Des Moines Hotels

Top reasons to visit Des Moines

• Vibrant Downtown: Explore the lively downtown area, where modern elegance meets cultural attractions, perfect for shopping and dining.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Des Moines offers a range of family-oriented experiences, including interactive tours and local events.
• Urban Parks: Enjoy outdoor activities in the city's beautiful urban parks, providing a refreshing escape from city life.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a variety of hotels, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming options, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Welcoming Locals: Experience the charm of Des Moines, with friendly locals ready to make your visit memorable.

Find great hotels in Des Moines

Discover a variety of hotel accommodations in Des Moines, Iowa, perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Whether you're looking for pet-friendly options or LGBTQIA welcoming environments, the city offers a selection of hotels and motels to suit your needs. With convenient locations, particularly in downtown, and a wealth of amenities, you're sure to find the ideal stay. Explore reviews and recommendations to make the best choice for your visit to this vibrant Midwestern city.

• Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA: Experience a warm and welcoming stay at Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA, the ideal choice for pet lovers seeking a budget-friendly getaway. This motel embraces a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. With amenities such as free pet allowances and service animal policies, this property provides a comfortable and accommodating environment for you and your pets. Guests appreciate the straightforward, no-frills approach to lodging, making it a reliable option for those looking to explore the vibrant Des Moines area.
• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines stands out as a practical choice for business travellers and pet owners alike. This hotel offers a home-like atmosphere with extended-stay amenities, making it perfect for longer visits. The property features a pet policy that accommodates dogs and cats, ensuring you can enjoy your stay without leaving your pets behind. Guests have highlighted the spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, enabling them to dine in and feel right at home. Its convenient location makes it easy to access local business hubs and attractions.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Ideal for families and business travellers, the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport combines comfort with convenience. This hotel offers thoughtful amenities tailored for children, such as complimentary cribs and family-friendly facilities, ensuring a delightful stay for guests of all ages. The proximity to the airport makes it a strategic choice for those flying in and out, while its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make it a favourite among families. Guests often rave about the clean accommodations and the variety of amenities available for a hassle-free experience.

Where to stay in Des Moines

Des Moines, a vibrant metropolis, offers an array of experiences for tourists seeking a family-friendly atmosphere or a stylish getaway. Explore the lively downtown, where modern elegance meets cultural attractions, or venture into West Des Moines for trendy boutiques and delightful cafes. With its welcoming locals and diverse excursions, Des Moines promises an unforgettable vacation filled with charm and sophistication, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

• West Des Moines: Nestled adjacent to the vibrant city of Des Moines, West Des Moines is a bustling urban hub that offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and business opportunities. The city’s attractions peak in the warmer months, particularly from April to July, making it an ideal time for visitors to explore its expansive shopping centres and the lively arena entertainment facilities. With landmarks such as beautiful lakes and event conference venues, West Des Moines caters to a variety of interests, ensuring a fulfilling travel experience for all.
• Altoona: Located to the east of Des Moines, Altoona is a charming city known for its outdoor adventures and family-oriented experiences. The summer months, particularly June to August, see an influx of visitors eager to enjoy its exciting amusement and water parks. The city’s proximity to scenic campgrounds and vibrant theme parks makes it perfect for those looking to embrace the great outdoors. Altoona is an excellent choice for families seeking fun-filled activities and memorable experiences amidst beautiful surroundings.
• Urbandale: Positioned just northwest of Des Moines, Urbandale boasts a unique combination of urban life and suburban charm, appealing to both families and business travellers. Visitor numbers peak during the spring and summer months, especially between April and July, when the city comes alive with events and activities. Urbandale features numerous shopping centres, a fairground showground, and a modern college university, all providing a wealth of entertainment options. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse attractions, Urbandale is a fantastic destination to explore.

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for family and business-themed holidays, offering a range of activities such as shopping malls, fairgrounds, and local events. Visitors can enjoy house tours, interactive experiences, and vibrant flea markets, all guided by knowledgeable tour guides. Whether you're exploring the city's attractions or indulging in its shopping centres, Des Moines provides a delightful mix of experiences for every traveller.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center, a vibrant venue offering entertainment and diverse shops. Don't miss Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market for unique local goods and fresh produce. For a family-friendly atmosphere, visit Jordan West, where you'll find a mix of shops and eateries in a welcoming setting.

Recreation

At Principal Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of sports events while enjoying the thrill of live action. Wooly's offers an energetic music scene, perfect for unwinding with friends. For a more tranquil experience, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park provides relaxation activities amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Sky Glider East, soaring above the vibrant landscape of Des Moines. For a scenic adventure, trek along the Greenbelt Trail, where stunning outdoor vistas await. Feel the adrenaline rush at Pole Position Raceway, the ultimate karting venue for speed enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Des Moines with a visit to the Lauridsen Amphitheater for romantic performances, or enjoy family fun at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. For a cinematic escape, catch a film at Cinemark Altoona, perfect for an entertaining night out with loved ones.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Des Moines

Des Moines offers numerous free attractions, including Drake University, the Iowa State Capitol Building, and the Des Moines Art Center. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between November and January, when prices are lower and booking on a Monday is cheaper than on a Saturday. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals for flights and activities. Public transport options like buses are available for economical travel around the city. Embrace these tips to enjoy a memorable and cost-effective visit to Des Moines.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Des Moines are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Des Moines is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Des Moines is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Des Moines with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines, ideal for family and business vacations, boasts attractions like urban parks, event venues, and modern colleges. Visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor activities and city experiences, making it a vibrant destination. While exploring, be sure to check out local attractions and stay at some of the top hotels in the area for a comfortable visit.

• Water Works Park: This expansive urban park in Des Moines offers a serene escape with its lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities while soaking in the vibrant city vibes that surround you.
• Topgolf: Experience the excitement of this innovative driving range that combines sport and entertainment. Perfect for all skill levels, Topgolf offers a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy golf games, delicious food, and drinks with friends and family.
• Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens: A tranquil haven within Des Moines, these eco-friendly gardens feature beautiful landscapes inspired by Asian culture. It’s an ideal spot for families to explore nature, relax, and appreciate the harmonious blend of art and environment.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Des Moines

Reaching Des Moines, Iowa, is convenient with the major airport, Des Moines International Airport (DSM), situated merely 6.4km from the city centre. Notable hotels in proximity to DSM include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection, both offering a 4.5-star rating. The Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is another excellent option, located 14.5km away. All these hotels provide easy access to the airport, ensuring a smooth transition for your travels.