Golden Door Motel

2.5 star property
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Golden Door Motel

Reception
Comfort Double Room Single Use | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Shower, free toiletries, towels, soap
Room, 2 Double Beds | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
515 1st Street, Traer, IA, 50675
  • Place, Taylor Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Ripley United Church of Christ
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)
    ‪32 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Comfort Double Room Single Use

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Traer

Golden Door Motel places you within a 10-minute stroll of Taylor Park and Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery. This 14-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and laundry facilities.

What's nearby

  • Taylor Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Ripley United Church of Christ - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Traer Golf and Country Club - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Lost Island Waterpark - 28 min drive - 31.5 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 109 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Joker's Iron Legend - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Sunnyside Tavern - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Fox Ridge Winery - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪La Terazza - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Traer Pizza Palace - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Golden Door Motel

Guests staying at Golden Door Motel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills. Free parking is included with your stay. Friendly staff can provide front-desk service during limited hours, and also offer advice about sightseeing.
55-inch TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Free toiletries and wardrobes or closets are other standard amenities.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch TV with digital channels

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 10.00
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 10.00

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 10.00 per pet, per night
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 10.00 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 10.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 10.00 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Golden Door Motel Traer
Golden Door Motel
Golden Door Traer
Golden Door Motel Traer, Iowa
Golden Door Motel Motel
Golden Door Motel Traer
Golden Door Motel Motel Traer

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do around Golden Door Motel?

This motel in Traer is within a 10-minute walk of Taylor Park, Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery, and Traer Golf and Country Club. You'll also find Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site nearby.

How much does it cost to stay at Golden Door Motel?

As of Jun 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Golden Door Motel on Jun 14, 2026 start from $77, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Golden Door Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does Golden Door Motel have a casino?

No, Golden Door Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Golden Door Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Are there hot tubs at Golden Door Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Golden Door Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Golden Door Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Golden Door Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Golden Door Motel for a fee of USD 10.00 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at Golden Door Motel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

How close is the airport from Golden Door Motel?

The closest major airport to Golden Door Motel is Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional), which is 28.2 mi away (37 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Golden Door Motel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Golden Door Motel.

Golden Door Motel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 31 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was super friendly and helpful. Rooms were clean and bed was comfortable. Restaurants are close by. Downtown is in walking distance. Great place for us to visit the hometown.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love the service and cleanliness
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was great, right in front of our room. Easy access to our room. Located very close to the main square in town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice, simple, road side motel

This place may look a little dated, but it was very clean! Very comfortable bedding. Had a mini-fridge and a microwave. Great value for the money and close to where we needed to be. They were very accommodating when we decided to stay an extra night.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

diane

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Had to pay cash for our stay even though they said they would accept credit cards on line! Very unhappy with that situation!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

dylan

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The Golden Door Motel was very clean and provided the basic essentials for a short stay. The bed was very comfortable and the staff very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
near to where i needed to be
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to downtown. There was some dust on one of the furniture pieces, otherwise pretty clean. Some pictures on the walls would have been nice.\A guide to the TV channels would have helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room smelled terrible..musty, no extra chairs to sit on. Wouldn't recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so clean. Not only were the blankets, pillows, and matress clean and comfortable, they smelled amazing. The gentleman running the hotel took it upon himself to bring a chair to the patio outside my room when he saw me outside smoking. Very attentive and proactive. I highly recommend The Golden Door.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very pleasant stay. Very nice to work with, and hospitable. Would have never known about this place, had the prior town we stayed not been booked. However, this would be the preferred choice to return to next time around.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
If I had not had a reservation, I would have driven right on by. The outside of the motel had grass growing in the concrete. The motel itself looked "dull." But, my wife and I were surprised by the room itself. The room and the linen were clean and the bed was comfortable. One issue I had with this motel is it only accepts cash for payment. I wished this would have been posted on the information for this motel so I would have been prepared to pay that way. I had to scramble to come up with the payment for the night. I had the money, but not in a convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Duke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden gem

Old but nice. Had to call the owner to get a room. It cost more than advertised but it was worth it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Good location, good price, owner very friendly. Room was spacious. Older motel so no frills. Could have used a microwave in the kitchenette.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
No one there when I wanted to check in. Had to wait 30 minutes for someone to show up. There was no heat in room or a tv remote but I tracked down the handyman and he got all that for me. Very nice man. Motel does not take credit cards which is a bummer and you have to call them at their house when you want to check out. The room itself was clean and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Small town environment, friendly and homey. Nice stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice small motel.

Stayed after a gig at a local bar. It was a good place to get some sleep.
Verified

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Outdated but bed was sooooo cozy!!!

Bed super cozy. Nice gentleman running it... have to have cash/check for room. Small town but just needed it for sleeping pretty much.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Working in the are. Hotel is clean, comfortable but older. Staff is wonderful.
Verified

8/10 Good

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Retro but comfortable

We booked a stay enroute to Our ultimate destination. The Golden Door afforded us the opportunity to stop at a central point. The motel was very 1950's but don't let that statement keep you from staying there as the owner keeps it that way intentionally. The beds were super comfortable, the sheets were luxurious and motel was quiet. Stay there and you won't feel sorry about it.
Verified

8/10 Good

Jenen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Older hotel but quiet and cozy. A little small but for the location (close to where we needed to be) and price very worth it. Will use this hotel everytime I come to Iowa to visit my family. Scott the owner was very friendly and easy to get along with.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Dan

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tami

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024