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Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center

Photo gallery for Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center

Living area
Interior
Interior
Interior
Business centre

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 103000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Ames, IA
  • Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Iowa State University
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Hilton Coliseum
    ‪16 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

A Kid's Island Paradise

1 Single Bed

Boring? Nah, just normal.

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

1 King Bed

Living Room 2

1 Single Futon

Nerd Nest

1 Queen Bed

Office 1

1 Queen Bed

Office 2

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

3/4 Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Split full bath (1 of 2)

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shampoo

Split full bath (2 of 2)

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center

Your private Cyclone shelter.

Next door to the ISU Stadium you'll find the perfect place to shelter on game days or during special events held at the Iowa State Center. Enjoy your evening, then walk home and stay the night in our one-of-a-kind property full of personality and artful design.

**Early check-in is available to accommodate game times, just ask.**

Parking:
One space in garage
Driveway parking for 6+ vehicles, depending on size--and skill ;-)

Sleeping accommodations:
Upstairs-
King bed
Queen bed
Child loft bed

Downstairs-
Short king bed (two twins, one frame) Queen bed
Twin daybed
Single pull-out bed

Baths:
One "split" full bath upstairs -which functions like two (designed in 1951 by an ISU Home Ec instructor who was ahead of her time!):
--first room: tub/shower and sink
--second room: toilet and sink
--both rooms open into a small hallway with a linen cabinet area.
One 3/4 bath downstairs (shower/toilet/sink)

Tech/Entertainment:
Fiber-optic Wi-fi for excellent streaming even on game day
45" wall mounted smart TV upstairs
32" mobile/cart smart TV to be positioned by guest; not weatherproof, but may be used on the patio in good weather.
50" TV with Roku downstairs
Whole house speaker system (connect with bluetooth)

Fully stocked kitchen featuring:
-Oversized refrigerator and freezer
-48" gas range with six-burners, double oven, and griddle
-Behemoth main sink (potentially an extra bath)
-Prep sink
-Three drawer-style dishwashers
-K-cup maker and complimentary coffee assortment
-Roaster oven (18 quart)
-Instant pot (8 quart)
-Drinking fountains upstairs and downstairs
-Two outdoor five-burner propane grills
-Extra large Igloo cooler (165 quart)

Multiple conversation/activity areas:
-Upstairs living room with full-wall windows to view patio and garden
-Downstairs open/loft style space has a living room area and four additional conversation/activity areas
-TV areas upstairs and downstairs
-Two game/activity areas stocked with puzzles and board games
-Dining room
-Outdoor dining area
-Two patios featuring four separate conversation settings
-Fire pit seating
-Garden seating
-Outdoor activities (swing set, corn hole, chess, yard darts)
-Kid’s bedroom has built in play features
Learn more at stadiumshadows.com

Property manager

Jacqui

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 40
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Message host before booking for children under 6.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
Host's express permission required for events.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guest must provide photo ID and sign short term Rental Agreement via Docusign (generic version is posted on VRBO).
Occupancy, use, and fire and safety rules are listed in Rental Agreement.
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING. Automatic $3,000 fee for smoking in or on property. No smoking inside. No smoking outside. No smokers in rental party.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Host's express permission required for events.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Ames

Ames is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Christiansen Forest Reserve and Wilson Farm Prairie, while Stephens Auditorium and Brunnier Art Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Furman Aquatic Center, or check out an event or a game at Jack Trice Stadium. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like cycling.
Map
Ames, IA

What's nearby

  • Reiman Gardens - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Stephens Auditorium - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Iowa State University - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Hilton Coliseum - 16 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Seasons Marketplace - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Welch Ave Station - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Right in Cy's Backyard: A few steps from Hilton Coliseum and Iowa State Center located?

This family-friendly Ames holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Reiman Gardens and Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State University is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jordan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay, awesome locations

Rented this place instead of a hotel for the week and couldn't have asked for better accommodations.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Place to Stay & Play!

With a family of 6, traditional hotel travel is almost out of the question. VRBO is where it's at, and this place has it. It was the perfect place to celebrate all-state music concert with family and both sets of grandparents. Would definitely do it again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special place, perfect location!

Owner is super easy to work with. We had a wonderful time and are grateful to have had such a comfortable and well-appointed place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family pre-game spot

My family and a few others with young kids spent the day here before a night football game. We had a great time cooking and grilling and really enjoyed the unique decor of the house. We were able to get about 6 cars in the driveway with some squeezing.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rod B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for families right on campus!

We celebrated our daughter's graduation and Christmas with family that is spread across three states. The home is right across the street from all the Iowa State sports venues and the facilities are ready-made for large group gatherings. The kitchen was more than adequately equipped to support our group resembling more of a commercial operation than residential. Plus the large open space was perfect for unwrapping gifts and playing games. We had seven stay overnight with plenty of room for more. Beds were comfortable and we loved the retro look / feel of the decor. We'll stay here again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jesse H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ames visit

We moved from Ames 5 years ago and came back to see friends and family. This was a great house for the us to be able to relax and enjoy Ames. Excellent location and great neighborhood
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Graduation

Fun and unique house. We really enjoyed the yard and patio!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a unique and beautiful home with phenomenal hosts

The design of the home is amazing. It has retro and current styling throughout. All the amenities are available and perfect. Plenty of beds to accommodate the 7 guests in our stay and the hosts are so easy to work with.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Great time! Great location! Clean, comfortable. If Texas plays in Ames again, this is where we will stay. ☺️
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great clean large home

We had a nice time enjoying the openness of the home. Everything was very clean and well maintained. Easy to talk with the host when I needed an answer to something
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed for track meet

Super neat setup and the owner was awesome to work with
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun family home.

This home is really nice. Great home for my family. Nice kitchen and open to the living room so we were able to cook and socialize. There were lots of games to play and the yard is really peaceful. I would recommend this home to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

kristin w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ames, IA

Beautiful house with lots of amenities. The kitchen was gorgeous and the home is full of space and comfy beds. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K., Clarkston, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick Visit before classes started

We can't say enough nice things about the property and owner. The house was so unique and very cozy. The neighborhood was quiet and the perfect place for a quick visit with our Cyclone before classes started. Close to everything also! And Jacqui was amazing to work with!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanya H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Experience

The house was beautiful - and the front garden. Walking distance to coffee and steps to the university. Great spot to reconnect with family. The kitchen is dreamy for entertaining.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jody B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Moms visiting Sons

This is our second year staying at this property and we plan to continue staying at this property annually. EVERYTHING is great about this property! It has everything needed in the kitchen, plus outdoor seating and firepit to enjoy during our mother/son weekend. We have really enjoyed our time at this house.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Strait facts (came for Stapleton/Strait concert)

Our stay was fantastic! The ease of getting into the house was great. Be sure to download the app before arriving! The space we had was incredible! There were 4 of us…we each had our own space and bed. Love the windows to the backyard, so peaceful to see every morning while drinking coffee. And, wow, was the walk to the Jack Trice stadium super simple!! We walked the path and were there in 2mins. Thank you Jacqui! We made good memories!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

COULDN’T HAVE BEEN BETTER

This property is EVERYTHING it is described to be and so much more. So clean, supplied, and unique! Jacqui is an amazing host. She is so responsive and informative. The house has an amazing history of all the unique items and decorations. It is not far from the campus. Definitely walking distance. I really just can NOT say enough positive praises for this house and host. ❤️😁
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dale A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Place for a Reunion

The house is a wonderful venue for a family or group of friends to stay. Kitchen is large and open to a comfortable living space with large windows looking out to a patio with a grill, patio furniture and a table. The lawn was well groomed and several large trees (including a beautiful sycamore tree) shade most of back yard. Six of us stayed in the house, but we used the venue for our friends and family to gather for meals and conversation. Kids could play on the patio, swing set or down in the lower level for board games. Decor is unique. My wife was ready to move back to Ames if she could live in this house :). Host was friendly and most helpful in the few instances we needed her. Highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion & birthday

Our family had a wonderful 4 day stay at the Stadium Shadows home. Everything was as advertised on the website. The open floor plan made it an excellent social setting. The home is very well organized. The kitchen is stocked with a large amount of dinnerware, utensils, etc. and lots of incidentals in the pantry to help with meal prep if needed. We give it a five star rating and would not hesitate to book with Jacqui again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David & E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best experience we have had

This is an amazing property. Our kids loved the swings and the playroom. The kitchen is amazing with very high end appliances. There was a lot of thoughtfulness and character in the entire setup of the home. The gardens outside were beautiful and it is very short distance to the Reiman Gardens which is a must stop during your stay. The listing manager was very helpful and friendly and checked in via text to see if there was anything she could offer to make our stay better. We have stayed at many VRBO's. This was our best overall experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Ames.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Willow N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Location for Entertaining - Read the Listing Carefully

Great: Superb location for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped. The beds are comfortable. The yard and garden are beautiful, shady, and were comfortable during our summer visit. The zoned audio system was lovely for bringing some ambient music to the space for our family gathering. The home is quirky and fun without feeling campy. The hosts are helpful, friendly, and responsive to text and VRBO app communications. Not-so-Great: The outdoor furniture isn’t in quite as good of condition as the listing photos suggest, but it is usable. We failed to notice the kids' area access rules prior to booking. Visitors cannot use the kids' area without prior notice, additional contract signatories, and extra fees, which we only realized upon arrival. We were charged an additional cleaning fee attributed to a "stained duvet," stove cleaning, and “beyond-ordinary cleanup.” We were surprised by the fees since we felt we left the house in very good condition and only prepared two breakfasts on the stovetop. (We catered our other meals.) All the bedding is white, so you may want to keep suitcase wheels off the duvet and be careful to thoroughly remove any makeup before bed. The hosts communicated the fees clearly, but be prepared for some additional costs if you plan to cook in the kitchen or host a gathering. Overall, we were very happy with the property and would likely stay again. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The kitchen was a dream to cook in.

We had a lovely thanksgiving in the house. The kitchen was wonderful for everyone to cook in.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dean C., Eden Prairie

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

College Reunion

Everything about the property was better than expected. This is the perfect base camp for a Cyclone football game. Kitchen is spectacular.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jacqui

Host profile image
We are only the third owners of this wonderful home. The first were Dr. George and Evelyn Beal, of ISU fame. George was a noted professor of Sociology and Evelyn was in the Home Economics department. She designed the home which was built in 1951. They lived here until 1977, and we bought it from the second owners in 2000. We have loved this house, this neighborhood, and this community. We no longer work in Ames, but commute a rather long distance because we love this place so much!

Why they chose this property

No doubt you are looking at our property because of it's amazing location: next door to ALL the action! Jack Trice Stadium and Reiman Gardens are right across the street; Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State Center, CY Stephens, and ISU campus are all just a very short walk. ISU Research park, shopping and dining are a few minutes drive or a short bike ride on the bike path. And we are about as close as it gets to the 30. However, we think after staying in our home, you will agree that it has a lot more to offer than just a fantastic location.

What makes this property unique

Our home is artfully designed, with form and function equally considered. We fully remodeled the home 13 years ago, preserving the best of the original design. Look for beautiful sight lines and themes throughout the house and yard. We think you will be delighted. Also watch for relics from ISU which have been repurposed and given new life--either as decor or integrated into the design. (P.S. There's a "hidden Mickey" in the kitchen for the kids.)

You will find our floor plan open, but not empty; the design modern, but not cold. We love the simplicity of clean lines, and the complexity of merging form and function. We hope you will enjoy our efforts!

Languages:

English