Shirley and Ray were fabulous. Shirley was sweet and a great cook/hostess. Ray likes to joke around and tease. I felt totally safe as a woman traveling alone. The house is spotless. My key let me in the back door so I could come and go as I pleased. The room was spacious with a private bath and everything appeared to be new fixtures in the bathroom, either that or just meticulously cleaned. Shirley put out fresh towels both days and made the bed. For breakfast, there was yogurt with homemade granola and fresh fruit both days, plus pumpkin pancakes with warm syrup one day and a frittata the other day. More food than I could eat. There was a mini fridge in the room with a fresh bottle of water daily. The neighborhood had a historic feel with a brick paved street, lovely old homes with mature trees and gardens. I will stay there again.

My husband just attended the Iowa Summer Writing Festival for a week long seminar. I happily went along for the ride. We are so glad we stayed with Ray and Shirley (the Owners)! We had read the reviews about the food being wonderful and the Hosts feeling like family... but I have to say I was skeptical before we arrived because they made it so easy to do a reservation, helped with info on transportation and yet gave a great rate. Well now that the six night stay is over I can honestly say to those other skeptics- these folks are the real deal! I have included a couple of pictures of the food - they don't do the food justice. They make everything from scratch - it's delicious and the coffee is a local ground served piping hot!
Some things to consider: 1) The B and B is an easy 8 block walk to most of the downtown area where there are great restaurants and culture, but check the weather report before you leave and plan accordingly if rain is in the forecast at all. 2) The neighborhood is quiet and quaint. The home like most in the area is historic and well taken care of, with the hardwood steps leading to your room that squeak just a little that reminded me of being a teenager unable to sneak out undetected. 3) The Hosts are very accommodating - they provide chilled bottled water in the mini frig., their own specialty soap and hairdryer in the bathroom, and WiFi throughout. (note- the beds are firm)
If you select to stay here - be prepared to be kind... Ray and Shirley feel like family and I only want to send the best guests their way:) Enjoy your stay - we really did.

A wonderful B&B. Excellent hospitality from Ray & Shirley - we were treated like part of the family. They were so warm, friendly and very helpful. Wonderful breakfasts - all home cooked. The location was also excellent, close to the river walk but within walking distance of the bars and restaurants downtown. Thanks for making our visit to Iowa City so very enjoyable.

We stayed with Ray and Shirley when we were visiting Iowa City to attend a wedding. The couple made us feel extraordinarily welcome and made everything easy and straightforward.

Their hospitality is first class - you got the sense that they actually enjoyed having guests. From the number of repeat visitors and long term stays at the B&B, there is no doubt the feeling is mutual.

Clean and interesting rooms, great conversation, wonderful and original food, friendliness and flexibility. We were only sorry we couldn't stay longer.