Good To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about booking, rooms, pets, parking and longer stays. Can't find what you need? Call us at (641) 450-0689, day or night.
Booking & Rates
How do I book a room?
Book online through our secure booking page, or call the front desk at (641) 450-0689. Either way, you are booking with the hotel itself.
Why should I book directly with the hotel?
You save 5% on every room when you book on our website, you deal with our own front desk from start to finish, and special requests reach the people who will actually be at the desk when you arrive. More on our Book Direct page.
Do you offer discounted weekly or monthly rates for long stays?
Yes! We offer tiered long-stay discounts for stays of 7+ nights (weekly) and 30+ nights (monthly). Contact us directly or call (641) 450-0689 for a custom long-term quote.
Do you accept corporate accounts, direct billing, and POs for work crews?
Yes, we make corporate billing simple for contractors, utility crews, and business groups. We offer direct billing (CLC Lodging / corporate accounts) and streamlined check-in for large crews. Contact us to set it up, or see our crew and workforce lodging page.
Can you hold a block of rooms for a work crew?
Yes. Call the front desk or send a message through our contact page with your dates and how many rooms you need, and we will put a group rate together.
Are there any hidden fees or unexpected extra charges?
No. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing. We do not charge additional fees, facility fees, or Wi-Fi fees. The only additions to your rate are standard taxes and a refundable security deposit (released upon room inspection at check-out). Optional charges you choose, such as a pet fee or a paid early check-in, are listed in our Terms & Conditions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel by 4:00 PM local time, 24 hours before your arrival date, to avoid a charge. Later cancellations and no-shows are charged the first night plus tax. Prepaid or non-refundable rates cannot be changed or refunded. Full details are in our Terms & Conditions.
Check-In & Check-Out Policies
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. See our check-in and check-out policies for early and late options.
What do I need at check-in?
The primary guest must be 21 or older with a valid government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport) and a credit or debit card in the same name.
Is a security deposit required upon check-in?
Yes, we will place an authorization hold ($150) on your credit/debit card at check-in to cover incidental charges. Unused funds are released upon check-out (processing times depend on your financial institution).
Is early check-in available?
We are happy to accommodate early check-in and late check-out when possible! Please note this is subject to availability. Early check-in from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM is free if the room is ready. Please check our policies for more details.
Is late check-out available?
Late check-out is only possible if no guest is checking in to your room that same day. Standard check-out is 11:00 AM. Unapproved late check-outs are charged $20 per hour after the standard check-out time. Please check our policies for more details.
How do flexible shift workers handle early mornings or late-night check-ins?
Our front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night-shift or early-morning crews can check in or out anytime. Express check-out is also available via our front desk drop box. Call (641) 450-0689 any time.
Is the hotel smoke-free?
Yes. Every room and common area is 100% smoke-free and vape-free, in line with the Iowa Smoke-Free Air Act.
Do kids stay free?
Yes, guests 18 and under stay free when sharing a room with an adult.
Rooms
What types of rooms do you have?
Five room types: the Deluxe King Room, Premium Double Queen Room, Premium Double Queen Room with Balcony, Premium Double Bed Room, and the wheelchair-accessible Premium Double Queen Room.
What amenities do the rooms include?
All guest rooms include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, a desk with a chair, and toiletries.
Do you have accessible rooms?
Yes. Our accessible room has two queen beds and an accessible bathroom, with free accessible parking nearby. See the accessible room and our accessibility amenities.
What accessible room features does the hotel offer?
Accessible rooms are wheelchair accessible and have a bathroom with grab bars.
Do long-term rooms include regular housekeeping?
To keep rates low for our long-stay guests, we provide light housekeeping weekly (includes fresh linens, towels, trash removal, and vacuuming). You can also request housekeeping services at the front desk at any time.
Is there a coffee maker in the room?
No, but you will not go without: free hot coffee is ready in the lobby 24 hours a day, and a free light breakfast is served every morning.
Amenities
Is breakfast included?
Yes. A free light breakfast is served every morning in the lobby, and coffee is available 24 hours a day.
Is parking free?
Yes. Parking is free for every guest in our outdoor lot on-site.
Do you have a guest laundry?
Yes. Commercial coin-operated washers and dryers are on-site. See photos on our amenities page.
Can I cook my own meals?
Yes. Guests can use the shared guest kitchen with a stove, sink and counter space. It is a real money-saver on longer stays.
Is there an ice machine and vending?
Yes. The ice machine is free to use, and snack and drink vending machines are in the lobby.
Is an ATM available?
An ATM is available on-site, with secure 24-hour access without leaving the property.
Pets
Is Stay Mason City pet-friendly?
Yes. All of our rooms are pet-friendly. Pets and emotional support animals are $15 per animal, per night, with no deposit: up to 2 pets per room, 50 lbs max each. Pets must be registered at the front desk, kept on a leash in public areas and never left alone in the room. A $125 cleaning fee applies for accidents or mess. Read our full pet policy.
Do service animals pay a pet fee?
No. ADA service animals stay free and must stay under their handler's control at all times.
Are emotional support animals (ESAs) allowed?
Yes. Emotional support animals are welcome. They are charged the standard pet fee ($15 per night) and follow the same weight limit, registration and pet rules. See our pet policy.
Location & Area
Where is the hotel?
At 24 5th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401, just off US-65 on the edge of downtown, close to Willow Creek.
Is this the former Econo Lodge?
Yes, this property formerly operated as Econo Lodge. It is now the independently operated Stay Mason City, at the same address. Read the full story.
What top attractions are nearby?
Downtown Mason City, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and tours, Music Man Square, the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, River City Sculptures on Parade, Central Park, Lime Creek Nature Center, East Park, the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake, Clear Lake State Park & McIntosh Woods, Central Gardens of North Iowa, and downtown Clear Lake (Main Avenue & City Park). See our Area Guide.
How far is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is about a 20 to 25 minute drive west, depending on traffic. Many guests visit the lake and the Surf Ballroom from here. See our Clear Lake day-trip guide.
What is within walking distance?
Music Man Square and the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home are within walking distance, and Southbridge Mall is less than 10 minutes away. See the full Area Guide.
Are there medical centers or pharmacies nearby?
Yes, medical centers and pharmacies are conveniently located nearby. MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center (about 2 miles): 1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401, phone (641) 428-7000. Walgreens: 1251 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401, phone (641) 423-2035. Hy-Vee Pharmacy: 875 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401, phone (641) 424-5522. Easy access to medical care or prescription pickups during your stay.
How close is the hotel to local industrial parks, job sites, and highway access?
Stay Mason City is centrally located, with quick, straightforward access to the area's industrial zones, major manufacturing job sites, and regional highways. River City Industrial Park: 10 to 12 minute drive. Airport Industrial Park: 10 to 15 minute drive. Major employers and job sites: 5 to 10 minute drive. Highway access: U.S. Highway 18 / Avenue of the Saints (IA-27) runs through and around the city, and Interstate 35 is roughly 8 miles west (about 10 minutes via US-18 West), with direct north-south travel toward Minneapolis or Des Moines. Workers and visitors can reach nearly any local industrial site, warehouse district or regional highway in about 10 to 15 minutes. More on our crew and workforce lodging page.
Are there low-cost restaurants within walking distance?
Yes. Downtown Mason City is a short walk away. Awe’z Sandwich Shop (629 S Federal Ave) for loose meat sandwiches and homemade root beer; Lorado’s (18 S Federal Ave) for salads and sandwiches; State Street Deli (downtown) for sandwiches, soups and salads; Pipe Dream Pizza (125 S Delaware Ave) for wood-fired pizza; and Three on the Tree Coffee Cafe (downtown) for coffee, pastries and a light breakfast or lunch. More places to eat are in our Area Guide.
Are there low-cost grocery stores nearby?
Yes. ALDI: 520 Village Green Dr SW, Mason City, IA 50401. Walmart Supercenter: 4151 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401.
Ready When You Are
Still have a question?
Our front desk is open 24 hours. Call, send a message, or check availability now.