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2025 Lodging Options

Pilots living outside Warren County can receive lodging benefits during the 2025 National Balloon Classic. Three options are available:
Simpson College
Apartments + Resident Halls
Hotel Pommier
Pickard Park
Self-contained camping sites, Limited Number Available

SIMPSON COLLEGE

Simpson College housing is reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis and is available to pilots only during event dates, July 25 – August 2, 2025. Early check-in is not available. A limited number of residence hall rooms may be available for crew; however, crew housing will not be confirmed until all pilot needs are met. Specific room requests will not be accepted. The use of Simpson Residence Halls includes the following:

  • Free laundry facilities
  • Full community kitchen
  • Free WIFI access
  • Lounge area and Recreation room
  • Outdoor patio with BBQ grills
  • Generous parking for balloon vehicles and trailers
  • Free use of weight room, library, track, computer lab, and self-pay cafeteria

Simpson College Housing Options (two options)

  • Resident Hall
  • Apartments

All Simpson College housing options are reserved exclusively for NBC pilots.

Apply for Reservation

Residence Hall

The rooms are 2-person suites that share a bathroom with the room next door.

On the lower floor, the rooms are 3-person rooms with one shared bathroom. The residence hall includes 2 – 3 twin beds, a desk, and a wardrobe. You may bring your own linens or rent them for an additional $23 per set (pillow bed, pillow linens, one towel set, soap, and a drinking glass). You may bring a mini-frig.         

Fee Schedule: Residence Hall Room $25 per night for 1–4-person occupancy.

Apartments

Most apartments include two bedrooms with twin beds, a desk, a dresser, and at least one private, full bathroom. Apartments have a living area with a couch and chair and a full kitchen. Television, cooking utensils, and dishes are not included. You may bring your linens or rent them for $20 per set (pillow bed, pillow linens, one towel set, soap, and a drinking glass).

Fee Schedule, Apartments
2-person occupancy, $35 per night
3-person occupancy, $50 per night
4-person occupancy, $65 per night

HOTEL POMMIER

As the official hotel sponsor of the 2025 National Balloon Classic, the Hotel Pommier is eager to welcome pilots and crew with a special pilot/crew rate. The block of rooms will be held until July 9, 2025. After that time the rooms will be released to the general public.

Hotel Pommier Amenities

  • Modern rooms with 50” Roku Smart television, Bluetooth clocks, mini-fridge, and microwave
  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi + guest printer and fax services
  • Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast Buffet + 24/7 fresh coffee, tea, and filtered water
  • Modern fitness center featuring Peloton, NordicTrack, free weights, and Competition ping pong table
  • Coin-operated washer and dryer
  • Daily housekeeping
  • 1800 sq ft. outdoor patio with BBQ and cornhole
  • 100% non-smoking and pet free

Hotel Pommier Pilot and Crew Rates

  • $94 Queen, $104 Two Queen, Triple $135, $124 King
  • A three (3) day minimum stay is required for the discounted rate.
  • To reserve a room, you may call or book online.
    • You may call the hotel to reserve a room. Call (515) 961-0551 and tell them you are an NBC pilot. Reference the promo code PILOT to ensure you will receive the discounted rate.
Book Online

Use Promo Code: PILOT (all caps)

  • Some of the rooms have been blocked off from the public. If you cannot find availability online, call the hotel directly at 515-961-0551.
  • All bookings will be confirmed against the 2025 National Balloon Classic pilot registration list.
  • Room Rate is valid through July 9, 2025.
  • Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Family suites that sleep 8-12 are available at additional cost.

PICKARD PARK CAMPING

Pickard Park is located on Hwy 92, west of the Memorial Balloon Field. NBC pilots/crew can reserve a limited number of self-contained camping spots. These locations only provide water and electrical service; no sewer service is available. The rate is $16 per night.

Apply for Reservation

WHAT TO DO

  1. Please complete the appropriate lodging reservation form to reserve Simpson College housing or Pickard Park camping.
  2. Once the National Balloon Classic office processes your housing form, you will be emailed an invoice with instructions for making a secure credit card payment. A 3% processing fee will be applied. Your housing/camping assignment will be listed on your invoice for your reference.
  3. To reserve a hotel room at Hotel Pommier, you must contact the hotel directly at (515) 961-0551 or reserve online. Reference the promo code PILOT to ensure the discounted rate by July 9, 2025.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. To reserve Simpson College housing or Pickard Park camping, please complete the appropriate lodging reservation form found on the NBC Pilot Portal.
  2. Once the National Balloon Classic office processes your housing form, you will be emailed an invoice with instructions for making a secure credit card payment. Your housing/camping assignment will be listed on your invoice for your reference.
  3. To reserve a hotel room at Hotel Pommier, you must contact the hotel directly at (515) 961-0551 and reference the promo code PILOT to ensure the discounted rate by June 10, 2024.

Other lodging options available in Indianola are listed below for your consideration but do not include a special NBC pilot rate.

  1. The Inn at Summerset Winery – Houses for Rent in Indianola, Iowa, United States – Airbnb
  2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Indianola – 515-808-4054.
  3. The Crow’s Nest RV Resort, Indianola
  4. Quality Inn, Indianola