Since 1899, the historic Hotel Manning has welcomed guests to Keosauqua from its perch on the banks of the Des Moines River. The distinctive Steamboat Gothic architecture has made the hotel a local landmark. And soon, the property will be fully restored to its original glory.
The boutique hotel and its sister properties are now owned by the community. General Manager Joy Padget has been part of the revitalization efforts from the start.
“The hotel had been for sale for 10 years. It was operational but not being worked on,” she explains. Potential investors assembled the Hotel Manning Preservation Group, which sold shares locally to raise capital. “Over 80 people invested to save the hotel,” she says of the team effort.
Since 2018, the group has worked on every facet of the inn from restoring the main floor to completing upstairs guest rooms and will be creating a modern commercial kitchen.
“When we are done, there will be 14 guest rooms with one on the first floor as an ADA guest room,” Padget notes, adding two apartments also will be available for rent or extended stay. While antique furnishings and handmade quilts are a staple, Padget says each room is unique. “They are all decorated differently, and they each have their own different feel,” she explains.
In addition to being a historic gem, Padget says the inn’s location is perfect with restaurants, shops and live entertainment in walking distance and the popular Villages of Van Buren are just a short drive. “It’s such a unique building, but it’s near so many modern amenities and things to do,” Padget says, encouraging all to come visit the restored Hotel Manning.
Courtesy of Livability
