A perfect wooded hideaway for someone who enjoys the stillness of nature & the chance to see foxes, deer, woodchuck, turkeys & more, while enjoying easy access to all the fun Ames has to offer! The Fox Den is a cozy efficiency apartment in a duplex nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac, just a short walk to downtown Ames (the library, post office, grocery store, main street shopping, farmers market, city parks, bus line & more), a brief drive to campus, many tasty restaurants, and easy access to highway 35.
The space: Although this efficiency apartment is in a basement, the large windows keep the apartment feeling open and spacious. There is a stovetop, microwave and toaster for cooking your own meals, as well as a 3/4 fridge. You'll also have access to wireless internet, a patio, fire pit and hot tub. At night, the path to and from the apartment is well lit for safe access. We specifically constructed the space with noise canceling features, but you may still hear guests above if there is someone staying in the upper portion of the duplex.
This property is a duplex with two units. This listing is in the basement, and includes a bed/living area, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, a shared laundry room, and shared outdoor 4-person hot tub with jets. The second unit (Downtown Ames Peaceful Getaway) is a 2 bedroom 1 bath unit on the main level. Neither unit has access to the other's space. The only shared area is the laundry room.
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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
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
About the area
Ames
Ames is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wilson Farm Prairie and Christiansen Forest Reserve, while Stephens Auditorium and Brunnier Art Museum are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Hilton Coliseum or Jack Trice Stadium.
Main Street Cultural District - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Octagon Center for the Arts - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Iowa State University - 5 min drive - 3.2 km
Jack Trice Stadium - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
Reiman Gardens - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 14 min walk
Chick-fil-A - 15 min walk
Panera Bread - 16 min walk
Arby's - 18 min walk
Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Fox Den pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Fox Den?
As of 10 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Fox Den on 3 Jun, 2026 start from S$86, 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 The Fox Den?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Fox Den?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Fox Den?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Fox Den located?
Situated in Ames, this holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Main Street Cultural District and 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Iowa State University. Octagon Center for the Arts and Cinemark Ames Movies 12 are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great spot in the back of the neighborhood. I stayed for the summer for lab work at Iowa State. Really great landing spot and would definitely recommend.
Excellent except would have been nice to have. coffee for Kuerig
cynthia h.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jun, 2025
Thanks for your review Cynthia! I’m sorry your kuerig was out of coffee - I wish you had responded to my message after your first night - I would have been more than happy to refill your coffee supply!
Perfect fit for me. Very clean. Great value. Just know going in, this is a small efficiency basement apartment, so low ceiling and occasionally footsteps above. Not sure what part of the house i was under, but not a problem for the few times i heard anything. Host was ready to please, would stay again. Bring all of your web TV sign ins like netflix, hulu ect.
Patrick M.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carol
2 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Really appreciated communication and every effort to serve our needs.