The Most Elegant Places to Stay in the Quad Cities
The Quad Cities area in the American Midwest is something special. Cities with distinct personalities merge at the edges to create an expansive, boundaryless space for luxury recreation, natural experiences, and stays that you never want to leave.
Downtown Davenport and downtown Rock Island are both undergoing renovations featuring new scenic attractions and views.
First: What and Where Are the Quad Cities?
For those new to the page, thanks to travel planning or researching the area ahead of a potential vacation, here are the basics. The area known as the Quad Cities spans all of Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois, as well as Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, with some nearby communities often included in a colloquial definition of the area. It may seem strange that there are five cities in a group called the Quad (initially four cities), but it’s an area whose name has evolved many times; this is simply the one that stuck. Many locals and visitors treat this area as one huge and expansive city, planning trips that include stays and activities at most, if not all, of the cities in the Quad Cities area.
People choose to live in or visit this part of the U.S. to enjoy the unique Mississippi River setting that each of the Quad Cities can claim. There’s a vibrant industrial heritage here that many regard as the backbone of America’s wealth and prosperity, a lively and exciting art scene (along with numerous craft beer breweries), gorgeous river vistas, and many yearly events, including Bix and the John Deere Classic. Life here blends down-home, old-fashioned Midwest sensibilities and lifestyle with the conveniences, luxuries, and amenities associated with living in a big city.
The Quad Cities’ Most Elegant Stays
Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection—Davenport
Since this iconic hotel opened its doors back in 1915, the Hotel Blackhawk has been the stay of choice for many high-profile guests, including presidents, famous athletes, and esteemed actors. If you’re planning to book private jet travel, you’ll find this hotel located conveniently near the Quad Cities International Airport for easy, short transfers.
Thanks to the multi-million dollar renovations that this historic, charming hotel has undergone over the years, it may look a little different on the outside than it used to, but on the inside? Classic glamour and the quality of service that you tend to associate with times gone by remain. Reclining in a state along the banks of the Mississippi, you’ll find the Blackhawk to be a place where you can find peace. There’s easy access to the bike paths that showcase the area’s natural beauty. The RiverCenter and Adler Theater are nearby if you need some entertainment or inspiration, and the hotel itself, with its muted and calming neutral tones, provides an enchantingly laid-back atmosphere.
Enjoy spa-like bathrooms in every room and suite. Work up a sweat in the fitness center or relax by the pool. Go bowling at Blackhawk Bowl, take it easy at the in-house spa, or sate your appetite at the Bix Bistro or Rise Neighborhood Cafe.
The Current, Autograph Collection—Davenport
Like things a bit more boutique? No problem: The Current has you covered, and then some. This 78-room hotel (30 of which are expansive suites) offers a more intimate experience than larger locations, without sacrificing the luxury and personalization that come with them. The hotel is art-inspired, paying homage to as many of the great midwestern artists as possible: unique pieces, colors, and touches give guests the impression that this is a thoughtfully designed, personal space, even though its accommodations are not someone’s home. The service is superb, each staff member seeming to wish to do their employer proud all day, every day. Mississippi views are, of course, complementary, and there’s plenty nearby to see and do. The Adler Theater, Figge Art Museum, and RiverCenter are all within walking distance of each other. The Current is decked out in warm colors, making guests feel cozy and comfortable, but the amenities and room size remind you that this is a first-class hotel.
The Axis Hotel opened last fall at 1630 5th Ave., Moline.
The Axis Moline, The Tapestry Collection—Moline
The Axis Moline has been open since the fall of 2019 at 1630 5th Avenue. The building itself, however, a historic gem listed in the National Register of Historic Places, has stood for far longer: since the 1920s, in fact. Rich, opulent elements of an Art Deco past are flawlessly preserved around the hotel: terrazzo floors, marble walls and accents, a 1920s door here and there, and a skylight in the lobby that fills the space with golden beams from above. The 104 rooms (13 suites) scattered throughout the hotel are each unique, thanks to the fact that the building once housed Fifth Avenue/Sears Roebuck, and each room or suite was once an office. The vibe here is hip, stylish, and unexpected, except for the fact that this 1920s building now also houses a nostalgic, 20s-inspired mixology-style cocktail bar. Heavenly!
Five Times the Welcome
The five cities in the Quad City area are all connected in one way or another, offering you five times the experience, five times the charm, and five times the welcome, whether you’ll be visiting for business or pleasure.
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