Having made the 300-mile trek numerous times from Chicago to Iowa City, Iowa, where two daughters have attended U of Iowa, we have been stymied to find the perfect place to stay. Finding good hotels in university towns usually presents a challenge. But on football, graduation or even Parents Weekends, the stakes are raised and so are the lodging rates. But this year we found the hidden gem off the beaten path in Riverside, 14 miles south of Iowa City. Nestled among the "fragrant" farmlands is the Riverside Hotel, sporting an 18-hole championship golf course, several mighty fine restaurants, a casino and entertainment venue, and attractive hotel. Not gamblers, we did stroll through the casino (smoking permitted, yuk) but then retired to our comfortable, quiet, clean and up-scale room overlooking golf course and farmlands. Sports a nice spa with good massages! A great stay for a reasonable price.

I thought the place was very nice and clean. We also enjoyed the entertainment of two live bands. We did have an appetizer in the Ripple diner, the server was great. Not impressed with the food. The manager in the diner said hello to every four other tables not us. Even on our way out no Thankyou for coming in he just stood there and watched us. We decided not to have dinner there. When I made reservations they said they would shuttle to Iowa city to eat, we thought thats great, until valet told us it was 20 each way. The front desk failed to mention that. The casino makes it so that no places can deliver to hotel.. That was a bummer. Rooms were super very clean and comfy.

If you are looking for a quick getaway and live within 170 miles of Iowa City Iowa----then the Riverside Resort is for you. Beautiful casino, hotel & gold complex which is only 13 miles south of I-80 at @ Riverside Iowa. We have been here a number of times and can not say enought about how nice this complex is. They have 3 resturants, weekend shows, golf and much more. Only 13 miles from a giant mall with just about anything you would like. We feel that it is a perfect few days getaway. They usually have coupons available that take a few $$ of the bill.

Good luck getting a drink. Waiters are AWFUL. Cash only at the main bar? Really?? Pay-out percentage is AWFUL. Put NO booze in over priced drinks. Bars/waiters always understaffed. Rooms,drinks,poker rake, food, golf, all way too expensive. Points are worthless, same amount of gambling in the quad city's got me tons more benefits. Lost $500 playing caribiean stud one night, asked for a free buffet, took 30 minutes and they acted like they were giving away the farm and then they took it off my points. Place is a JOKE and getting worse. The place does look very nice, the rooms are nice, golf course is awesome.