The Iowa City/Coralville area in summer has many housing options. Most accommodation in Iowa City is within easy walking distance of campus, where the seminar will take place, and of downtown, which includes plentiful restaurants, bars, cafes, and the occasional grocery store. More hotel rooms are available in Coralville, where prices tend to be a little cheaper, but which is further away from the campus, and would likely work best if you come with a car (or a bicycle or a passion for walking a lot). There are a few bed and breakfasts in Iowa City, but it is not certain that rooms for our dates will still be available by April. Dorm rooms provide the cheapest option, but, of course, provide the least creature comforts.
The NEH summer seminar has worked out special deals with the following establishments.
Hotel Vetro
201 S. Linn Street, Iowa City. http://www.hotelvetro.com/
$139/night + tax.
A modern, stylish hotel, centrally located downtown in Iowa City, on the ped-mall, and within short walking distance of all seminar activities. Rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, convection ovens, refrigerators, & coffee makers. Rate includes free wifi. Parking an additional $12/day. Please call Nancy Parks at 319-337-4058 for reservation assistance.
Sheraton Iowa City
210 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City. http://www.sheratoniowacity.com/
$116/night + tax.
The main downtown hotel, sister to, and next door to, the Hotel Vetro. Rate includes free wifi. Parking an additional $12/day. Please call Nancy Parks at 319-337-4058 for reservation assistance.
Heartland Inn
87 2nd Street, Coralville. http://www.heartlandinns.com/
$55/night + tax.
A more modest hotel, approx. 2 miles from the seminar activities. Each room has a microwave and a refrigerator, free internet, free parking, coin operated laundry on-site, free breakfast, restaurants nearby, shuttle to and from campus. To get this rate, the guests need to call 319-351-8132 and ask for the Obermann Center NEH group rate.
University of Iowa dorm rooms
$51.77/night for service level one; $53.40 for service level 2
Includes: shared bathroom, extra-long single bed, desk, air conditioner. Will likely be in Burge or Quad next summer.
http://housing.uiowa.edu/residence-halls/burge-hall
**Service Level one: Sheets, pillows, bed linen, comforter provided. New towels and trash collected twice a week.
**Service Level two: Same as one, but new towels and trash collected daily
Booking will need to be made through the Obermann Center and needs to be arranged by May 11.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES
Bostick House
Monthly rates range from $1,499-$1,799 depending on the house/room
Includes queen bed, private bath, writing desk, reading chair, fully-equipped kitchenette, cable TV, wireless internet and on-site parking (additional charge for parking).
50% deposit & rental application required to confirm reservation
**They begin taking summer reservations in January and expect to have 12 rooms available.
Centrally downtown bed & breakfast accommodation, but not clear how many rooms will be available in April.
Homewood Suites in Coralville
$105/night + tax
Includes: 2-room suite with fully equipped kitchen, free parking, free internet access, pool, hot tub, fitness center, business center, free breakfast, and free dinner & drinks M-Th. Book by April 30.
Newer hotel in Iowa River Landing area, a newly developed area of Coralville. About 3 miles from campus. Please use group code "GOB" when booking.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the accommodation options, feel free to contact the seminar director or Andrew Williams at the email address: postsecular-novel@uiowa.edu