Unwind in this exquisite, book-themed retreat where every chapter of your stay is filled with comfort, relaxation, and entertainment. Whether you're hosting a family reunion, wedding party, work travel, a reading retreat, or just looking for a cozy getaway, Once Upon a Stay is the perfect backdrop for your story.
(This home is under new management! We are experienced hosts with a great track record with guests, just switching up how we do things this year - we look forward to hosting you!)
Thoughtfully designed with soft pastel hues, literary-inspired décor, and cozy nooks, Once Upon a Stay is a haven for book lovers and those looking for a unique, relaxing escape.
Home Highlights:
- Event-Ready: Perfect for special events like family reunions, weddings, and corporate retreats with spacious gathering areas.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen: Has all you need for preparing meals or hosting a dinner party, stocked with all the essentials.
- Living Areas: The open living areas offer comfortable seating, board games, and a library of books to lose yourself in. Let the natural light and luxurious finishes create a space youâll never want to leave.
- Outdoor Spaces: Relax in the backyard, complete with covered dining table, outdoor furniture, a BBQ grill, and plenty of room for storytelling around the fire or sipping wine on the patio.
- Work-Friendly: A peaceful office space with a desk or comfy chairs, for those mixing business with pleasure.
- Furry Friends Welcome: With a dog door leading to a fenced backyard, your pets can roam freely and enjoy the stay just as much as you do. ($75 non-refundable pet fee; max of 2 pets).
- Electric Car Charging Station: Keep your EV charged and ready to go.
- Garage Parking: 2 spaces in the garage, including 1 electric vehicle charger, plus additional free driveway/street parking.
Nearby Attractions:
Located in the heart of Urbandale, Once Upon a Stay is close to parks, trendy cafes, and shops, offering both city convenience and quiet retreat vibes.
Youâre also a short drive from popular attractions like:
- Kollmorgen Park - 2 minute drive
- Barrett Boesen Park - 4 minute drive
- Horizon's Ridge Park - 4 minute drive
- Central Standard - 8 minute drive
- Kue'd Smokehouse - 8 minute drive
- Waukee Triumph Park - 8 minute drive
- Mickey's Irish Pub - 9 minute drive
- Kinship Brewing - 11 minute drive
- Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe - 12 minute drive
- The Brenton Arboretum - 16 minute drive
- Raccoon River Park - 19 minute drive
- Paws and Pints - 20 minute drive
- Downtown Des Moines - 20 minute drive
- Wells Fargo Arena - 20 minute drive
- Grays Lake - 25 minute drive
- Iowa State Fair - 28 minute drive
- Saylorville lake - 30 minute drive
Planning a book weekend with friends? Let us know! We can provide a planning spreadsheet to get you started.
Here's a list of some local bookstores to visit during your stay:
- Wandering Raccoon Books - 11 minute drive (6 miles)
- Half Price Books - 14 minute drive (7 miles)
- Beaverdale Books - 22 minute drive (10 miles)
- Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe - 20 minute drive (12 miles)
- The Little Book - 22 minute drive (14 miles)
- StoryHouse Bookpub - 22 minute drive (16 miles)
- Plain Talks Books & Coffee - 22 minute drive (16 miles)
- Nos Books - 21 minute drive (14 miles)
Bedrooms:
- BR1: A king bed with ensuite master bathroom
- BR2: A full bed
- BR3: 2 Twin beds
- BR4: 2 Twin beds, one bed can be expanded to a king size if needed
- BR5: A queen bed (lower level)
House Rules:
- No smoking
- Pets allowed for a non-refundable $75 fee (max 2 pets)
- No filming or professional movie shoots
- Must be 25+ to book
- Please report any damages that occur during your stay
Book Now & Begin Your Story:
Whether you're here to relax, celebrate, or embark on a new adventure, Once Upon a Stay is the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories.
