FAQ

Families who live at least 20 miles away, and who have a child age 21 or younger in medical care are eligible to stay. Per our global charter, individuals with a child abuse or domestic violence conviction, or individuals on the National Sex Offender Registry, are not eligible to stay at a Ronald McDonald House.

Families may wish to give a donation, however, no family is turned away due to an inability to contribute to their stay.

The Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City is located at 730 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52246.  Please refer to the map for details. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is located within the hospital on 3rd floor Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at UnityPoint – St.Luke’s is located on the second floor of the Center for Women’s and Children’s Health at 150 11th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402.

RMH operates on a waitlist system. We are not able to accept set reservations. Because families may keep their room as long as their child is in medical care, we do not have the ability to predict when rooms will become available. Please call us at (319) 500-RMHC to be added to the waitlist.

If a room becomes available on the day of your request, our staff will call you. If you have not heard from us, it means that no rooms are available. You are welcome to continue to wait during the day to see if a room opens up or you may call us at any time that day to arrange a discounted hotel room. (please see below)

We are happy to connect you to the RMH Hotel Guide which allows you to book discounted hotel rooms online. The RMH Hotel Guide is password protected.

1. 1. Call us at (319) 500-RMHC to request today’s password.
   2. Click the red “Hotel Guide Login” button on the bottom of the page.
   3. Enter today’s password and view the list of participating hotels.
   4. Select the hotel of your choice and book online.

Please note: To receive the discounted rate, you must book online through our website. You will not receive the reduced rate by calling or stopping by the hotel.

The Ronald McDonald House provides all basic linens and towels. All rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a shower and toilet. Self-serve food and snacks are available throughout the day. A prepared evening meal or leftovers are available every night at 5:30pm. You are welcome to bring your own groceries and snacks if you wish, which you may store in the common area kitchen or the personal mini fridge in your room.

Parking is limited as the House sits on University of Iowa campus. Once you arrive to check in, staff will assist you with parking pass options. Families with more than one vehicle will need to park additional vehicles offsite. RMH provides a free shuttle to/from the hospital for families without a vehicle or for those who prefer not to drive. RMH shuttle times are pre-scheduled throughout the day.

The Ronald McDonald House has two free guest laundry areas available 24 hours a day. All detergent, dryer sheets, etc. are provided at no charge.

Once a guest at RMH, the room is yours as long as your child is in medical care, up to 24 hours after your child’s last appointment or hospital discharge. Families with multiple outpatient appointments spaced over time should consult with RMH staff on stay guidelines.