Hotel Ottumwa

We arrived in town for the nick dipslo show. We got a room upstairs on 6th floor. Every thing was ok, we were pleased with room and comfort of beds. We came back later that night and we were talking. We noticed a bug crawling up wall near TV. At first we thought it was a fly but upon closer look, it was a roach and it disappeared into the drop ceiling. We got out our light and went over by the refrigerator which was a very dark area of room. There were roaches crawling everywhere including walls and carpet! Big and small. My girl made a video. The sink area on the counter must have had 5 big roaches that scattered when we shined the light on them. It was absolutely disgusting and ww could not pack our stuff and get out of there fast enough. By this time it was 11 pm or so. On the way out, we noticed a bag of garbage that had been left near the elevator that was still sitting there when we arrived and noticed that people were living on the floor. Excellent possibility of cause of roaches. At this point, we didn't even want to stay at another hotel and just drove back home.nThe fro t desk girl was really nice and understood. I am still waiting to get reimbursed through expedia

This is a unique property. Part of the charm is its age If I remember correctly, it was built in 1917. However, there are some things that probably should be addressed. The marble stairs leading into the lobby are warped due to age and wear, and could cause someone to lose their balance.nnThere were antique items throughout the property such as an old switchboard in the lobby.nnWe noticed some things in our room where the building had been updated to code. This includes having a fire sprinkler system that was installed well after the the original building as there was piping along the ceiling. There was a ramp on the side of the building which could be used with the luggage cart. Again, part of the age off the building, just stating that so people know what to expect.nnThe service was good. There was a limited selection made-to-order breakfast included with the room. We're vegetarian, so when we asked for no meat the waitress offered us fresh fruit without us asking. This was nice.nnParking is limited and the hotel is on a one-way street.nnOverall this hotel is a decent value.

Food is good, hotel room was clean and comfortable. Lots of children being housed there by a company that brings the parents into Ottumwa to work. A small group of teenage boys were always hanging out in the hall and elevator area on our floor. Inappropriate comments were made to me which made me feel very uncomfortable. We left the next morning. Hotel is in the process of being sold. Hope the building has new plans and purpose. It is a landmark.

The owner of this establishment, Kay, has been harassing a family for rent owed on an over-prices property that her family owns. Kay refuses to follow proper eviction process, essentially deciding to try and skirt the law. Also, Kay’s hotel is listed at roughly half the cost of most other reputable hotels in the market which tells me as a lay person but also, frequent traveler, that her hotel isn’t very good. The few times I’ve been inside Hotel Ottumwa, I’ve been subject to curiously sticky substances on the floor and an unsafe set of steps at the front entryway.nnDo better, Kay.

Old hotel with tons of character. Clean, large room. The cafe attached to the hotel was simple , well worn, and surprisingly good.nIf you’re expecting an updated Hyatt style you’ll be disappointed, however I found it to be a unique experience in a place I only recently heard of. Great people at front desk too.