The Richards House

Location: 1492 Locust Street, Dubuque, us

Star Rating: 8.9 Stars

Property Type: Bed and breakfasts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Pets allowed
• Fax/photocopying
• Non-smoking throughout
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Reception hall

Rooms Available

• Standard Room with Shared Bathroom

  This air-conditioned family room is consisted of of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a shared bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Radio
  • DVD player
  • Video
  • Heating
  • Shared toilet
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Alarm clock
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Smoke alarm
  • Key access
  • Window

• Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  This air-conditioned double room is consisted of of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a shared bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • DVD player
  • Video
  • Heating
  • Shared toilet
  • Alarm clock
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Smoke alarm
  • Key access
  • Window

• Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom (Library)

  1 Queen Bed

  Individually decorated room

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom and sitting area

  Relax - Fireplace

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 35-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player

  Sleep - Pillowtop bed, Egyptian cotton linens, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub

  Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request) and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Accessibility - Closed-captioned TV

  Non-Smoking, pet friendly

  Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • DVD player
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Fireplace
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Premium bedding
  • Separate sitting area
  • Free WiFi
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Separate bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Closed captioned TV

• Deluxe Suite

  This suite features a fireplace. The spacious suite features air conditioning, a seating area, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Radio
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • DVD player
  • Toilet
  • Video
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Fireplace
  • Alarm clock
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Smoke alarm
  • Key access
  • Window

• Deluxe Room

  This family room's special feature is the fireplace. Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious family room provides air conditioning, a seating area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Radio
  • Seating Area
  • DVD player
  • Toilet
  • Video
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Fireplace
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Alarm clock
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Smoke alarm
  • Key access
  • Window

Guest Reviews

• John (7/5): -
• Charles (1/5): We refused to stay . - Building was in total disrepair, poor lighting, cracked windows, dirty carpet and filthy shower.
• Carlton (6/5): Overall a very unique stay that was enjoyable. - The hosts were welcoming and very accommodating as well as professional. The amenities were nice and numerous. The Breakfast, snacks, and other goodies were plentiful and amazing. Our breakfast was out of this world, scrumptious. The exterior of this old historic bed breakfast is literally falling apart. Holes in the roof. tarps in some spot. Windows in some rooms are broken or even missing. The pictures online were deceiving since it portrayed an old historic building in relatively good condition. The interior is nice and more well maintained but even the interior has wall paper missing, paint chipping, and even mouldings missing or a wire sticking out of the bathroom wall.
• Thomas (10/5): Relaxing - Very friendly couple running the place. Nothing really.
• Beatriz (10/5): -
• Anthony (10/5): - 10/10 -everything about the stay was perfect. The hosts were absolutely wonderful- kind, welcoming, & happy to help. The bedroom was stunning, & the bed was comfortable, made for a great night's sleep. The breakfast was delicious and felt like you were eating a meal at your grandparents home. We really enjoyed our stay and highly recommend. Had a great stay for my 1st B&B experience.
• Amélie (10/5): A stay at this house is worth its own trip. - Beautiful interior, kind Inn-keepers, most delicious and homemade breakfast
• Nihad (10/5): Very sweet - A beautiful old mansion with a memory of the past next to the great Mississippi River🫶 Really want to come back and plunge into this magical atmosphere again.😊
• Susan (9/5): - What a great stay for us! It was a last-minute booking, so we weren't sure of the location and didn't have a chance to read any reviews. We were pleasantly surprised, and the hosts were great. Breakfast was phenomenal, the bed was comfortable. Overall, a super experience. I just thought it was a little strange that we didn't have a stand-up shower. Instead, we had to 'shower' with an open claw foot tub, a hose shower and no water barrier between the tub and the surrounding bathroom. I appreciate that perhaps they are trying to stay within the period of the house, but to me, it was a little uncomfortable and seems like the water damage will eventually take over.
• Judith (10/5): Great stay in a great location. Very walkable and close to shops and restaurants. - Beautiful room! The whole house was filled with beautiful antiques and rich history. Wonderful hosts and breakfast was exceptional.
• Wittern (7/5): Interesting. - The woodwork and decor was amazing. The exterior needs attention.
• James (9/5): -
• Jillian (9/5): Great historical house with wonderful breakfast - Authentic historical house. Comfortable beds and large room. Wonderful breakfast. Exterior is a little scary! There are scaffoldings everywhere and the exterior is in need of some love.
• Ginger (10/5): -
• Randall (9/5): We and our grandkids enjoyed the visit and hope to return! - Breakfast was great, the house was incredible, and Michelle was very friendly. The C and H indicators on the shower were flipped, so that caused a bit of trouble until I understood that "C" meant "Crazy hot" and "H" meant "Horribly cold."
• Gerald (10/5): A day & night to be long remembered! - A gourmet breakfast was the perfect ending to a memorable stay! We've been in a lot of mansions over the years - some were museums, some still lived in and of course, B&B's. None nicer than this house! Furnishings stood out with all of the original woodwork from floor to ceiling, Opulent is the best word!
• Cris (9/5): -
• Tammy (10/5): - We were not warned before our arrival that there was scaffolding on the outside of the building. We almost didn’t go in because the outside looks like such disarray. We were pleasantly surprised when we stepped inside and saw such a lovely quaint renovated house. The inside was very nice. The service was great and the breakfast the following morning was terrific. I will definitely stay here again.
• Gary (10/5): Beautiful stay - Wonderful home baked snacks in the evening and a delicious breakfast! Mrs. Michelle is a lovely hostess. A little sad to see such a grand home needing attention outside, but the gorgeous, museum quality antiques and interiors help to visualize an era of elite living that few of us ever get to touch.
• Bonnie (10/5): - Beautiful
• Michael (9/5): -
• Priya (9/5): Had a great time!! Loved the home cooked breakfast! - Lovely home! We had a great time enjoying the beautiful interiors. The outside needs some attention and is under renovation
• Soukup (8/5): Great host and breakfast the property is unique just needs some touch up in key areas - The breakfast was the best I remember ever for a bnb. We understand that it is a classic property but the carpet in bedroom had the appearance of not being very clean and bathroom could use a little refreshening.
• Amy (10/5): The Richard’s House is a wonderful old Victorian home with friendly staff and an amazing breakfast! - I like the beauty of the building and all the elegant old furniture. The staff are very friendly and the breakfast was amazing. There really wasn’t anything that I didn’t like.
• Chad (10/5): - Breakfast was amazing. Home cooked food and friendly service.
• Mary (10/5): - Hosts were wonderful with good food and great knowledge of the area
• Gary (2/5): - no fire escape up many old stairs, smelly,old creaky stairs unsafe!!!!!
• KEITH (10/5): - Gorgeous VIctorian home with original finishes and interiors with inlaid wood, custom stained glass, very comfortable bed in the Library Suite, Breakfast was the best I've had all year. And the price was great!
• Gail (8/5): -
• Joann (10/5): - Staff were pleasant & helpful . Breakfast was fantastic .Very interesting information on the history of the Richards House.
• Thomas (10/5): - This is an amazing treasure. House is a museum of the period architecture and in great shape. Make sure you ask for a tour.
• Tim (10/5): - Owners were very friendly and took us on a tour of this incredible historic building. Breakfast was amazing, homemade and lots of food!
• Bradley (9/5): Fun place to stay for a night with some good local pasta nearby, - Beautiful historic home with a geocache on site. Great breakfast and treats for us like cookies and spice cake.
• Katherine (8/5): Owners arein constant state of renovation but super nice and attentive.breakfast served was delicious and plentiful.. u - Historical AC units in room loud and not cooling as we would like. Units need cleaning and service for cooling if possible
• Conner (9/5): -
• Samuel (10/5): - Amazing historic property. Hosts really care about your comfort and needs.
• Catherine (8/5): - It's a super old, very unique house. The bed was comfortable. My room only has a bathtub, no shower. The owners were super nice and breakfast was amazingly good. The neighborhood is a bit rundown and there is only street parking but there was plenty available.
• Coon (10/5): Iowa's Little Secret - The complete and total history of the Richard House was phenomenal. The room decor was gorgeous extremely comfortable with a clean and relaxing enjoyable stay. When we first arrived the outside was a little discouraging but once you find out why, it all makes perfect sense. Overall completely satisfied.
• Curtis (10/5): - Beautiful inside with authentic antique furnishings. Amazing sit down breakfast in a very formal dining room
• Karen (9/5): - The breakfast was wonderful!! Kind of sketchy neighbor hood but all went good
• Allison (10/5): - The hosts were very nice & take a lot of pride in their B&B. Very neat historic home & great breakfast!
• Mark (10/5): - What a wonderfully unexpected treat! We are just passing through and now wish we had more time to spend here. We’d love to come back.
• Carina (10/5): The love and craftsmanship put into this home shows, and you won’t regret staying here. - We were given a tour upon arrival where we learned some of the history of the home. The artwork and details in every part of this historic home will leave you in awe. Don’t even get me started on the breakfast! The coffee cake and baked peaches were my favorite. There was an abundance of food and so many options during breakfast. I couldn’t take another bite it was all so good. We had a wonderful stay and hope to cross paths with this place again. Maybe a microwave around the fridge and snack area. Not necessary to have an amazing stay but would be a plus.
• Westphale (10/5): The Gem of Dubuque. - The authentic Wood and stained glass features of this amazing 19th century house are absolutely amazing. And the staff was so nice and informative about this charming gem. It was very clean and filled with wonderful amenities. I highly recommend this for a unique and charming vacation stay. What's not to like?
• Betsi (10/5): - Beautiful property and a very accommodating host, breakfast was excellent. Don't let the tough exterior deter you, this place is truly a gem. We will gladly return someday.
• Adam (10/5): - Very cool house and delicious breakfast
• Kimberly (10/5): - My daughter love this place and Michelle is the best’ 😁
• Eleanor (6/5): - It is a cool old house in a dramatic state of disrepair; tattered linens, stained carpets, roof panels missing. Towels were stained. The owners are very nice but I would not stay again.
• Beata (10/5): - Very nice host, home with history, excellent breakfast.
• Brian (8/5): Very good - A very memorable building, with a wonderful breakfast, very friendly hosts, unique interior rooms with historical charm Exterior of house is in disrepair, neighborhood is not the best, and if you choose the 3rd floor bedroom, the shared bathroom is on the 2nd floor
• Lesi (10/5): Exceptional - The hotel was run by a very cute couple - the lady toured us the house and how they collected the pieces. A house full of history and a gem if you are a connoisseur for art/home decor collections!! Also love the home-made breakfast, free dessert, and wine. Instead of a mere hotel stay it's more like an amazing experience
• Pennwye (9/5): Comfortable stay in historic Dubuque beauty - The welcoming & friendly innkeepers who are maintaning the granduer of the home! Located in neighborhood with old & gorgeous homes, so much to appreciate. Incredible details in the home at every turn. Quiet. Superb breakfast. Snacks are available throughout the day. Close (as in comfortable walk) to downtown & restaurants. Off street parking. I opted for shared bathroom & it was clean & neat.
• Jan (10/5): - The history of the house. Over and above breakfast.
• Timothy (8/5): Vintage Dubuque - We had a very nice time. The property is rough on the outside and under repair. Quite charming on the inside. We got to see all the rooms and they had some real nice ones. We stayed in the library suite. Private bathroom but no shower. They have one upstairs that I was able to use. Furnishings are vintage and real cool. The property was built in 1883 so you must take that into consideration. The hosts, Michelle and David are great people. Probably the best breakfast I have ever had at a B&B. All in all, a comfortable stay.
• Ann (10/5): - Beautiful old house that is decorated appropriately. Enjoyed our stay. The property caretakers were very friendly, helpful and welcoming. Our room was very spacious and comfortable. The breakfast provided was excellent. If we ever return to Dubuque, we would definitely stay there again.
• Stefanie (8/5): - The building had awesome details. The man and lady were very knowledgeable about the house and nice. The building is showing its age a bit, but the bed was comfortable and breakfast was great
• Pat (10/5): Great price for food and historical experience - Hosts are friendly Food was good and plentiful Amazing collection of antiques Creaky steps afraid of waking others in house Scaffolding on outside as in midst of renovation
• Nancy (8/5): - The Richards House is the perfect bohemian retreat!
• Krista (10/5): - This house has so many amazing features and has all original woodwork, beautiful stained glass, fireplaces, lighting that has been converted to electric but the gas light chandeliers still are original and beautiful! The hosts are so very welcoming and very accommodating. It was a great experience and nice to get away from the typical hotel stay!
• Jack (9/5): Superb -
• Andy (10/5): - Great stay
• Jane (10/5): Exceptional - We love everything about this place. The owners make you feel so very welcome in this beautiful home. Breakfast is served at your requested time and is unbelievable good. Snacks are available at all times. We have visited twice and hope to do so again ❤️ Not a single thing
• Adam (10/5): - Absolutely amazing stay with wonderful hosts and a delicious breakfast!
• Earl (5/5): Food was exceptional.. Quality of accommodation very poor - Fantastic no shower...The accommodations quality were well below what I expected...Way too many extension cords...
• Carol (9/5): Fascinating old house - Amazingly intact Victorian interior. Even some of the family portraits are original. Wonderful host. Easy parking. Walking distance to Main Street. Not a place to stay if you’re looking for pristine. It’s an old house with functioning antiques. Expect patina.
• Marcia (10/5): Exceptional - The room was comfortable, the treats and beverages were an added bonus. Loved the windows and beautiful lights. The curtains could use some help.
• Andrew (10/5): - The hosts at this bed and breakfast were excellent.
• Mzweber (9/5): Fantastic place and reasonable cost - This was our second visit here. 1st time was 2 years ago. Richard and Michelle were excellent hosts, the breakfats were fantastic. They are doing a lot of renovations on the outside, but don;t let that detere you
• Laura (5/5): Passable -
• Mcmurrer (10/5): Very nice stay, great food, highly recommend. - The food offerings were generous and delicious. Snack and soft drinks were available around the clock. The house was elegant, with a very interesting history. Lush and luxurious surroundings, so much to look at!
• Staci (9/5): Don’t let the outside-work in progress scare you off—-it’s a great place to stay—very comfortable and several little ext - Very unique with lots of period time pieces throughout the house. Room was very comfortable—great night sleep! Loved the snacks and beverages available! Breakfast was outstanding! Parts of the house seemed to be in the process of remodeling.
• Cynthia (10/5): - The hosts are amazing and full of history stories. The home is wonderful and has a rich history itself. The breakfast is SO MUCH BETTER than a continental breakfast. All at a great price! You should really relax and check it out!
• Deborah (6/5): It was a beautiful home inside but some obvious needed repairs are needed - I liked the old furnishings and stately home look, breakfast was good comfortable bed and nice look to the room The property has steps needed much repair, whilst the decor was very old and stately, it wasn’t really clean, there is old scaffolding on the outside, windows broken with glass clearly hanging outside, still old ash in the fireplaces, which be an authentic look so I give that.
• Orrin (8/5): We did enjoy our stay. It was different than any other B&B we have stayed in. - The breakfast was beyond our expectations and totally delicious! The furnishings throughout the house were amazing. Almost like a museum-lights, antique furniture and wallhangings, the ornate fireplaces, ceilings and wallpaper as well as collectibles.Hearing about the history of the house was fascinating. Our bed was very comfortable! The snacks of cookies, cakes and sodas were available all the time and what we tasted was delicious! Our hostess is an amazing cook/baker! As we walked into the foyer, we wondered right away about the cleanliness of the place. A clean entrance would be more welcoming. There was also a nice layer of dust on the furniture, windowsills, corners of the rooms. I think our hostess has her hands full and just does not have time to keep up with everything. The hall bathroom would definitely benefit from a fresh coat of paint.
• James (10/5): Enjoyable Stay - The hospitality was supuerb. Attention to detail, free snacks and a sumptuous breakfast aall made our stay very enfoyable.
• Dirk (9/5): Something different to remember - A very special house with many beautiful stuff. It's like a museum, Harry Potter fans will love it. Michelle is a wonderful host who cooks during early morning hours a very rich breakfast which is served in the dining room. The rooms have good bathrooms, TV, AC and heating. It's a bit of an adventure. Parking on the street in front of the house. A short walk to downtown and to the Mississipi. Don't be mistaken by the outside appearance.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Beautiful. Historic, downtown, nearby hiking - Amazing stay. The Richards home is stunning, excellent thoughtful breakfast, lots of historic charm. we walked to downtown to check out nighttime dining and then the farmers market on Saturday morning. It’s all right there. Great hiking nearby too!!
• James (10/5): Exceptional -
• John (10/5): - Loved the inside decor. The beautiful wall coverings are nearly 90 percent original. The owners David and Michelle told us they are only the second family to own the property in over 100 years. They truly pampered us with a wonderful breakfast and gave us the full tour when we arrived. We loved it.
• Maria (9/5): Superb -
• Jared (10/5): Perfect B&B Experience! - Loved it. Spacious rooms that were well appointed. Wonderful hostess/owner. Great and filling breakfast
• michael (10/5): - The owners of this property are super cool. It is an old place so dont expect 2025 luxury but its definitely worth a stay. Brsakfast was great.
• Ronald (7/5): Book a little history in your life - The Richard hous staff was very informative she showed us around gave a brief history lesson the rooms are fascinating the wood work and stained glass was beautiful but when ya stay you have to remember this house was built in 1893 and the breakfast that was put out for each group of people was outstanding no buffet the area was safe and downtown entertainment was right around the corner do t be deterred by the work that is being done on the outside remember your not staying out there it’s the inside that’s a treat!
• Matthew (10/5): - Amazing breakfast, great atmosphere, I always enjoy coming back here.
• Dennis (10/5): - Just the sort of hospitality one could want.
• Amy (10/5): - What an amazing stay!
• Laura (10/5): - Richards House is a beautiful old building. We did not realize they were in the process of
• Karla (10/5): - 1883 mansion with incredibly beautiful interior! Delicious breakfast and hosts were very nice and friendly, very close to the historical downtown/Main Street area.
• Daniel (10/5): Beautiful hotel in Dubuque, Iowa - The hotel is a work of art. Beautifully decorated with an exquisite taste. The owners are very kind and helpful. The home-made prepared breakfast is delicious. Absolutely recommendable if you will stay in Dubuque!
• Karla (9/5): I would stay at the Richards House again, if I'm ever in Dubuque, but I would specify that I - I booked my stay late (I was traveling to a funeral) and got the last room available, which was on the third floor. I was told that I would be sharing a bathroom with another room, which was fine with me...but the shared bathroom was on the second floor with 22 stair steps between my room and it. The room was the only one on the third floor, so it was quiet and private, which I appreciated. Going up and down all those stairs.
• Scott (9/5): Superb -
• Maria (8/5): Thank you! - We stayed for a few days at Richard's House. We enjoyed our stay very much, the breakfast was vast and delicious. The owners are very friendly. We stayed in the bedroom that you can see in the photograph, it is large and very comfortable with a very nice bathroom. I highly recommend the place. It was cost effective!
• Stephanie (8/5): - The place is an awesome old place, toasty warm and welcoming, the front porch is under construction so just be aware. Very kind host and hostess
• Tina (10/5): - You’ll love this place if you can appreciate the gilded age late 1800's.
• Tonya (9/5): Superb - Breakfast! And the effort that is going into caring for this beautiful old house.
• Karl (10/5): - This is the third time we have stayed at the Richard's House and each time has been better than the last. Quiet, clean, stunning interior and the innkeepers are knowledgeable about the history of the home and Dubuque IA. The breakfasts are cooked to perfection and always taste delicious! The fresh baked desserts are available all day! We will definitely come back for a fouth visit.
• Debra (10/5): - Always a treat to stay here. It is unassuming from the outside but the interior is absolutely stunning and the historical details and amazing. Every time I stay I discover some new little treasure, carving, light fixture, or tile. The owners are amazing and the breakfast is huge and tasty. Definitely worth the stay.
• Ignazina (10/5): Magical Escape - My partner and I booked the library suite just before Christmas and it was wonderful. Loved that the owners have maintained the history of the house. Breakfast was fantastic. Would book again Nothing!
• Tanguy (10/5): Beautiful room in a house full of history and ran by most welcoming people - Very comfortable bedroom in a beautiful home full of history and well decorated. Wonderful breakfast and most welcoming host.
• Thuy (8/5): Overall the place look nice,just need to clean carpet in the bedroom - Very good,we like everything there Need to clean carpet,it look really bad it bother

Photos