The Kingsley Inn, located in Fort Madison, Iowa, features 19 rooms that are available throughout the year for guest reservation. One of the 19 units is a 1,700-square-foot guest house located on the grounds of the property. This accommodation can function both as an event space for weddings and other gatherings or as a guest room. Each room has a white noise machine that can be used when patrons are going to bed, as the manager notes that the inn is near to a train track. Earplugs are also accessible upon request at the front desk. Originally built in the 1860s, the building used now as the Kingsley Inn has had multiple functions over time, such as a vinegar distillery and a laundromat. The manager notes that there are a variety of different activities available in the surrounding area of the inn.
The Kingsley Inn is an 1800s-era brick building located in Fort Madison, Iowa. A courtyard is featured on the acreage, which doubles as a parking area for guests. Moreover, the courtyard is characteristic of sweeping vines on the balconies and ferns on the bottom level. Former patrons have noted that the courtyard appears to be reminiscent of a "New Orleans style." If needed for private events, the courtyard can also be blocked off and used as a venue for weddings or other similar endeavors.
The owners describe the building as being reminiscent of a "Victorian or Renaissance" style. A total of 19 rooms are available for guests to reserve year-round. One of the rooms, the Guesthouse, is located on the premises on the third floor and is available for reservation as either a room or an event space. All of the accommodations for patrons feature unique names such as the C. E. Eddie Room, the Elsa Maxwell Room, and the Potowonok Room, which in some way reflects the history of the building and the surrounding city. The manager notes that in addition to "standard amenities," such as body wash, each room has a white noise machine and double-paned windows to mitigate noise in the event of a train passing by during the night.
Visitors to the property can use any of the common areas found inside the inn. There is a parlor that seats approximately 20 people, which has couches and board games. Additionally, a landing offers chairs and views of the three-story atrium, which is seasonally decorated with a relatively tall Christmas tree. There is also a restaurant and bar located on the ground floor of the inn. The restaurant serves luncheon-style foods such as maid rite sandwiches, which are loose meat sandwiches. At the bar, drinks are served from local distilleries, as well as 16 regional beers that are on tap. The bar is also where breakfast is served each morning.
Breakfast is "continental style," according to the manager. The manager also remarks that there is a "make-your-own waffle station," as well as an assortment of bagels, muffins, yogurts, and hardboiled eggs. During breakfast, guests can see views of the Mississippi River outside the windows of the bar and watch trains pass by on the tracks across from the inn. Juice and milk are also served in addition to the aforementioned foods.
The manager of the Kingsley Inn says that "once people park, they shouldn't have to drive anywhere else if they don't want to." As such, the inn is situated relatively close to a variety of attractions that guests may be interested in. Some of these attractions include the Fort Madison Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River and is the "World's Largest Double Decker Swing Span Bridge," according to the manager. Additionally, Fort Madison encompasses the area across the street from the establishment. There, visitors can find an 1808 replica of the original Fort Madison city that can perform demonstrations with cannons and other similar reenactments. The downtown area of the city is also located half a block away from the inn. Other potential areas of interest include Nauvoo, Illinois, situated across the Mississippi River from the city of Fort Madison. Nauvoo is a historic city most commonly known for the Latter-day Saint pioneers who settled in the region, before being forcibly removed from the site by the government.
With regard to nearby places to eat, some local restaurants that the manager would recommend include Mama Knows, located in a refurbished train caboose that serves take-away items such as shwarma and chorizo; Simple Table, an Asian fusion restaurant; and Jake and Walts Fort Diner, which only takes cash but provides relatively large portion sizes, according to the manager.
While staying at the Kingsley Inn, the manager and owners of the establishment hope that guests can feel welcomed, and "like family." The manager notes that to help visitors have this type of experience, she tries to greet each person staying at the property and interact with them throughout their stay. She asks them about their visit, what they are hoping to see in the area, and if they need any suggestions on other sites to see during their stay. As the establishment is open year-round, the busiest time of year typically occurs in June, July, and September, due to the events hosted in the area over the course of the summer and the warmer weather. Guests who have previously stayed at the inn often comment on the hospitality of the manager and staff, as well as the proximity to the trains and the cleanliness of the establishment. One former patron of the establishment said, "Every room is different and unique with antiques everywhere. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed the bar and the bartender was very friendly."
While staying at Kingsley Inn, there are multiple policies that visitors are expected to abide by. There is only one dog-friendly room, according to the manager. Additionally, due to the historic nature of the building, parties are only allowed in the banquet rooms. A quiet time of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. is enforced unless a group reserves the entire building for an event. Lastly, there is no smoking allowed within 20 feet of any entrances to the building, however, there are designated outdoor areas where patrons can smoke if they desire.
The building now used as the Kingsley Inn was originally built in the 1860s. Its intended purpose has changed over the years since it was erected. From 1910 to 1981, the property was used as a distillery. In 1981 it became a laundromat before being converted into an inn in 1990. Before the building was converted, there was a project working to tear down the building to turn it into a drive-through burger restaurant, as it was falling into disrepair. Before this goal could be achieved, some local men got together and rehabilitated the building, converting it into an inn. Since then, the Kinglsey Inn has operated under various owners. The current owners of the property purchased the business in 2018.
Since the current owners began their time at the Kingsley Inn, multiple changes have been made in an effort to keep the building updated. In the atrium, there was a seven-foot chandelier, which the manager of the business said was "very dated." They took out the chandelier and kept the area open. At Christmas time, there is now a relatively large tree that is set up in the atrium, where the chandelier used to hang. Additionally, the carpets throughout the building have been replaced.
707 Avenue H
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
United States
Bed and Breakfast
