White Lions Bed And Breakfast

You know you are stayed somewhere extraordinary when you find yourself missing it days later. That was our experience at the White Lions Bed and Breakfast.
For our first trip to Iowa, it was incredibly important to us that we have a real Iowa experience… undoubtedly influenced by our West Coast fantasies of Midwestern quaintness and kindness. Rather than staying at a «meh» chain hotel in Des Moines, we chose to set up camp about 40 minutes outside of «the city,» in Winterset – the heart of Madison County. We are sooooooo glad we did.
Mark and Kayla welcomed us into their lovely home with the EXACT warmth and hospitality that Midwesterners are known for. They felt more like old friends than innkeepers. Upon arrival, Kayla and Mark showed us around the home, pointed out our room, and offered us fresh baked berry crumble and lemonade! OMG! So delish and so comforting to the weary travelers we were. Truth be told, it became a bit of a game for my husband and I to guess what Kayla would bake each day for us! There was always fresh coffee, lemonade, and baked goodies out to keep guests feeling loved.
Our room was incredibly comfortable and well appointed (The Tiffany Room.) Both it and our private bathroom across the hall were spotless and fastidiously clean. If you’d prefer to not have to go across the hall for a bathroom, there are other rooms that have ensuite bathrooms.
The internet access was lightening fast and included in the price of the room. In honor of Winterset being the birthplace of John Wayne, we made a point of busting out our laptop streaming The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance on Netflix. Yes, we absolutely did this!
I would be doing you a disservice if I did not take a moment to point out that the neighborhood where the inn is situated is truly out of a Midwestern dream. W. Court Street has a beautiful canopy of trees, well kept homes, and manicured lawns. It was positively delightful to stroll through in the evening. The inn is in easy walking distance to the center of town, so if you wanted to have a quick bite at the Northside Café (of Bridges of Madison County fame) or go to the John Wayne Museum, you could comfortably do so.
Seriously. Say NO to a crappy, run of the mill, chain hotel experience. Say YES to treating yourself to a double scoop of Midwestern loveliness at the White Lions Bed and Breakfast. P. S. If you are lucky, you will meet Mark and Kayla’s beagle hound Hank!

Hosts Mark and Kayla Hawkins are welcoming and knowledgable about the area. Rooms are furnished with beautiful antiques although our very comfy king size bed was a reproduction. We will definitely return.