Hotel Julien, home of Potosa Spa and top-tier dining, brings opulent charm and modern accommodations to the heart of Dubuque’s Old Main District.
The grandeur of Hotel Julien, built in 1839, is evident upon arrival and oozes with a chic historical vibe, ornate decor and a centerpiece lavish grand staircase. Wander through the space and take in the Victorian-era mirrors and historic art prints from years gone by. Grab a book and cozy up next to the lobby fireplace or simply people watch passersby on Main Street.
With 133 rooms that vary from executive to whirlpool suites, there are various options for any size group, many with a view of the neighboring Mississippi River. Feeling like a big shot? Check out the swanky Capone Suite, named after the gangster himself who legend has it would escape to Iowa when things got a little rowdy in Chicago. History runs deep at Hotel Julien (previously known as the Waffle Hotel), even welcoming Abraham Lincoln in 1859.
Food & Drink
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Caroline’s uses fresh locally sourced ingredients for all of its seasonal menu items. Breakfast include classics such as omelets, quiche and pancakes as well as heartier portioned dishes like huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict or cherry wood-smoked bacon panini made with local Jones Dairy Farm bacon and a sweet-and-savory tomato jam. A variety of lunch items are available, ranging from soups and salads to sandwiches and burgers. The dinner menu features a great selection of appetizers; try the chef’s flatbread special that changes weekly. Pork, chicken and steaks–like the 12-oz. plancha-seared ribeye with sweet potato mash and chipotle hollandaise–trout, salmon and cod dishes as well as pasta and vegetarian options with tofu or hoisin noodles can all be found among the entrees.
Riverboat Lounge is the perfect place to grab a pre-dinner drink in Dubuque. Located on the main level of Hotel Julien, Riverboat Lounge has an extensive wine list, beers, mocktails and craft cocktails that will wow you! The unique mixology program includes cocktails like the #ChaiMe made with rum, amaro, chai, honey and black walnut bitters or a fun S’mores Old Fashioned with 114-proof bourbon, mole bitters and toasted marshmallow. Looking for an after-dinner dessert cocktail? Riverboat’s outdoor terrace with views of the Mississippi River provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy one. We love the Pineapple Upside Down with vanilla vodka, Licor 43 and house-made cherry cordial. Riverboat Lounge is open Tuesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to close, and Saturday, 1 p.m. to close.
Potosa Spa
Be whisked away to relaxation at Potosa Spa, open since 2010 and tucked in the lower level of the Hotel Julien. This boutique spa and its staff are dedicated to providing a peaceful and tranquil experience for all guests. The spa was named in honor of the daughter of Peosta, chief of a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area now known as Dubuque. Legend also tells that she likely was also the wife of Julien Dubuque, the town’s namesake.
Potosa Spa’s menu is inspired by the Native American medicine wheel, drawing from the four directions and elements of earth, wind, water and fire. Offerings include various facials, massages, salon services and body treatments (like body scrubs, detoxing wraps, hydrating wraps and herbal detoxification treatments) in its state-of-the-art spa rooms. The signature 60-minute Beyond Bliss Facial is customized to individual skin types, targeting specific needs while also providing the utmost relaxation. The Potosa Massage will leave you feeling balanced, refreshed and at ease, or try a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which will melt all your troubles away and reduces signs of stress. The spa also provides hair, make-up and bridal offerings as well as entire spa day packages.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and relax in the stress-free sanctuary area with comfy lounge chairs and a fireplace. Potosa Spa is open seven days a week; Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.
Additional Hotel Julien amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center (all open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), room service, free Wi-Fi and a complimentary parking lot.
For more information on Hotel Julien and Potosa Spa, visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
200 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001