Find hotels in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines

Top reasons to visit Downtown Des Moines

• Vibrant Entertainment: Experience a mix of events at the arena and various leisure activities perfect for families and business travelers.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover historic civic buildings and enjoy local events that showcase the city's rich heritage.
• Shopping and Dining: Explore diverse shopping centers and enjoy a variety of dining options in a lively atmosphere.
• Charming Neighborhoods: Stroll through friendly streets and charming neighborhoods, offering stunning city views.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from modern hotels to cozy motels, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Find great hotels near Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from modern hotels to cozy motels, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with pet-friendly options and LGBTQIA-inclusive experiences. Whether you’re seeking a Hilton property or other downtown hotels, you’ll find comfortable lodging that places you in the heart of this vibrant city, making it easy to explore all that Des Moines has to offer.

• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines offers a budget-friendly lodging experience, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a comfortable yet economical stay. Located 11km from Downtown Des Moines, this hotel caters to pet owners and business travelers alike. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly policies, allowing certain pets onsite with conditions. Amenities include essential kitchen facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center, ensuring both convenience and comfort during your stay. The welcoming atmosphere and practical services make it a solid option for those traveling with furry companions.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Situated just 5km from Downtown Des Moines, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is a family-friendly hotel boasting a commendable guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This budget-conscious accommodation is well-suited for families and business travelers, offering amenities specifically designed for children, including free cribs and child-friendly services. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area or attending meetings.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University: Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University stands out with its impressive guest rating of 9.4 out of 10 and just 3km from Downtown Des Moines. This 3-star hotel appeals to business travelers and pet owners, featuring spacious suites equipped with kitchens and modern amenities. The hotel allows pets with specific policies, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. Additional features include an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast, creating a relaxed and functional atmosphere perfect for both work and leisure.

Where to stay near Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly attractions, business hubs, and entertainment options. Explore its lively streets filled with friendly locals, stunning city views, and charming neighborhoods. Just minutes from the heart of the city, West Des Moines invites you to discover its unique atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and romance. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, Downtown Des Moines is sure to provide a memorable experience.

• Des Moines: As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the heart of the Midwest. Downtown Des Moines is bustling with activity, offering a mix of family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Visitors can explore shopping malls, the fairgrounds, and various local landmarks such as event conference venues and modern universities. The city experiences peak visitor numbers from June to August, making it an ideal time for outdoor festivals and events.
• Court District: Located a mere 483m from Downtown Des Moines, the Court District is an energetic neighborhood that attracts visitors year-round. Known for its entertainment offerings, this area boasts an array of venues including an arena for live events and an arts center. Visitors can enjoy family outings and business-related activities, while also being close to sports facilities and convention centers. The Court District sees its busiest months from June to August, providing ample opportunities for summer fun.
• Historic East Village: Just 1km from Downtown Des Moines, the Historic East Village is a charming neighborhood rich in culture and history. This area is popular for its unique shopping experiences and entertainment options, including an arena and shopping centers. With a blend of family, city-themed, and business experiences, the Historic East Village is always bustling. Visitors can take advantage of the nearby event venues and scenic lakes, especially during the peak travel season from June to August.

Things to do in Downtown Des Moines

Shopping

In Downtown Des Moines, explore the trendy shops at the Des Moines Farmers' Market, showcasing local crafts and unique gifts. Nearby, the shops at East Village offer a blend of boutiques and specialty stores, perfect for finding memorable souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at the Wellmark YMCA, where you can enjoy fitness classes, swimming, and relaxation areas. Nearby, the Des Moines Botanical Garden offers serene paths and stunning plant displays, perfect for a leisurely stroll and rejuvenation in nature.

Adventure

Explore the Des Moines Riverwalk for scenic views and outdoor activities like biking and jogging. Enjoy a thrilling experience at the Science Center of Iowa, featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium. For a unique adventure, check out the Downtown Farmers' Market for local flavors and crafts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Social Club on 4th Street, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere. For a laid-back vibe, visit the High Life Lounge on Ingersoll Avenue, featuring classic bar fare and local brews, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

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 drop. Mondays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by price and type, focusing on eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Don’t forget to seek out promo codes and exclusive discounts to enhance your budget further, and enjoy free activities available throughout the city.

• 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize other preferences. You can easily arrange the results from lowest to highest prices, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, ready for booking.
• 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 is a great destination for families and business travelers alike, offering a mix of entertainment and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore historic civic buildings, enjoy fun at amusement parks, and attend events at fairgrounds. With a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking family-friendly activities, Downtown Des Moines delivers a memorable vacation experience for everyone.

• Iowa State Capitol Building: This stunning historic government building features a breathtaking golden dome and intricate architectural details. Visitors can explore its rich history and enjoy guided tours that showcase Iowa's legislative process and heritage.
• Des Moines Civic Center: A hub for the performing arts, this vibrant venue hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and local performances. Its modern design and excellent acoustics enhance the cultural experience for art lovers.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located 6km from downtown, this lively fairground is known for its annual state fair. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor activities, delicious food, and various entertainment options throughout the year.

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	Slightly High
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	Average
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, with Des Moines International Airport (DSM) located only 6km away. Recommended hotels near DSM include the 4.5-star Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, both easily accessible from the airport. For further options, Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is situated 148km away, with nearby accommodations such as the 3.5-star Black Hawk Hotel and the Isle Casino Hotel - Waterloo. Additionally, Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD), located 117km away, offers options like the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center. Transportation services are readily available from these hotels to their respective airports.