Holiday Inn Amana Colonies and Wasserbahn Water Park

When we visit the Amana Colonies it's usually a day trip. The last time we went we decided to try out the Holiday Inn and Wasserbahn Water Park at Little Amana just off I-80.

We splurged on the one room "kid suite" which cost me $175.84 including tax after my AAA discount. Ouch! At least it included waterpark admission for the family and coupons for free kids meals in the Seven Villages Restaurant (with the purchase of an adult meal).

The hotel itself is nice enough but you can tell it's an older location. The rooms could use some renovation and remodeling and the walls are quite thin. That said, the beds were comfortable, we had a small refrigerator and the bathroom was clean and had good water pressure. It just wasn't great. And for the price I paid I honestly expected more. The girls enjoyed the bunkbed experience- separated from the main room by a half wall and featuring it's own television.

There is also a two room "kids suite": one room has a king bed and a queen sized pull out couch, the connecting room has another queen size pull out couch and the bunk beds. It costs $299 per night.

You have a few choices when it comes to dining. The hotel houses Seven Villages Restaurant. With our room we received "kids eat free" vouchers for dinner and breakfast. If you're after basic fare you might as well take advantage of this. Our food was quite good- it was basic diner fare- and reasonably priced.

If you're after a really great German meal head across the road to Colony Village Restaurant. As with all the traditional German restaurants your food is served "family style" and there is plenty! If our travels ever take us down I-80 we always stop here.

Another option is an Iowa standard, Maid Rite. Famous across the country for their loose meat sandwiches a new location is just across the parking lot from the hotel.

The main reason to stay at this hotel, though, is for the water park. Again, you can see the age of the equipment and I think the entire place is in need of a major overhaul. Some paint is peeling from the equipment and the climbing net in one pool seems like it would be a safety hazard as it is torn in quite a few spots. But kids will have a great time. Brenna loved the water slides and Caelan enjoyed splashing in the wading pool.

If you are a hotel guest the water park opens at 8 am and you can remain until 1pm on the day you check out. A changing room is available but I don't recommend them. When we visited they were dirty and not well maintained. Other handy hints for Wasserbahn Water Park:

• There is very limited seating. Get in there early and stake your claim.


• The wading pool is zero entry and goes up to 8" and has a small slide and sprinklers


• You must be 42" tall for the large slides and small children must wear a life jacket as they must slide alone.


• The deeper pool is 3'4" deep and has a basket ball hoop, a circling whirlpool and the "Mill Race"

Outside the hotel is one of the greatest outdoor play areas I have ever seen. It's a large wooden fort with climbing, crawling, sliding fun.

My girls were more hesitant to leave this than the water park.

My recommendation after this experience? Stay at the hotel because the waterpark is included in your room rate. But get a regular room- the "kids suite" isn't worth the extra money. Be sure to check the website for any specials or promotions, they are usually running a couple of them.

And if you don't make it into the Amana Colonies you can still get a "taste" of their German flavor at the shops directly across from the hotel.

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An Update: Amana Colonies, Iowa, USA

One of our favorite Iowa destinations is the Amana Colonies. We can wander around the villages all day and never get bored. Now the Amana Colonies have made it even easier for visitors to tour the villages and learn about their history.

A visitor center has opened in the center of Amana. Housed in an old corn crib and refinished inside by the amazing wood crafters from the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop this should definitely be your first stop.

The interior is open and airy and filled with displays of the famous antiques and crafts Amana is known for. You can find brochures and tourist guides on the Amanas, Williamsburg Outlets, local hotels and Kalona, a near by Amish town. Another great resource (that I have only seen in airports) is a direct dial phone and directory of the colonies' many B&Bs.

The visitor center staff is knowledgable and helpful and will steer you toward the days events. And now you can rent bikes, kids bikes, bike trailers, trail-a-bikes, wheelchairs and strollers from the visitor center ($10-$20 per day depending on the item). The bikes are a great way to get from village to village using the bike trail at the edge of town.

Before you leave the visitor center climb to the cupola and look out over the town. Many of the inner workings of the corn crib remain- it's really a great diversion if the kids are getting antsy while a parent is gathering information.

You'll want to spend your time in Amana wandering the quaint shops in search of treasures. Here are a few places you don't want to miss:

• The Colony Inn: This is my favorite restaurant in the colonies. (But I've tried tham all and not one is bad) Food is served "family style". You order your meats and you are brought bowls of salads, vegetables, cottage cheese and potatoes. If your kids are younger for only $1.95 they can share your meat and get a plate for the sides.


• Stone Hearth Bakery: wonderful baked goods. The gingerbread men are so fresh that Brenna had to eat his legs to keep him from running away!
  
  


• Right across the street from the bakery is the Chocolate Haus. Homemade and hand dipped chocolates. YUM!


• Heritage Wine and Cheese is on the far west end of town- next to the museum. Free tasting! Be sure to try the Lover's Wine, the Autumn Blend and the American Pride blends. And sample some cheese while you're there.


• The Amana Furniture and Clock Shop has an area where you can see the artisans at work (or look at their work area if they aren't working!)
  
  


• If you're getting tired there is a "hidden" garden next door to Maddies Fine Clothing and Gifts.
  
  

The most important thing to remember while you're in the Amanas is not to rush. Take your time. Relax. And don't forget the other villages. Each has it's own wonders. Rent a bike and explore!

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Woodbury, Minnesota, USA

A while back I told you about my experience when booking at this hotel. Thankfully the situation was handled well and we completed our stay there recently.

I picked this hotel for it's location: I wanted a two room suite close to Stillwater- not as easy to find as I had imagined.

Thankfully the Holiday Inn Express and Suites was able to fit my needs. First two tips:

1. Become a rewards member with every hotel you stay at. It costs nothing and you can earn free hotel stays.


2. Don't forget to request a discount if you are a AAA member.

This hotel has two floors; our suite we had was on the second. Thankfully the elevator is directly across from check in so you don't have to haul your luggage far.

As promised the suite had a living area with a pull out couch that the girls (because they are small and light) were able to sleep comfortably on, an eating area, a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and sink, a bedroom with a queen bed and a single bathroom. The suite was roomy enough to spread out in and we didn't feel at all cramped.

That said, the lay out could have been better. The bathroom was located directly inside the entrance from the hall. Relatively common, yes, but not so great when you are trying to move from the bedroom to the bathroom without waking children.

My single favorite thing about Holiday Inn Express hotels is the breakfast included with your stay. And this location was above average. The weekend breakfast included: biscuits, gravy, sausage, eggs, hot cinnamon rolls, cereals, breads, fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, milk, juice, coffee and tea. The hot items were hot, the cold items were cold and everything was laid out neatly with easy access.

A bit more info about this location:

1. There are 4 two room suites, 12 one room suites and 4 whirlpool suites. 101 total rooms.


2. Wireless internet is available and a computer is set up in the breakfast room for your convenience.


3. A pool and exercise room are available on the main level.


4. The staff were very friendly and helpful- especially the ladies in the breakfast area. When I was trying to juggle a tray of food and keep track of the girls (who had to "help") they were more than happy to grab beverages and silverware when my hands were full.

This location was undergoing renovations while we were staying but, honestly, I wouldn't have known but for the sign in the lobby.

The two room suite costs $135.99 per night (with AAA discount). For it's location, the space we had and the services the hotel provides I will gladly stay there again.

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