10 Top-Rated Hotels in Des Moines, Iowa

July 4, 2022 Franklyn Hardiman

Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
Things to do in Des Moines

1. Des Lux Hotel

800 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309-3622
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 664 reviews

Des Lux Hotel

These are no ordinary accommodations The largest in Des Moines and among the most welcoming anywhere, many Des Lux rooms and suites indulge with fireplaces and whirlpools. From our King Executive Rooms to the lavishly appointed Presidential Suite you will enjoy an array of signature amenities and the satisfaction of knowing that you could not possibly have chosen a more comfortable retreat.

Absolute Perfection!

Reviewed By Meeeeeeeeeee2015

Our time spent here was spectacular from check in to check out! The cleanliness of the beautiful corner room was amazing. We slept great due to the comfortable bed and quiet location! The bathroom was large and perfectly stocked with high end towels and toiletries. Breakfast had more choices than any hotel breakfast we’ve ever had! Steven at the front desk could not have been better at his job. His knowledge of the hotel and the area are quite impressive! Give that man a big round of applause (and a raise!) Will be back soon Des Lux!

2. Surety Hotel

206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 1 (515) 316-3336
Excellent
83%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 359 reviews

Surety Hotel

At Surety Hotel Des Moines, we make a promise to offer unmatched service, incredible design, a superior level of hospitality and a one-of-a-kind Iowa experience for travelers and locals.

Helpful and Friendly Staff

Reviewed By userH6088EB

I loved staying at this hotel during a work trip, but I want to especially shout out Brianna, the hostess at Mulberry Tavern. She went above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met. She was incredibly professional, kind, and attentive.

3. Baymont by Wyndham des Moines Airport

6221 Willow Creek Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321-9629
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1203 reviews

Baymont by Wyndham des Moines Airport

Make yourself comfortable at our non-smoking Baymont Inn and Suites Des Moines Airport hotel. Our Des Moines, IA, hotel is just minutes from Des Moines International Airport and across the street from Willow Creek Golf Course. Wake up to a free continental breakfast and free copy of USA Today. Work out at our fitness center, and then unwind in our heated indoor pool, hot tub or dry sauna. Pick up a souvenir or snack in our gift shop, or play a game and watch a show on a 65-inch flat-screen TV in our arcade. Take the family to Iowa State Fairgrounds for our famous annual state fair or stroll through the Blank Park Zoo, downtown Des Moines or the halls of Drake University. For more excitement, ride thrilling roller coasters at Adventureland Amusement Park or catch horse races at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Sample local flavor when you stay in Des Moines!

More than exceeded expectations

Reviewed By Mathew J

This place more than exceeded our expectations. By far the best baymont I've ever seen. Was expecting way less because of the name and all the other baymonts I've been to are typically a Motel 6 qith a name change. Kayla at the front desk is absolutely amazing, friendly, helpful, and was able to get us checked in early so that we could shower and get ready for a wedding. She definitely saved our day. The room was a good size and the bed was very comfortable. I travel a lot and stay in best Western and Hilton properties and this baymont easily beat many of those. The hotel had a large pool area qith hot tub and a sauna. Very large fitness room. Bigger than anything I've seen at any hotel. Had a recreation and game room. Had its own little store near front desk. Breakfast was very good qith the largest variety I've seen in a breakfast buffet setting. Plenty of choices ?. The breakfast attendant was very friendly and attentive as well. Over all was an amazing stay and has zero complaints. If I Come this way again I will definitely stay at this property.

4. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham des Moines Airport

1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315-4482
Excellent
41%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 857 reviews

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham des Moines Airport

Make the most out of your next trip to Iowa by booking a room at our Days Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport hotel near Veterans Auditorium. Located by Highway 5, our newly renovated hotel makes it easy to enjoy entertainment, shopping, dining, and other area attractions, with free airport shuttle service provided daily.Park & Fly packages are also available; please contact the hotel to make Park & Fly arrangements. Browse through nearby Historic Valley Junction, Valley West Mall, or Jorden Creek Town Center. Check out the live event schedules at Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Civic Center, or Val Air Ballroom. Take the family to Iowa State Fairgrounds for our popular events, or stroll through Blank Park Zoo, downtown Des Moines, or the Drake University campus. Ride roller coasters at Adventureland Amusement Park, or catch horse races at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

Good location and service

Reviewed By NorthStar58869801587

Good location, close to the Des Moines airport which is why we stayed there. Decent price for only staying one night. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport which was great. Extra $$ for parking there for the week while we were gone. Service desk was very helpful. Early morning included breakfast available. Clean room.

5. Home2 Suites Des Moines at Drake University

2650 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311 1 (855) 618-4702
Excellent
81%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Home2 Suites Des Moines at Drake University

Brand new hotel close to Drake University. From stylish suites with kitchens, to free breakfast and amenities that focus on sustainability, Home2 Suites Des Moines at Drake University is perfect for guests and their pets. Rack up the miles as you run a load of washing at Spin2 Cycle, our combined fitness and laundry facility with an indoor heated saline pool. We are conveniently located off I-235, less than three miles from downtown Des Moines, and about five miles from the Airport. Check out the local Mars Café, Drake Diner, and Woody's Smoke Shack for a taste of Des Moines. Enjoy a swim in our indoor heated saline pool.

Had to Go to McDonalds….for breakfast on Saturday!

Reviewed By Beavercowboy

No Breakfast……until 7:00 am on Weekends! With all of the sporting events on weekends, that is ridiculous! Our event was starting at 8:00 across town so it was off the McDonalds for us. The room was nice, bed was comfortable…..blah, blah, blah….. Beware: NO BREAKFAST UNTIL 7:00 AM ON WEEKENDS!

6. Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown

418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-2407
Excellent
59%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 986 reviews

Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown

The safety and wellbeing of our guests and colleagues is always a top priority. In light of COVID-19 and for precautionary measures, the following services and facilities will be impacted. For inquiries, please contact the hotel directly. Unavailable until further notice - Food service, Shuttle service, Pool Limited service available - Bar service, Fitness Center Face coverings - Required in hotel indoor public areas and when moving around in outdoor areas Government mandate - This location may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place including national, local and health advisories and requirements.

Desperately needs an upgrade

Reviewed By HowIzzThiz

Convenient hotel in downtown DSM, offering a no frills Hyatt Place experience. The staff are very friendly and helpful, they really have that Midwest hospitality and are willing to go the extra mile. Breakfast is efficient and they changed up the food items so you didn’t have to eat the same thing every day. However, there are some serious issues with the hotel itself. The Wifi connection speed is very poor, to the point where you can hardly open a webpage on your laptop. This would likely be a major problem for business travelers. Some of the rooms smell a little musty. There is only one working elevator which means long wait times at peak hours. The cleaning also needs a serious upgrade, my sheets were already stained when I arrived which pretty gross. The fact that they do not offer housekeeping every day doesn’t help the cleanliness factor either.

7. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

1000 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 1 (844) 442-8746
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Stay where the presidents stayed at the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and experience contemporary sophistication that rings with charm from its storied past. Opened first in 1919 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, our newly renovated boutique hotel evokes nostalgia from the moment you step into the grand two-story lobby and resonates all the way to our beautifully restored grand ballroom. Boasting a prime location in the heart of downtown Des Moines, staying with us means you're near all that the city has to offer. This classic, brick-style hotel is an eight-minute walk from Western Gateway Park and less than two miles from the Iowa State Capitol. Revel in fantastic downtown views from our modern guest rooms and sink into plush bedding while taking comfort with amenities like complimentary WiFi, refrigerators, smart HDTVs, and coffeemakers.

Absolutely beautiful hotel!

Reviewed By dclmom34

We lived in Des Moines 30 years ago and this was our first trip back. We knew about the renovation of the Hotel Fort Des Moines and just had to stay here. We were blown away at how beautiful it was, the renovation was amazing. The details and key motif through the hotel was a really nice touch. The lobby is gorgeous, we had to stand there and take it in for awhile. The front desk staff was really nice and we enjoyed talking to the night clerks who told us about things to check out in the hotel like the original phone booths in the basement. Our room was wonderful with beds that slept well and a really nice bathroom. It was so nice to see this place brought back to life and restored to it’s beautiful self again. We enjoyed our stay so much!

8. Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

101 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 1 (855) 605-0319
Excellent
55%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1361 reviews

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Des Moines - On the River is the premiere all-suite hotel in the downtown Des Moines area, and the closest hotel to the Iowa State Capitol, the trendy East Village and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. The Principal Riverwalk is right outside our hotel door featuring walking paths and an ice-skating rink. Just a few steps away, the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is home to many concerts and fun festivals throughout the year. Many eclectic shops, restaurants, attractions and corporations are also within walking distance. The Embassy Suites Des Moines hotel features 234 two-room suites in an eight story tropical atrium and 16,000 square feet of flexible social and corporate meeting space, wireless high-speed Internet access throughout, and a beautiful, relaxing decor. Doozie's Bar and Grill offers fine American cuisine within a fun, sporty environment.

Disgusting!

Reviewed By mc1515

We had been driving for 15 hours+. We were looking for a hotel that would accommodate 2 adults and 4 children. Since it was 11 pm and the kids were tired, we blindly booked it. This room was nasty! It was dirty, dusty, cobwebs. The fan looked like it hadn’t been clean in years. The walls had scratches, bumps, no paint in places. Bathroom was disgusting. Mold, stains on the shower curtain, dusty, not mopped or swept. Blankets and covers smell like cologne, like they hadn’t been changed. Sofa bed did not have covers and when we went downstairs to ask for one, the front desk person said it was under tv. We looked everywhere and nothing. Had to go back downstairs to the front desk and he took 10 minutes to find a blanket. Ceiling had orange spots. I definitely DO NOT RECOMMEND!

9. Hilton Des Moines Downtown

435 Park Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 1 (855) 605-0316
Excellent
66%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Daily Mandatory Charge will be added to the room rate and includes: IEC Facility Fee. Welcome to Hilton Des Moines Downtown, a bright and modern hotel in step with the tech-centric area. Part of the Des Moines Skywalk system, the hotel is connected to the Iowa Events Center - perfect for convention attendees - and offers quick access to offices, local dining and Des Moines attractions. We have plenty of conveniences for your stay, including a signature restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, and 14,000 sq. ft. of stylish event space. It's easy to work or relax in our modern guest rooms. Draw the black-out curtains for a great night's sleep, then greet the day with a cup of coffee and a cozy bathrobe. WiFi access, a 42-inch TV, large work space, MP3 connectivity, in-room safe, and deluxe bath products add comfort to your stay. Our Des Moines hotel has guests covered. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool, or work out in the complimentary, 24-hour fitness center.

I can't believe I'm saying this for Des Moines, but

Reviewed By Larry D

This city has two, 5 Star ranked Hilton branded hotels (in my opinion). I stayed here last week and was thoroughly impressed with the hotel, from Zach at the front desk to Zach at the check out. Five months ago, I stayed at the Hotel Fort Des Moines and I thought it couldn't be matched or beat. But, I think the DSM Hilton gives them a very competitive run for the lodging dollar!

10. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

120 SW Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4703 1 (855) 605-0317
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 800 reviews

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

Boasting a central location off I-235, in the center of downtown Des Moines, the welcoming Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown, IA offers wonderful views over the Des Moines River and easy access to shops, restaurants, businesses and popular attractions. Principal Park, the Iowa Cubs Home Field, the Civic Center and Stoner Theatre are just minutes away. Guests at this hotel in downtown Des Moines, IA, can enjoy close proximity to the Historic East Village, the Iowa State Capitol and the Wells Fargo Arena. Unwind an inviting guest room or suite, where you can check emails with free WiFi at the ergonomic desk, watch movies on the 39-inch HDTV, heat snacks in the microwave, chill drinks in the refrigerator and sleep soundly on the clean and fresh Hampton bed. Take advantage of the leisure amenities at this hotel in downtown Des Moines, IA. Work out in the free fitness center and swim in the heated indoor pool. Every morning, join us at Hampton's free hot breakfast buffet.

Worst service EVER

Reviewed By elizag530

Upon entering the hotel and approaching the front desk, the desk lady was was very short with my two friends and myself. I am 20 but when I made the room reservation online, it said 18 was the minimum age requirement. I understand policy, but after being told I couldn’t be the name holder for the room, my friend who is 21 offered to put it under her name. The desk clerk said no she can’t with no explanation as to why. She continued to say, “We’re all booked. I can’t help you.” She wouldn’t entertain any solutions or questions we presented as to why my friend couldn’t take the room that I had reserved two days prior. They weren’t completely booked because I had a room reserved. She offered no apology, no help or possible solutions for us. We had to pay a lot of extra money to try and find a place to stay for the night and I was still charged for the room that I was denied. So this lady has no problem turning me away because I’m 20 and then charged me for the room she wouldn’t let me take. Worst service I’ve ever had, made my experience in Des Moines very needlessly stressful.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.