Downtown Des Moines

Des Moines

A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.
A greenhouse with a geodesic dome roof, tropical plants, and a sandy pathway.
A multi-level atrium with a central staircase, suspended aircraft, and exhibits.
A park with a large building featuring a golden dome and a smaller dome, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A grand building with a large dome and two smaller domes, surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.

Stay near popular Downtown Des Moines attractions

A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.
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Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is P7,920 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P7,920
P8,871 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,265 reviews)
"We were pleasantly surprised by how clean and beautiful this place was. Staff was friendly and our stay was so nice we plan on going back."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is P9,240 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,240
P10,349 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Des Lux Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is P7,920 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,920
P8,871 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave Des Moines IA
The price is P8,808 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,808
P9,865 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,030 reviews)
"The hotel seem a bit outdated but my overall experience was good."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

4 out of 5
207 Crocker Street Des Moines IA
The price is P7,694 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P7,694
P8,617 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is P8,916 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P8,916
P10,286 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
See all 837 properties in Downtown Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Des Moines

Find the best Downtown Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while in the area.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Des Moines Community Playhouse and La Casa Cultural Center are top sights worth seeing.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

Southwestern Hills

While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Downtown Des Moines