Employee Reimbursement Rate
The state of Iowa lodging reimbursement rate for in-state business travel is $80.00 per night, plus applicable taxes, for a single room. (Effective August 1, 2021)
**Pursuant to Iowa Code 80.45A, beginning January 1, 2022, state employees must confirm an in-state lodging provider has received the Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certification at https://stophtiowa.org/certified-locations prior to expending or committing public funds for travel lodging, conferences, meetings, banquets, or any state-funded event. Employees who stay at non-certified facilities will not be reimbursed.**
FY25 In-State Lodging Directory
The properties included in the following lists have signed a rate agreement with the state of Iowa for the rates shown through July 1, 2025, subject to availability. Please see the following lists of hotels who have signed agreements for these rates.
**Employees should reference the FY25 In-State Lodging list and find the hotel they wish to stay at. These hotels have signed an agreement to honor the State Rate of $80.00. Then cross reference the hotel with the Certified Locations site.**
NOTE: THIS LIST REFLECTS HOTELS THAT HAVE AGREED TO HONOR THE STATE RATE ONLY. IT DOES NOT INDICATE THE HOTEL HAS COMPLETED THE REQUIRED TRAINING.
Please check https://stophtiowa.org/certified-locations to be sure the hotel you choose has completed the training.
FY25 In-State Lodging – single room rate $80
Rate Extensions: In addition to listing single room and double occupancy rates, the directory also notes whether State rates will be extended to political subdivisions (city or county governments, school districts, community colleges) or personal travel.
Rate Availability: All rates are subject to availability and employees are not required to stay at the properties listed. When inquiring for reservations and rates, be sure to specify state of Iowa rates, not Federal.
Employee ID: To receive the rate posted in the In-State Lodging Directory, please be prepared to show some form of State-issued identification, whether an employee photo ID badge, state of Iowa payroll ID (State warrant stub) or written documentation on official State department letterhead signed by an agency officer verifying State business travel dates. For State rates on weekends, a State-issued employee ID and verification of weekend business travel or work schedule is required.
Exception to Statewide Policy: If a rate exception is needed, a Request for Exception to Statewide Policy with the employee’s department director’s signature must be submitted with the travel claim before the claim can be paid. Unless a signed Exception Request has been received by State Accounting Enterprise (SAE), employees will only be reimbursed up to $80 for a single room. Employees who exceed this limit will do so at their own expense.
Applications
Lodging facilities wishing to participate in the In-State Lodging Rate Agreement Program (for State employee rates) for the 2025 fiscal year, July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025, may complete and submit the online Rate Agreement Application.
For More Information
Contact Heather Johnson 515-321-5284, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with any questions about accommodations, rates, additional details, or terms.