Top Vacation Homes in Polk County in 2026

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Top cities in Polk County

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Our top choices for Polk County vacation homes

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, a small white table, and a large round rug. There are two windows with floral curtains, a wooden door, and a white ceiling.

1. Beautiful 3-bedroom house with AC in adorable Des Moines

Beaverdale

Michael G.

AED 967 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

A spacious living area with a modern kitchen, a dining area, and a large window providing natural light.

2. Entire Home-Beautiful 4BR, 3.5BA Retreat in Ankeny, Iowa 2 King Beds, Fenced, AC

Ankeny

Catherine N.

AED 1,183 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A narrow hallway with a white door on the right, a small round table with a lamp, a wicker basket, and a potted plant on the left.

3. Good Vibes 2 Bed Home Centrally Located on Quiet St.

Merle Hay

Kristi J.

A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling light fixture, a window with blinds, and a door.

4. The Iowa Fair House - Games + Walk to Main Gate

Fairground

Jason W.

AED 983 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

5. SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!

Woodland Heights

Krissy K.

AED 2,386 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A spacious living room with hardwood flooring, a fireplace, and a chandelier.

6. Walnut Row, Walk to Valley Junction, Sleeps 10+

West Des Moines

"We really enjoyed our stay here. The owners were great about communication and were attentive to the needs/desires of our group. Our group was comprised of all different ages and the home had a little something to offer everyone: games for kids, outdoor sitting area for adults, etc. The kitchen was well stocked and the stay was very comfortable. We would definitely stay here again when back in the area!"

Lindsey S.

AED 1,725 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A living room with a wooden ceiling, a grey sofa, a TV, and a patterned rug.

7. Charming house - minutes from downtown, walking distance to Ingersoll!

North of Grand

Sandy D.

A rooftop patio with outdoor furniture, a pergola, and a cityscape view.

8. Downtown Skyline Views in Modern Townhome with Rooftop Patios

Downtown Des Moines

Robin H.

AED 1,010 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A modern kitchen with a large island, white cabinetry, and a view of the outdoors.

9. AshbyPark Retreat: Heart Of DSM, Nature Steps Away

Beaverdale

Amanda B.

A modern kitchen with a central island, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting.

10. Newly remodeled 3-bedroom ranch with pool table, patio, and grill in Urbandale.

Urbandale

Trisha W.

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Top reviews in Polk County

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large windows, and a chandelier.

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

This is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Absolutely beautiful historic building with a grand scale and fully updated modern rooms. The design and comfort is impeccable. Large room and bathroom, but not so large that it isn’t cozy. Perfect in my opinion. The onsite dining options are fantastic for world class breakfast lunch and dinner at very reasonable prices. And the coffee is amazing. There were a couple of quirks in the room—the sound of trickling water whenever the ac turned...

David Morrow

An indoor swimming pool with a 30 ft depth sign, a reception area, and a 'No Lifeguard' warning sign.

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

West Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Ann

A sunroom with a glass ceiling, wicker furniture, and potted plants.

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Southwestern Hills

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with two chairs, a city view, and a bathroom with a mirror and sink.

Homewood Suites By Hilton Urbandale Des Moines

Urbandale

10/10 Excellent

Jerad

An outdoor seating area with yellow chairs and a colorful sofa, a fire pit, and a wooden ceiling with hanging lights.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Drake

10/10 Excellent

FNU

A modern lounge area with a grey sofa, red chairs, and round tables.

Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines

Grimes

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

A modern hotel lobby with a round coffee table, sofas, and a TV mounted on the wall.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

A hotel with a reflection in a calm body of water, surrounded by open fields.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Altoona

10/10 Excellent

We love this hotel! We've stayed 2-3 times in the last couple of years. This last time was the best, starting with Michelle, who checked us into the hotel. She was so friendly, knowledgeable, and just great in representing the hotel. Our room was fantastic, beds were so comfortable even after a full day at Adventureland. The shower had multiple adjustments, and it had these awesome shampoo, conditioner, and body wash pumps on the wall of the shower - they smelled wonderful! The pool/whirlpool...

Anonymous traveler

A modern bar with wooden shelves and a long counter.

Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Serenity

An outdoor patio area with wicker furniture, a fire pit, and a view of the building's exterior.

Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG

Ankeny

10/10 Excellent

The staff and front desk were amazing. We had a slight issue with our toilet in the room let the front desk know and it was fixed by the time we got back. The full kitchen came in handy since many nights we were gone late and we left early mornings before breakfast was served. I called the front desk the day we left after we got home and they were willing to go above and beyond to help find something that we thought we had left behind but we ended up finding it, but service was second to...

Leslie Ann