Traveling to Iowa for a vacation is not complete without spending a couple of days to see, enjoy and explore Des Moines, its capital city. Known for its prominent display of the Midwest culture, Des Moines features top-notch attractions that are suitable for people of all ages. Stop by Iowa State Capitol and be blown away by its striking dome, elegant architecture and interior design. You can also go to the east bank of Des Moines river and escape into a world of blooming plants at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Spend some artsy time enjoying a collection of sculptures and paintings at Des Moines Art Center. Read on to find out the best hotels to stay in Des Moines, Iowa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 19, 2025.
1. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown (from USD 159)
Boasting a spa and wellness center, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown provides a 24-hour front desk, an ATM, and luggage storage space. Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, bed linens, and towels. The hotel offers continental and American breakfast options every day. There is a business center and snack bar as well. To top it all off, the hotel allows pets in their guest rooms.
As for places you can visit, this hotel is only 2.4 km (1.4 mi) away from Iowa Events Center, 2.5 km (1.5 mi) away from Hy-Vee Hall, and 6.2 km (3.8 mi) away from Sky Glider West.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Address: 333 Southwest 11th Street
836 meters (0.6 ft) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
2. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown (from USD 224)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown features a fitness center, bar, and shared lounge. Continental and buffet breakfast is also served every day. The hotel’s reception is happy to provide information to guests about the area should they need it. The property features a variety of rooms for guests to choose from including a large suite and a guest room with a king-sized bed.
Finally, the hotel is only less than 2 km (1.2 mi) away from Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Civic Center, and the Science Center of Iowa.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
Address: 207 Crocker Street
1.54 km (1.0 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
3. Hilton Des Moines Downtown (from USD 183)
Mixed reviews on restaurant food quality and pricing, with some disappointment in breakfast options
Reasonably priced rooms, but additional charges for parking and breakfast
Convenient location near attractions and events, with easy access to downtown
Connected to downtown via skywalk, modern facilities, and secure parking
Situated within a quick stroll from Wells Fargo Arena, this four-star hotel comes with spacious rooms that are equipped with desks, flat-screen televisions and private bathrooms, among others. As a guest, you are granted access to the hotel’s indoor pool for relaxation. Before setting out in the morning, drop by the on-site restaurant to indulge in a buffet or an a la carte breakfast.
Hilton Des Moines Downtown This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 435 Park Street
1.12 km (0.7 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
4. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown (from USD 219)
Excellent and varied complimentary breakfast, social hour snacks, and nearby dining options
Average pricing for downtown location with covered parking
Convenient downtown location within walking distance to Capitol building, restaurants, and breweries
Clean, spacious rooms with kitchenette, indoor pool, and free laundry facility
Welcome to this modern hotel and enjoy a comfortable stay throughout. Located not far from Iowa Events Center, the hotel offers you a suite that features a fully equipped kitchen to help you prepare your favorite meals, a sofa bed that can be your snuggling buddy during the day and a television with cable channels to keep you entertained. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. You can enjoy free wireless internet access to stay connected. Additionally, there is an indoor pool here, if you are looking for immediate refreshment after an adventure in the city.
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Address: 201 East Locust Street
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
5. Surety Hotel (from USD 229)
There is nothing not to love about this four-star hotel. First of all, the hotel is ideally located adjacent to the Science Center of Iowa and Wells Fargo Arena. Secondly, your room comes with modern amenities such as a private bathroom and flat-screen television. It also features large windows for city views and natural light. Finally, you can explore the hotel and find communal amenities, such as a fitness center and a room where you can play billiards.
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Address: 206 6th Avenue
894 meters (0.6 ft) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
6. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown (from USD 121)
Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, this hotel promises a cozy stay in a modernly designed room that comes with a cable television along with a coffee maker, a fridge and a microwave. Be sure to stop by the on-site restaurant to savor a hot breakfast buffet to help you get started. After exploring attractions, come back to the hotel and find yourself working out in the fitness center or having a refreshing dip in the indoor swimming pool.
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Address: 120 South West Water Street
1.49 km (1.0 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
7. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center (from USD 109)
Good breakfast with a variety of options, though some areas for improvement in sustainability and food quality
Competitive rates, especially when booked in advance
Excellent location near Wells Fargo Arena, state fair grounds, and downtown attractions
Convenient free parking, easy check-in, comfortable beds
Offering many free things, this hotel is a popular choice for travelers in Des Moines. If you drive your own car, you can enjoy free parking. If you need to go to the airport, you can take advantage of the hotel’s free airport shuttle. Then, there are free newspapers to ensure you keep yourself updated with the latest news even while you are on vacation. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is not something to be missed in the morning. As for your room, it is equipped with a satellite television, a refrigerator and a microwave, among others. A heated indoor pool can also be accessed by guests, as well.
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Address: 929 3rd Street
1.59 km (1.0 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
8. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport (from USD 113)
You can have a delightful stay at this hotel that provides free airport shuttle services, free parking and free wireless internet access. Rest easily in a warm room that features satellite television, a coffee maker, ironing facilities and a microwave, among other amenities. When you have some free time, you are welcome to watch sports on the large television while playing billiards at the same time in the recreation room. For more fun, an arcade and a fitness center are also provided. To keep your body relaxed at all times, the hotel offers a heated indoor pool, a hot tub and dry sauna facilities.
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Address: 6221 Willow Creek Avenue
8.52 km (5.3 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
9. Des Moines Marriott Downtown (from USD 429)
Presenting a skywalk connection to Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena, this contemporary hotel is another great choice of accommodation in Des Moines. Guests can use the fitness center to exercise or step into an indoor pool to relax. You can make your stomach happy with the delicious grilled American dishes offered by the on-site restaurant. As for your room, it comes with a coffee maker, a work desk and a private bathroom with upgraded bath amenities.
Des Moines Marriott Downtown This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 700 Grand Avenue
746 meters (0.5 ft) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
10. Doubletree Des Moines Airport (from USD 169)
Conveniently located nearby Des Moines International Airport, this hotel welcomes guests upon arrival with a warm chocolate chip cookie. Then, once you get to your suite, you can start enjoying the provided amenities, such as a kitchenette and a separate living area. Indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. A variety of drinks is served at the full-service bar, too.
Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines Airport
Address: 6800 Fleur Drive
7.06 km (4.4 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
11. Hampton Inn Des Moines Airport (from USD 143)
Great breakfast, friendly staff, and a market station for late-night needs.
Reasonable pricing for proximity to airport and amenities offered.
Super close to the airport, convenient for travelers, and near expressway for easy access.
Free airport shuttle, convenient parking, clean and quiet rooms, warm fresh cookies at 5pm.
A night of restful and quality sleep is guaranteed when you stay at this hotel as it boasts its signature Cloud Nine beds. After leaving the comfort of your bed, you can start the morning right with a complimentary hot breakfast. In the evening, guests are invited to enjoy freshly baked cookies. Other amenities that the hotel offers include an on-site fitness center, 24-hour airport shuttle service and free wireless internet access.
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Address: 5001 Fleur Drive
5.22 km (3.3 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
12. Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (from USD 152)
Mixed reviews on food quality and pricing, with some guests wishing for complimentary breakfast
Reasonable pricing for downtown location, but additional fees for parking
Convenient downtown location within walking distance to attractions
Spacious rooms, clean facilities, and friendly, accommodating staff
Unwind and recharge at this three-star hotel that is close to many points of interest such as Science Center of Iowa and Wells Fargo Arena. The hotel features rooms that come with wardrobes, private bathrooms and flat-screen televisions. A shared lounge invites you to mingle with other guests over a relaxing drink. The hotel’s continental breakfast is a must to savor before you start with your adventure. To stay in shape, feel free to use the fully equipped fitness center.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
Address: 401 Locust Street
1.07 km (0.7 mi) from Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Enjoy a superb holiday in Des Moines
Des Moines is a city that can bring you joy at all times because it offers plenty of interesting attractions. The best way to travel in Des Moines is with the best people in your life, so make sure to include them in your travel plans to this place. Explore Des Moines and a superb vacation is yours to have.
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