Hotels in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Hotels near Des Moines, Iowa
Swipe to find hotels on the map.
- 1
Hotel Fort Des Moines Curio Collection by Hilton
- 2
Surety Hotel Autograph Collection
- 3
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
- 4
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
- 5
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
- 6
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- 7
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
- 8
AC Hotel Des Moines East Village
- 9
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- 10
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
- 11
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
- 12
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
- 13
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
- 14
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
- 15
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Booking with a group?
9+ rooms unlocks group rates — save up to 70%, everyone pays separately.
Which hotel fits best?
Best brands for team travel and amenities that actually matter.
What's around Des Moines?
Where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
15 Hotels in Des Moines
Multiple hotel sources, one search — rates you won't find on a single booking site.
Hotel Fort Des Moines Curio Collection by Hilton
The hotel provides Curio Collection's signature blend of independent character and systematic group support for teams navigating unfamiliar destinations.
- Indoor corridors provide secure navigation for unfamiliar hotel layout
- In-room charging stations for multiple devices after long city days
- Connecting rooms keep families and groups together in unfamiliar surroundings
Surety Hotel Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels provide the thoughtful service and authentic local flavor that keeps multi-night group stays organized and memorable.
- On-site restaurant provides reliable dining without exploring unknown neighborhood options
- Common areas offer natural gathering spots for group coordination meetings
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in an unfamiliar city
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Holiday Inn Express delivers the reliable coordination hub your group needs to stay organized and energized throughout your city stay.
- Meeting space provides private areas for group planning sessions
- Connecting rooms keep families together while maintaining privacy during city stays
- Meeting space allows teams to gather and plan daily itineraries
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
When managing a group in an unfamiliar city, Staybridge Suites delivers the organized foundation that keeps everyone aligned and trips running smoothly.
- Fitness center maintains workout routines without researching city gym options
- Complimentary parking simplifies vehicle logistics in downtown areas
- Meeting spaces provide gathering spots for group planning sessions
Home2 Suites Des Moines at Drake University
Home2 Suites delivers the thoughtful layout and group-friendly spaces that make coordinating travel logistics effortless for visiting teams.
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for extended city stays
- Common areas provide regrouping space for families exploring separately
- Complimentary breakfast covers one meal while exploring unfamiliar dining options
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the structured foundation that turns scattered city travel into streamlined group coordination.
- Multiple phone lines help coordinate group plans across the city
- Mobile check-in bypasses the front desk when arriving from long travel days
- Spacious dining area accommodates large groups planning their next city adventure
Booking 9+ rooms in Des Moines? Get group rates.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Marriott Hotels & Resorts ensures your team's city adventure runs smoothly, providing the consistency and coordination that keeps everyone focused on what matters most.
- Smart TV connectivity lets guests access personal accounts and content
- Coffee station serves fresh brew throughout early morning departure windows
- Spacious lobby creates natural gathering spots for group coordination meetings
AC Hotel Des Moines East Village
AC Hotels by Marriott offers the thoughtful design and reliable service framework that helps groups navigate unfamiliar cities together.
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
- On-site restaurant provides reliable dinner option without venturing out
- Meeting space gives groups dedicated area for planning city activities
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Marriott Hotels & Resorts delivers the reliable foundation groups need to navigate unfamiliar cities while creating memorable moments that extend beyond game day.
- USB charging stations keep devices powered for navigation and group coordination
- Business center provides early morning printing for itineraries and directions
- On-site restaurant simplifies dinner planning for multi-day city visits
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
Residence Inn eliminates the scattered feeling of city group travel by creating a central hub that keeps teams organized.
- Indoor pool offers reliable recreation regardless of unpredictable city weather
- Fitness center maintains routines when travel disrupts normal schedules
- Meeting spaces offer private areas for trip planning discussions
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Hampton by Hilton transforms chaotic city trips into coordinated experiences where every team member knows the plan and stays connected.
- Meeting space gives groups a private place to plan daily activities
- Indoor pool provides familiar recreation when exploring an unfamiliar city
- Multiple outlets accommodate everyone's devices and charging needs
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Comfort Suites delivers the reliability and coordination support that group organizers need when managing multiple rooms across multiple nights.
- Guest laundry facilities support extended stays without overpacking
- Indoor pool offers reliable recreation regardless of local weather conditions
- In-suite kitchenettes allow flexible meal timing around planned city activities
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Hampton by Hilton eliminates the guesswork of group city travel by creating a reliable home base that keeps everyone organized.
- Complimentary hot breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
- Fitness center maintains routines while navigating new territory for days
- Free WiFi keeps groups connected while exploring different city areas
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
Renaissance Hotels transforms group coordination chaos into organized success, ensuring every team member stays informed and engaged throughout multi-day tournaments.
- Connecting rooms keep families and groups together in unfamiliar surroundings
- Fitness center maintains routines without scouting local gym options
- Complimentary parking removes daily city navigation and meter concerns
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn by Wyndham delivers reliable basics that eliminate guesswork when managing group stays in unfamiliar cities.
- Free parking removes downtown navigation stress for visiting drivers
- Connecting rooms keep families and teams organized across multiple nights
- Bus and oversize vehicle parking accommodates larger traveling groups
Des Moines, Iowa Travel Guide
Where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
City Overview
Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city with about 215,000 people in the city proper and over 700,000 in the metro area. It's a surprisingly modern, clean city that punches above its weight in amenities and sports facilities. The downtown core sits where the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers meet, creating a compact, walkable business district surrounded by well-planned suburbs.
The city is known for insurance headquarters, excellent youth sports infrastructure, and being more cosmopolitan than you'd expect. Des Moines has invested heavily in sports tourism over the past decade, building top-tier facilities that regularly host regional and national tournaments. The sports scene revolves around baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball, with facilities that rival much larger metros.
What makes Des Moines great for tournament families is the manageable size - you're never more than 20 minutes from anywhere - combined with big-city amenities like diverse restaurants, multiple hotel clusters, and entertainment options. It's the kind of place where tournaments run smoothly because the infrastructure works and people are genuinely helpful.
Getting Around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is about 10 minutes south of downtown and serves most major carriers. It's a clean, efficient airport that's easy to navigate - perfect for teams traveling with equipment. Uber and Lyft operate throughout the metro with good availability, though you might wait 5-10 minutes in outer suburbs during off-peak hours.
Des Moines has limited public transit (DART buses), so plan on rideshare or rental cars. All major rental companies operate at the airport. The city sits at the intersection of I-35 and I-80, making highway access excellent. Traffic is rarely a major issue - rush hour might add 10 minutes to your drive, not an hour.
Typical drive times: Airport to downtown (12 minutes), downtown to west side sports complexes (15 minutes), north side to south side (25 minutes). The I-235 loop runs east-west through the city and connects to both major interstates, making it your go-to route for getting around quickly. Parking is generally easy and affordable, even downtown.
Where to Stay
West Des Moines is the tournament hotel capital, with multiple clusters along I-35 and I-80. The Jordan Creek area offers the newest hotels near the massive mall and restaurants, while the I-35 corridor has more budget-friendly options. Both put you within 15 minutes of most sports venues and offer easy highway access.
Downtown has fewer hotel options but works well if your tournament is at Principal Park or you want walkable nightlife. The Airport area makes sense for fly-in teams with early departures, and several newer hotels there offer competitive group rates. Ankeny, just northeast of Des Moines, has become a tournament hotspot due to proximity to multiple complexes and newer hotel stock.
Avoid staying on the far east or south sides unless your specific venue is there - you'll add unnecessary drive time to everything else. The sweet spot for most tournaments is the West Des Moines/Clive area where you can walk to dinner and still be close to sports facilities.
Sports & Recreation
Principal Park downtown is home to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A baseball) and hosts numerous tournaments and showcases. The Cownie Soccer Complex on the south side features 12 full-size fields and regularly hosts major regional soccer tournaments. Heritage Carousel Sports Complex in nearby Urbandale offers indoor basketball and volleyball courts alongside outdoor fields.
The Iowa Events Center downtown includes Wells Fargo Arena (home to Iowa Wild hockey) and Hy-Vee Hall, which hosts wrestling tournaments, volleyball championships, and basketball events. Ankeny's Prairie Ridge Sports Complex is a newer facility that's become a tournament favorite with excellent baseball and softball diamonds plus indoor training facilities.
Des Moines has built a reputation for hosting clean, well-run tournaments across all major youth sports. The city actively courts sports tourism, meaning facilities are maintained to high standards and tournament logistics tend to run smoothly. Baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball dominate the tournament calendar, with wrestling and volleyball also having strong presences during their seasons.
Things to Do
The Iowa State Capitol offers free tours and sits on a hill with great city views - perfect for a quick team photo op. Adventureland Park in nearby Altoona is a full-scale amusement park that's perfect for team bonding days, while Prairie Meadows racetrack and casino offers dining and entertainment for adults.
Downtown's Science Center of Iowa works well for families with younger kids, and the Des Moines Art Center is surprisingly impressive with free admission. The Principal Riverwalk connects downtown attractions and offers an easy way to walk off team dinners. Gray's Lake Park has walking trails and paddle boat rentals when weather cooperates.
For active teams with extra energy, Jester Park offers disc golf, hiking trails, and a beach on Saylorville Lake. TopGolf in West Des Moines is perfect for team gatherings, and multiple escape rooms and laser tag facilities provide indoor entertainment options regardless of weather.
Food & Drink
Des Moines has a surprisingly strong food scene anchored by the Court Avenue entertainment district downtown. Zombie Burger is a local chain that's perfect for teams - creative burgers, milkshakes, and a fun atmosphere. Tasty Tacos is the local Mexican fast-food institution that every Des Moines kid grows up eating.
For team dinners, HuHot Mongolian Grill works well for large groups with dietary restrictions, while Granite City Food & Brewery offers a full sports bar experience. Machine Shed serves massive portions of comfort food that appeals to hungry athletes. The Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines has several family-friendly restaurants within walking distance of each other.
Chain restaurants are abundant, especially in West Des Moines along Mills Civic Parkway and around Jordan Creek Town Center. For quick eats near sports venues, Casey's General Store is the local gas station chain famous for surprisingly good pizza. Coffee shops include the usual suspects plus local favorites like Ritual Cafe and Mars Cafe.
Shopping & Entertainment
Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines is the premier shopping destination - a massive outdoor mall with 180+ stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. It's where most tournament families end up for team gear, forgotten essentials, or killing time between games. Merle Hay Mall on the north side is older but convenient if you're staying in that area.
Downtown's Court Avenue comes alive at night with restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Wooly's and Hoyt Sherman Place host concerts and events. For family entertainment, Chuck E. Cheese, Dave & Buster's, and multiple movie theater locations provide standard options.
Outlets at Prairie Trail in Ankeny offers discount shopping that's convenient to several sports complexes. For unique local finds, Historic Valley Junction has antique shops and local boutiques. Most hotel areas have nearby strip centers with Target, Walmart, and sporting goods stores for last-minute needs.
Weather & Packing
Iowa weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers regardless of season. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms - bring rain gear for outdoor tournaments and expect lightning delays. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant tournament weather but can swing 40 degrees in a day. Pack both shorts and sweatshirts for March-May and September-October trips.
Winter tournaments mean serious cold - December through February regularly see sub-zero temperatures and snow. Most winter sports happen indoors, but you'll still need heavy coats for getting between venues and hotels. Wind is a constant factor year-round, especially at outdoor facilities, so pack windbreakers even in summer.
Peak tournament season runs April through October, with July being the busiest and hottest month. Indoor facilities mean you can play year-round, but outdoor tournament season effectively ends in October and doesn't resume until April. Always check weather forecasts before packing - Iowa can surprise you with an unexpected heat wave in October or a random cold snap in May.
Local Tips
Parking downtown costs $1-5 per day at meters and lots, but many hotels include parking in their rates. Tournament venues typically offer free parking. Get familiar with the I-235 loop - it's your fastest route across the city and connects to both I-35 and I-80. The ParkWhiz app can save money on downtown parking if you're spending time in the city center.
Local grocery chains Hy-Vee and Fareway are everywhere and often cheaper than national chains for snacks and drinks. Casey's pizza is legitimately good and available at gas stations throughout the area - perfect for quick team meals. Most locals are genuinely friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations.
Book hotels early during Iowa State Fair (mid-August) and RAGBRAI (late July) when the city fills up. Spring and summer weekends book quickly due to tournament activity. Tipping 15-20% is standard at restaurants, and most places accept cards everywhere. The city is very safe, but like anywhere, keep valuables locked in cars and hotel rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions travelers ask before booking in Des Moines — answered with the specifics you actually need.
Questions Travelers Ask What people want to know before booking in Des Moines
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa are good for families?
Several hotels in Des Moines, Iowa are well-suited for families. Des Moines Marriott Downtown (0.16 mi, from $201/night), Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (0.17 mi, from $181/night), and Surety Hotel Autograph Collection (0.21 mi, from $236/night) all offer suites, connecting rooms, a pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa are good for team or group travel?
Several hotels in Des Moines, Iowa accommodate team and group travel. Des Moines Marriott Downtown (0.16 mi, from $201/night), Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (0.17 mi, from $181/night), and Surety Hotel Autograph Collection (0.21 mi, from $236/night) all offer meeting space, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Des Moines, Iowa?
Yes — Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport (5.57 mi, from $67/night) is a budget-friendly option in Des Moines, Iowa, with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Are there extended-stay hotels in Des Moines, Iowa?
Yes — Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown (0.65 mi, from $134/night), Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG (0.89 mi, from $107/night), and Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University (2.75 mi, from $111/night) are all extended-stay properties in Des Moines, Iowa, with full kitchens and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa are great for a weekend getaway?
Several hotels in Des Moines, Iowa are ideal for a weekend getaway. Des Moines Marriott Downtown (0.16 mi, from $201/night), Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (0.17 mi, from $181/night), and Surety Hotel Autograph Collection (0.21 mi, from $236/night) all offer a pool and on-site dining.
Hotel Amenities & Features Pools, breakfast, pet policies, and more
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa offer free breakfast?
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown (0.65 mi, from $134/night), Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown (0.7 mi, from $136/night), and Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center (0.86 mi, from $114/night) include complimentary breakfast.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa offer free parking?
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown (0.7 mi, from $136/night), Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center (0.86 mi, from $114/night), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG (0.88 mi, from $103/night) offer complimentary parking.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa have an outdoor pool?
Surety Hotel Autograph Collection (0.21 mi, from $236/night) and Hotel Fort Des Moines Curio Collection by Hilton (0.47 mi, from $892/night) have an outdoor pool.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa have suites or extra space?
Des Moines Marriott Downtown (0.16 mi, from $201/night), Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (0.17 mi, from $181/night), and Surety Hotel Autograph Collection (0.21 mi, from $236/night) offer suite-style rooms with extra living space.
Which hotels in Des Moines, Iowa have a full in-room kitchen?
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown (0.65 mi, from $134/night), Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG (0.89 mi, from $107/night), and Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University (2.75 mi, from $111/night) offer rooms with a full kitchen — stove, full-size fridge, and dishwasher.
Ready to book in Des Moines?
15 hotels to choose from. Lowest rate guarantee, flexible cancellation on most rooms, and a support team that gets sports travel.