Skip to main content
Entire home

Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!

Photo gallery for Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!

The Van Buren in Iowa City's historic Northside.
Welcome!
Wide front porch
Living room
Dining room, the table expands to seat eight

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!

Unbeatable location! The Van Buren is a block from “Dirty” John’s Grocery, the vibrant Northside restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and more! Then it’s just a quick stroll to downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus. Attending a game? We're a short drive or a lovely walk to the stadiums.

Located just out of the excitement on a quiet street, this colorful and cozy historic home is fully updated with all the amenities you could need to relax, work, or play!

What you'll enjoy at The Van Buren:

🚗 PARKING: Off-street parking is included for up to three mid-sized vehicles. It is single-lane parking, so plan accordingly. Free street parking is also available.

☕️ FRONT PORCH: Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on our wide, welcoming front porch!

🛋️ LIVING ROOM: Relax on the couch or comfy leather chair while you watch the big screen TV equipped with Roku so you can easily log in to your streaming services, all powered with free high-speed wifi.

🍽️ DINING ROOM: Enjoy meals at the dining table (can expand to seat 8) or chat by the bar.

🥘 KITCHEN: Everything you'd need to prep and enjoy a meal! Our kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, coffee maker, oven, electric cooktop, pots, pans, plates, glassware, flatware, utensils... you name it! Coffee and tea are always stocked.

🚿 BATHROOM #1 (main floor): Tucked in the hallway for privacy and flanked by bedrooms, the four-piece bathroom features a toilet, sink, vanity, and shower/tub combo.

🛏️ BEDROOM #1 (main floor, dark purple): Private bedroom featuring a king-sized bed, two nightstands, touch lamps with outlets, sound machine/alarm clock, closet with hangers, and a built-in desk/vanity.

🛏️ BEDROOM #2 (main floor, yellow): Private bedroom featuring a king-sized bed, two nightstands, touch lamps with outlets, sound machine/alarm clock, and closet with hangers.

🚿 BATHROOM #2 (second floor): With updated tile floor and shower surround, the four-piece bathroom features a toilet, sink, vanity, and shower/tub combo. Just outside the bathroom is a full-length mirror and an additional vanity area, perfect for prepping for a night out.

🛏️ BEDROOM #3 (second floor, white): Private bedroom featuring a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, touch lamps with outlets, sound machine/alarm clock, light-blocking blinds, closet with hangers, sitting area, a dresser and vanity mirror with built-in LED lighting.

🛏️ BEDROOM #4 (second floor, blue): Private bedroom featuring a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, touch lamps with outlets, sound machine/alarm clock, light-blocking blinds, a dresser, and closet with hangers.

GUEST ACCESS:
Guests have access to the main and second floors.

ALLERGIES:
For allergy sufferers, our pillows are down-alternative.

SAFETY and SECURITY:
Ring doorbell cameras are on the property's exterior at the front and back doors.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Living area
Beautiful family home perfect for football weekends!
Tiffin
  • Parking available
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (9 reviews)
Beautiful family home perfect for football weekends!

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Note: house is not baby-proof and has a staircase.

default

Events

No events allowed

default

Pets

No pets allowed

default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Remove personal items

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

No commercial photography and/or filming allowed.

Please respect neighbors with outdoor quiet hours of 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM.

No underage drinking or illegal drug use.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3675439vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Iowa City

Mann, a neighbourhood in Iowa City, is home to this holiday home. University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and The Englert Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Finkbine Golf Course and Pleasant Valley Golf Course. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and Iowa Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling, sledging and ice skating.
View more Holiday homes in Iowa CityOpens in a new window
Map
Iowa City, IA

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The Englert Theater - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Iowa City Public Library - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Old Capitol Museum - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Iowa Old Capitol Building - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Scout’s Honor - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪A & A Pagliai's Pizza - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Micky's Irish Pub - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!?

As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful! on 2 Aug 2026 start from £269, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Steps to Downtown Iowa City, Cozy and Colorful! located?

Located in Mann, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Mercy Hospital and University of Iowa. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and Iowa City Public Library are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, well appointed, and well located.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts were so thoughtful. Stocked the coffee and snacks, bottle of wine, and essential travel toiletries (beyond the shampoo and conditioner). It was a great location to walk everywhere and space to spread out a bit.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved being so close to downtown - easy walking distance to everything! Clean and well-equipped kitchen and baths, and very well laid out for a comfortable stay for 8. Neighborhood was quite quiet and peaceful, too, for being so close to the hospital and downtown. Would stay there again in a second.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

Had a great time and was able to enjoy the IA City experience on foot.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for a football weekend

Great house in a perfect location, very well maintained and stocked. Owners were clear and friendly in communication and it made for a perfect family hangout on a Hawkeye football weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well maintained and comfortable. Very nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

M P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

40th birthday weekend

A small group of friends stayed to attend a couple of local events in celebration of a 40th birthday. The location was perfect, and the house well suited to our needs. Hosts were very responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jan 2025
Thanks for the kind words, Michelle! And Happy 40th to the birthday person! So glad you celebrated with us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family get together for graduation weekend

The property was perfect for a family weekend. The bedrooms were comfortable and there was plenty of space to hang out, eat, and play games. The home offered everything we needed. The owners were super easy to communicate with. It’s a quiet street in walking distance to many shops, restaurants
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2025
So glad you enjoyed the weekend! Thanks for taking such good care of our place, and look us up when you’re back in town! Cheers!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home was perfect for our football weekend! Every need was met for our party of six. The home was charming, well decorated, and well maintained. The appointments were over the top – bed and bath linens were wonderful. The kitchen was very nicely stocked, including a lovely welcome package. The owners were very easy to communicate with and the location was perfect for our needs. All said, a Five Star Home!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hawkeye Heaven

The home was very clean and decorated wonderfully. Loved the porch swing and the touch lamp in the bedroom. Loved this lovely home 😊. Owners sent us the passcode in plenty of time to get in. Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

meaghan c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the waters and snacks! Also products in the bathrooms were a plus!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

About the host

Hosted by Jake

Host profile image

Jake and Becky are excited to welcome guests to Iowa City! They have lived in The Northside for over twenty years. Please don't hesitate to reach out for Iowa City recommendations. We strive to make each stay a five-star experience!

Why they chose this property

You’ll love being a part of The Northside neighborhood of families, students, professionals, and artists. The stomping grounds of Iowa’s renowned Writers’ Workshop, The Northside’s brick-lined streets have captivated hearts and minds for generations.

Iconic businesses within a two-minute walk:
🛒🍾 John's Grocery
🍻🍔 George's Buffet
🍷🧀 Brix wine bar
🍽️ 🍸The Webster
🍳🧇 Bluebird Diner
🍟🥓 Hamburg Inn
🥪🍦 Marco's Grilled Cheese
🍕🍺 Pagali's Pizza
and so much more!

What makes this property unique

Located just out of the excitement on a quiet street, this colorful and cozy historic home is fully updated with all the amenities you could need to relax, work, or play!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback