Find hotels in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines

Top reasons to visit Downtown Des Moines

• Diverse Activities: Downtown Des Moines offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities, shopping, and cultural experiences.
• Entertainment Venues: Enjoy shows at the Des Moines Civic Center and various entertainment arenas.
• Nightlife: Experience lively nightlife with numerous bars and live music venues.
• Rich History: Immerse yourself in the area's history through guided tours and local attractions.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from modern hotels to cozy motels catering to all travelers.

Find great hotels near Downtown Des Moines

Explore a variety of hotel accommodations in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa, where you can find options ranging from modern hotels to cozy motels. This vibrant area is ideal for business travelers and offers pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-welcoming environments. Discover the best downtown Des Moines hotels, including the popular Hyatt Place, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay while you experience the local culture and attractions.

• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: Located 11.3km from Downtown Des Moines, WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines offers a comfortable and convenient stay for travelers seeking a pet-friendly environment. Ideal for business travelers, this hotel features practical amenities, including extended-stay options, and a welcoming atmosphere for those traveling with pets. With policies that allow dogs and cats, guests can enjoy the comfort of having their furry companions alongside them. The property’s emphasis on value and convenience makes it a solid choice for those looking to balance work and leisure.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Situated 4.8km from Downtown Des Moines, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is perfect for families and business travelers alike. This hotel takes special care to accommodate younger guests with amenities like free cribs and child-friendly services. Guests praise its proximity to the airport and local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The welcoming atmosphere and family-oriented features ensure a pleasant stay for everyone.
• Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines: Positioned 8.0km from Downtown Des Moines, Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines caters to families and pet owners, creating a versatile lodging option for all types of travelers. Offering services for children, including cribs (for a fee), this hotel is well-equipped for family vacations. Additionally, it welcomes pets with specific policies in place, allowing dogs to enjoy the stay as well. The combination of family-friendly amenities and a pet-inclusive policy makes this hotel a desirable choice for those traveling with loved ones.

Where to stay near Downtown Des Moines

Experience the vibrant charm of Downtown Des Moines, where urban energy meets family-friendly attractions. Stroll through the bustling city center, enjoying local dining and shopping. Explore nearby West Des Moines for a blend of modern amenities and serene parks. Whether you're on a business trip or a romantic getaway, the friendly atmosphere and rich cultural offerings make Downtown Des Moines a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation.

• Des Moines: As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis with a rich blend of cultural and recreational activities. Downtown Des Moines serves as the heart of the city, offering a plethora of shopping centers, fairgrounds, and modern attractions. The city experiences a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peak seasons occurring from June to August. Travelers flock here for family-friendly activities, business conventions, and urban exploration. Key landmarks include a stunning lake and a prominent modern college university, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and education.
• Court District: Situated just 483m from Downtown Des Moines, the Court District is a lively neighborhood that draws visitors for its family-friendly and business-themed experiences. This area is known for its fairground and arena entertainment facilities, making it a hub for events and gatherings. Like Des Moines, visitor numbers peak in the summer months, ensuring a bustling atmosphere. The proximity to major landmarks such as a sports facility stadium and a convention center enhances its appeal, providing ample opportunities for sports enthusiasts and conference attendees alike.
• Western Gateway: Located 644m from Downtown Des Moines, Western Gateway is a dynamic neighborhood perfect for outdoor lovers and families. This area features a mix of educational institutions, theaters, and arena entertainment facilities. Visitors enjoy the local urban park and scenic lake, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. Similar to its neighboring districts, Western Gateway sees high visitor numbers during the summer, ensuring a vibrant community feel. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded experience for all travelers.

Things to do in and around Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities, business opportunities, and city exploration. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local malls, catch a show at the arena, and immerse themselves in the area's rich history through guided tours. The nightlife is lively, featuring various bars and venues for live music, making it a perfect destination for leisure and entertainment.

Shopping

In Downtown Des Moines, you can explore the Downtown Farmers' Market for local goods and gifts. For a broader shopping experience, visit Merle Hay Mall and Southridge Mall, both offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping options just a short drive away.

Recreation

At Principal Park, experience the thrill of live sports events while soaking in the energetic atmosphere. For a unique entertainment experience, head to Val Air Ballroom, where you can enjoy live music. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park offers a peaceful retreat with recreational activities that promote wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Sky Glider East, soaring 6.4km from Downtown Des Moines, offering breathtaking views. For a scenic hike, explore the Greenbelt Trail, located 11.3km away, surrounded by nature. For adrenaline junkies, visit Pole Position Raceway, 16.1km away, and enjoy high-speed karting excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Downtown Des Moines with a show at Hoyt Sherman Place, where romance and culture intertwine. For a unique outing, visit the Lauridsen Amphitheater, just 3.2km away, or enjoy a nostalgic ride at the Heritage Carousel, also 3.2km from downtown.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Des Moines

To save money on your trip to Downtown Des Moines, consider visiting between November and January when hotel prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which are typically the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter your budget and desired hotel type, and look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations for extra savings. Additionally, keep an eye out for free activities and exclusive discounts, such as promo codes and instant savings, to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown 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 around Downtown Des Moines is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Des Moines is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Downtown Des Moines with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a variety of attractions for families, business travelers, and city explorers alike. Visitors can enjoy venues like the Des Moines Civic Center, event spaces, and entertainment arenas. The area caters to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun, ensuring a memorable vacation for everyone.

• Casey's Center: This vibrant arena in Downtown Des Moines offers a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of entertainment options. Whether you're catching a concert or attending a sporting event, the energy is palpable.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located 6.4km from Downtown, this iconic fairground hosts the famous Iowa State Fair, featuring outdoor fun, thrilling rides, and delicious food. It’s a perfect spot for family outings and experiencing local culture.
• Drake University: Just 3.2km away, this modern university boasts beautiful campus architecture and a lively city vibe. Explore its scenic grounds, attend events, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Downtown Des Moines

The best time to visit Downtown Des Moines can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Des Moines falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Des Moines falls in January, visitor numbers are average 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	Average	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	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	Average	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	Average	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	Slightly Low	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	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 Downtown Des Moines

Flying into Downtown Des Moines is convenient via Des Moines International Airport (DSM), located 6.4km away. This airport offers a range of airlines and is easily accessible from nearby accommodations. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a highly-rated 4.5-star hotel situated 6.4km from DSM. Additionally, Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale and Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, both part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, are excellent 4.5-star options located 14.5km from the airport. All these hotels provide convenient access to the airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience for visitors exploring the vibrant downtown area.