House Beautiful once named Hotel Julien the most famous hotel in Iowa. And not only is the most famous hotel in Iowa; it’s also one of the most historic places you’ll ever sleep.
The first hotel located at 200 Main Street in Dubuque was an extravagant four-story lodge built in 1839 and known as the Waples House.
Hotel Julien Dubuque / Facebook
The Waples House served gourmet meals and provided comfortable accommodations to weary travelers who had just crossed the Mississippi River into Dubuque.
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In 1854, the Waples House was expanded, renovated, and given a new name: Hotel Julien, in honor of Julien Dubuque, the city’s namesake.
Hotel Julien Dubuque / Facebook
Hotel Julien burned to the ground in 1913, and the current hotel, Hotel Julien Dubuque, was built in its place in 1915.
Hotel Julien Dubuque / Facebook
The historic Hotel Julien Dubuque has hosted such famous guests as Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill, Will Rogers, and Al Capone (who most likely used the hotel as a hide-out when he needed to disappear from Chicago, and who may have even owned the hotel at one point).
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Extensive renovations since that original rebuilding have transformed the hotel into what it is today: an elegant, luxurious, famous overnight getaway featuring 133 spacious, modern, lavish guest rooms.
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Amenities provided with a night’s stay at Hotel Julien Dubuque include the hotel’s full-service spa, Potosa Spa, as well as onsite fine dining Caroline’s Restaurant. Or enjoy drinks and live entertainment onsite at Riverboat Lounge. In addition, Hotel Julien Dubuque offers an indoor pool, a fitness center, complimentary wireless, and free parking for all guests.
Management / Tripadvisor
Several of the hotel’s guest rooms are accessible for those with mobility needs, and the hotel provides services for those with sensory needs as well.
Management / Tripadvisor
Have you ever spent the night at Hotel Julien Dubuque? Did you realize that this historic hotel is among the most famous in Iowa? To learn more about the hotel or book a stay here to enjoy all Hotel Julien Dubuque has to offer, visit the hotel website here or Facebook page here. For another historic Iowa stay, try Hotel Manning in Keosauqua.
Hotel Julien Dubuque / Facebook
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Address: Hotel Julien Dubuque, 200 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA