*Many folks have been making regular trips to the Amana Colonies their whole lives with the old mill in the background. Me included. Then came 2021 and an unbelievable renovation to that iconic mill. Our stay at the Hotel Millwright was complimentary and the views expressed in this blog post are of our own. Let’s Gallivant!
Let’s come right out and say it. The newly opened Hotel Millwright is one of the most impressive hotels we’ve ever experienced in our travels. Why mess around and wait for all of you to read that? Yes, we are going to go into great detail but that needed to be said right away cuz I’m practicing my conversation starters. How’d I do? I wanna show you Hotel Millwright! We stayed here from our recent Gallivant on the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway and what an amazing way to spend time in a town we’ve loved for decades.
The old Woolen Mill vibe is feeling energized with a vibrant touch that is noticeable with in a few feet of stepping into the lobby. The Millwright’s Shelby Foster met us when we arrived, and her knowledge of the ENTIRE property was very impressive. Not only is this a hotel, but an unofficial museum as well. Your stay here will always be historic here.
Around and around we went through Hotel Millwright. Shelby didn’t leave a single detail out when it came to the decor, historical significance of many objects, and details about every room we passed and went to.
When was the last time you cuddled up in warm hotel linens that were made just steps from where your bed is located? If you said never than you just gave the same answer as me and countless others who have and will stay here at Hotel Millwright. The quality of Amana Woolen Mill products goes back a long time. Many birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and special occasions of all sorts have featured goods from that Amana Woolen Mill. Hey…Feel like throwing a party?
Let’s get back to that historic touch of Hotel Millwright. The property is experiencing a magnificent rebirth, but it’s not the first time that has happened. Remodeling is a bit of a theme and thankfully it doesn’t happen much. The 1923 fire at the mill was awful, and created severe damage to the buildings, local economy, and way of life. However, Amana persisted and some of the damaged beams supply a glimpse of that day in almost 100 years ago.
Talk about a trip down memory lane! There’s no way we walked less than a mile just touring the halls, rooms, corridors, lobbies, and everywhere around Hotel Millwright. That means it’s time to check-in and see our room. You know we’re going to love it….
Relaxing in your room seams like a no-brainer when it comes to enjoying your stay at any hotel. However, you know you’re in a premium place of lodging when you know there is so much to see beyond your room, but you still want to stay in that said comfortable room. I managed to do just that before getting myself out to see more of the hotel and Amana as well. It’s The Iowa Gallivant! Let’s keep moving and get a bite to eat at the Hotel Millwright’s Indigo Room!
Not far from the lobby is the Indigo Room and we had a little appetizer-o-rama, and you can’t go wrong with cheesy fried bread and chicken wings. Both wonderfully cooked with the Executive Chef’s twist of flavors and preparation. We just need to head back and tackle the entrees! The Indigo Room isn’t the only place you can get a taste of Hotel Millwright.
One of the best parts of Hotel Millwright is that it’s walking distance to so much in Amana. The shops, brewery, boutiques, restaurants, winery, museum, meat shop, and everything else in the main business district. That is always a giant plus whenever we Gallivant. Way to pick a primo location, my Millwright friends!
I look forward to seeing this brand new hotel get even busier as the years go on. I imagine football season and all the visitors to Eastern Iowa funneling into Amana for the weekend and celebrating. I foresaw future wedding parties, reunions, banquets, and all gatherings loving Amana’s hospitality. I have never seen the colonies in the way Hotel Millwright has been able to present them. On the same token, I saw Hotel Millwright showcase this popular destination in a way that I found very familiar. Well done, everybody. All of you at Hotel Millwright have created this modernized icon and made it a one of kind. Again.
Book your stay on Hotel Millwright’s website.
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LOVE THIS!
Just spent our anniversary weekend here after reading about it in your article, absolutely wonderful, wonderful room, friendly helpful staff, food in their restaurant was amazing, totally recommend it!
That’s great to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed it! What a modern way to step back in time!