door, in the area will stop again!!!!!

SF
Sean Flynn Sep 11, 2025
10

Didn't stay at the motel, was just driving thru while traveling Lincoln Highway. We did eat at the cafe though, highly recommend! Having not stayed, I rated three stars from just what I saw. I'm sure they are all five stars though. Just wanted to add some pictures

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Colo Motel

Colo, Iowa, USA

Set at the intersection of Route 65 and the Lincoln Highway, this circa-1920s motel is an 11-minute walk from central Colo, 5.5 miles from Hickory Grove Park and 9.8 miles from Indian Creek Country Club.

  • Des Moines International Airport 54 min Car
  • Fort Dodge Regional Airport 1 hr 24 Car
  • Waterloo Regional Airport 1 hr 30 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Iowa. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Hickory Grove Park 413 reviews

Hickory Grove Park

67464 250th St, Colo, IA 50056, United States

4.5 · Park
Hickory Grove Lake 11 reviews

Hickory Grove Lake

Iowa, USA

4.1 · Lake
Dakins Lake 19 reviews

Dakins Lake

Iowa 50278, USA

4.4 · Lake
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