Once Upon a Stay - Urbandale, Iowa

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 you’ll 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. You’re 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.About pets:Pets allowed: limit 2 total.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.About events:No events allowed.