Hotel Grinnell is more than just a place to stay; it embraces and celebrates the contrast and contradictions of old and new. Erected in 1921, the building served as the city’s junior high school until the late ’70s. Nearly 40 years later, it has been repurposed into an independently owned hotel, eatery, bar, and event center. When you stay at Hotel Grinnell, you’ll sleep in an old classroom. The former locker rooms have been transformed into a bar, and the old scoreboard now decorates the lounge. The old gymnasium has a new life as a modern ballroom, and the auditorium is now a lively venue for performances, conferences, and weddings. Hotel Grinnell believes there’s something special about soaking in the history of this old building, and we have taken care to add thoughtful touches of the original school throughout. Come find out how Hotel Grinnell merges old-school tradition with new-school attitude.
The Periodic Table is an urban eatery and drinks lab where guests and locals converge to savor interesting cocktails and craft beer, fair trade coffee and specialty shared plates. The patio is outfitted with gas fire pits, lounge seating, music and overhead string lighting. The patio is across the street from Central Park, home to many of the city’s outdoor events and equipped with spectacular fountains, shelters and green spaces. Chemistry is our favorite subject.
HOURS: Open Daily at 12 pm
Situated in the heart of downtown Grinnell and just blocks away from 17 restaurants and two art galleries, Hotel Grinnell is at the center of Iowa’s hottest art, music, and foodie scene. And, with one of the country’s most elite private colleges just steps away, Midwestern hospitality meets sophistication and style in a dynamic cultural scene you won’t want to miss.
Hotel Grinnell makes for memorable events. Our one-of-a-kind ballroom, spectacular but intimate auditorium, and over-the-top penthouse make our venue the perfect place for an incredible wedding or social event. Looking for flexible space for business meetings or conferences? Just one hour from Iowa’s three major metro areas, Grinnell is an ideal location to meet in the middle!