Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience Historic Hospitality in Ottumwa
Hotel Ottumwa has been a cornerstone of hospitality in Southeast Iowa since our grand opening in 1917. As stewards of this historic property since 1982, the Schwartz family has preserved our architectural legacy while modernizing guest experiences. Our 61 non-smoking rooms combine contemporary comforts with historic charm, featuring work desks, refrigerators, and premium amenities. We specialize in creating memorable events through our Grand Ballroom's elegant restoration, flexible meeting spaces, and award-winning catering services.The Tom-Tom Tap's 1950s ambiance and Second Street Caf's homestyle cuisine enhance our reputation as both a local gathering place and destination hotel. With complimentary parking, extended stay options, and personalized event planning, we remain committed to serving travelers and communities through exceptional service and culinary excellence.
Services
Hotel Accommodations
Event Hosting
Catering Services
Second Street Caf
Tom-Tom Tap Lounge
Details
- Year established: 1917
Highlights and features
- We offer complimentary parking for guests with vehicle access
- Our event planners coordinate personalized wedding and conference packages
- Staff provides 24/7 room service and whirlpool suite amenities
- Historic preservation maintains original architectural features from 1917
- Award-winning restaurants serve locally-inspired cuisine daily
What people say
Accommodating staff
Clean meeting rooms
Wonderful food
Historic charm
Successful events
Services
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel Ottumwa offers 61 modern non-smoking guest rooms with work desks, refrigerators, and premium amenities. Room styles include executive rooms, whirlpool suites, and family accommodations. All rooms feature historic charm combined with contemporary comforts like free wireless internet and flat-panel HDTVs.
Event Hosting
Our Grand Ballroom and meeting spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and social events. The 1917-built ballroom features 17-foot ceilings and restored chandeliers. Flexible room configurations support events from intimate gatherings to large banquets with adjacent reception areas and full-service catering options.
Catering Services
Full-service and drop-off catering options feature made-to-order breakfasts, interactive food stations, and banquet menus. Specialties include mimosa bars, taco bars, and baked potato bars. Professional staff coordinate dietary needs and presentation for weddings, business meetings, and community events.
Second Street Caf
This lobby-adjacent restaurant serves homestyle meals daily with breakfast available all day. Menu includes sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, and desserts. Saturday morning features a breakfast buffet while lunch and dinner offer buffet options. Takeout available through dedicated phone ordering.
Tom-Tom Tap Lounge
1950s-style horseshoe bar serving domestic, imported, and craft beers. Full Second Street Caf menu available until 10 PM with limited late-night options. Signature Bloody Marys and Hotel Hash complement the historic mural interior celebrating Ottumwa's Native heritage.
People
Lori Schulte
Event Coordinator
With over 15 years of hospitality experience, Lori specializes in creating personalized event packages. She coordinates weddings, conferences, and community events while managing catering operations and client relations.
Sara
Guest Services Manager
Sara oversees front desk operations and guest accommodations. She manages extended stay bookings, room reservations, and coordinates with staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences during business and social events.
Questions
What event spaces are available at Hotel Ottumwa?
The Grand Ballroom accommodates large events with 17-foot ceilings and chandeliers. Multiple meeting rooms support conferences, weddings, and social gatherings with flexible configurations and catering options.
What dining options exist at the hotel?
Second Street Café serves homestyle meals daily with breakfast all day. Tom-Tom Tap offers 1950s-style drinks and late-night dining. Catering services available for events and takeout options through dedicated ordering.
Are extended stay options available?
Extended stay suites include kitchenettes and workspaces. Guests receive complimentary parking and can request special packages by contacting the front desk directly.
What historic features does the hotel preserve?
Original 1917 architectural elements include the Grand Ballroom's chandeliers and the Tom-Tom Tap's 1951 mural. The Schwartz family restored historic features while adding modern amenities since acquiring the property in 1982.
How does the hotel support local events?
Hotel Ottumwa partners with community organizations for events like Live After Five. The staff accommodates last-minute changes and provides venue support that has made them a trusted local event partner.