If you can, conjure up the feeling of waking up on vacation. You know, the one where you realize where you are and have a feeling of peace come over you. This was my experience at Eagle View Motel, and really, in all of Guttenberg, Iowa
Physically, you’re wrapped up in a big blanket. Mentally, enveloped by the feeling that the most important thing you have to do that day is to find a place to spend leisure time. Simply put: you wake up happy.
Guttenberg, Iowa in a Nutshell
Like so many Iowans, I grew up on a river. The Mississippi is the lifeblood of Eastern Iowa. My definition of an ideal view was taken directly from a Grant Wood landscape: rolling hills, quaint towns, and always a river running through it.
Recently, I had the opportunity to take an early fall trip to Guttenberg, Iowa from Davenport, Iowa. I was giddy with the idea of driving through the Mississippi River valley bluffs. One of my favorite things is to crack my windows open to smell the earthy scent of leaves as they begin to change.
I covered my retreat to Northeast Iowa in this post. However, the cherry on top of this overnight retreat was calling home the Eagle View Motel. I rolled into the gravel parking lot late afternoon – just as the sun was retreating behind the bluffs to the west. This painted a perfect view of the river from the deck. You can imagine my excitement when I spotted several sets of lawn chairs and even a fire pit on the lawn. My thoughts immediately went to where I would sit to enjoy the sunset skies. This spot must be lovely that view would be in every season – fall foliage would abound, and I’m sure that there would be plenty of bald eagle spotting in the winter.
I Loved Eagle View Motel
I have a few simple things that made this motel feel like home:
- The doors had keypad entries, eliminating the check-in process. I never mind checking in, but it was nice to not have to keep track of a key during my stay. Plus, it made my room feel all the more private.
- The hotel is only 7 rooms and has both indoor and outdoor community areas. That makes me think of all the great ways people could use this as a retreat. My first thought was to rent out the whole place for a group girls weekend. It could also be perfect for a family reunion or a place to hold a holiday gathering.
- The view brought me back to how I would define ‘ideal landscape’. The motel has a sprawling front lawn with lawn chairs, a fire pit, and a grill, and I could look down over Guttenberg, Iowa and across the river from the room. Not only that, but every room faces the same direction, so every guest has a phenomenal panorama view.
Working Remotely
As a digital nomad, I’m always chasing places that are practical for me. Practical means: budget-friendly, strong Wi-Fi, and quiet enough to get some work done. I decided to take this trip on a Monday because it meant I still got to spend the weekend with my family but was pleased to learn that the hotel offers lower rates during the weeks than on the weekends. As ‘leaf peeper’ season approaches, I can imagine that is a great opportunity for people who don’t have to work during the week to take a few days away from the city.
I so loved rolling over in the morning to draw open the blinds to the breathtaking scenery of the Mississippi River. The river is an anchor, and it is home. I got to wake up in it’s embrace, and spend a day in it’s echo. I woke up in this adorable retreat, and I woke up happy.
A quick note on accessibility: The Eagle View Motel sits on a hill has two rooms at ground level. The rest require going up a short flight of stairs to access. The showers are bathtub style.