Mont Rest Inn

Overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River

One of the reasons I was interested in visiting Bellevue, Iowa, is because I'd heard so much about the Mont Rest Inn.

It is an historic Inn that is located halfway up a 9 acre wooded bluff that overlooks a panoramic view of the Mississippi River. They have 12 guest rooms with private baths [some have fireplaces and Jacuzzis.]

This structure was built in 1893 by a wealthy land developer. The locals started called Mont Rest, "The Castle" because of its location that towered above the town and because it looked like a castle.

The round room at the top of this house was for high stake poker games. Soon Mont Rest became "infamous for its gambling, which was illegal at the time".

Would you believe, the owner lost his beloved Mont Rest in a $6,000.00 poker bet. [that's equal to about one million dollars at today's buying power]

A factory owner in the area lived here for a time, but as a punishment to Bellevue's gossip about him, he shut the house up and refused to sell to anyone for a quarter of a century! It was invaded by animals, sustained teenage vandalism, and was called The Haunted Castle of Bellevue.

Then in the 1980's a series of people owned it without luck. The bank ended up with it until the present owner [Christine Zraick] purchased it from the bank. She made it into a Country Inn.
In 1996 on Christmas Eve, Mont Rest was almost totally destroyed by fire. Thank goodness, Christine decided to recreate this Victorian beauty. Today all that the fire destroyed has been replaced, and it stands majestically on the North Bluff overlooking the river and the town of Bellevue.

Unique Quality: Their luxury rooms offer working fireplaces, heated towel bars, Jacuzzi bathtubs, Robes, Egyptian cotton towels, fresh flowers, imported chocolates as well as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. You are able to have an in-room therapeutic massage and reflexology!

They will make tee times for you at the Bellevue Golf Club; they will make reservations for area restaurants; or arrange other activities for you

Warning: They have a VERY STRICT cencellation policy. No penalty if you cancel 30 days ahead of arrival.

"Tea & Tour" by appointment.

Also, if you are arriving after seven in the evening, you must contact the Inn ahead of time telling them of your planned arrival time.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Historical Travel, Architecture

Mont Rest Inn Photo: Mont Rest [from Brochure]

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