3 star in Ames, IA was Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center. Pet Friendly, Indoor Pool(s), Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, Self-service laundry, Internet access, Golf Nearby I've been going to Ames for about 4 years and this is the first time a 3-star hotel was something other than the Gateway. I think this hotel may have recently upgraded from 2 1/2 to 3 stars. I'll give a review when I return from my stay. The price was consistently coming up around $100/night until I got within one week of my projected check-in day when I booked it at $65/night.