Des Moines

Photo of Des Moines
Credit: Image by David Mark from Pixab
Photo of Des Moines
Credit: Image by Tony Walker from Pixa
Photo of Des Moines
Credit: Image by Tony Walker from Pixa
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About Des Moines

Iowa’s capital city is a vibrant destination for keen culture buffs, with a rapidly growing drinking and dining scene perfect for city breaks or lively business trips. Des Moines boasts a range of accommodation options, including swish modern hotels and grand Beaux Arts gems, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Some of the best places to stay in Des Moines are clustered close to the city centre, but we also have a couple of favourites in the more tranquil suburbs. Complimentary shuttle services make zipping downtown a breeze!

Dominated by the imposing, gold-domed Iowa State Capitol Building and the nearby State Historical Museum, the East Village is a marvellous area for a heritage-focused wander. City highlights for art lovers include the Des Moines Art Centre and Pappajohn Sculptural Park, whilst theatre fans can catch a Broadway Show or performance at the Des Moines Civic Centre. Little ones will adore the Science Centre of Iowa, the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Blank Park Zoo.

Soak up the sunshine at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, walk, cycle or run along 800 miles of forested riverside trails, and stock up on fabulous fresh fare at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. There are cafés, bars and eateries aplenty downtown, too. Join the crowds on game day at Principal Park before kicking back at one of the best places to stay in Des Moines.

The Best Places to Stay in Des Moines

For couples

  • Des Lux Hotel is a brilliantly located downtown city pad with glamorous interiors featuring chandeliers, wooden panelling and deep jewel-like tones. The best rooms come with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, there's a superb spa and you can sip terrific martinis at the bar. For well-heeled couples.
  • Surety Hotel promises a glitzy getaway in a Beaux Arts property with sleek interiors. Think lots of brass and velvet in the rooms, plus a tavern-style restaurant and hip bar. For chic couples looking to stay in the heart of the city. Pets are also welcome.

For business travellers

  • The Rewind Hotel offers great deals for fun group getaways, as well as being a well-equipped business base. Interiors are smart and modern, with a swimming pool, 24-hour gym, onsite Italian restaurant and expansive event spaces. Affordable and appealing, with a regular shuttle service to the city centre.
  • Hotel Revel is a cool, contemporary spot in outer Des Moines. Expect modern art pieces and minimalist rooms with space for couples or groups of friends. Great for business trips or city breaks, the hotel has lovely outdoor seating areas with firepits, a fun pool table and meeting spaces for gathering together. The complimentary 5pm drinks help to kick off the party!

For an apartment

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Des Moines International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle into the city centre.
  • Iowa is a wonderful state to explore by road. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for hot, humid summers, with temperatures averaging between 25°C and 32°C. Winters are cold and snowy. Consider visiting in the spring or autumn for slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

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The best hotels in Des Moines

The Rewind Hotel
The Rewind Hotel

Des Moines (Iowa)

Large modern hotel with indoor pool, 24-hour gym, on-site Italian restaurant, shuttle service and fab event facilities. Clean contemporary aesthetic blends bright colour palette and homely decor in well-appointed and light-filled rooms. Works equally well for business trips or relaxing getaways.

  • Business meetings - Grand Ballroom and break out rooms make up 5,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space. Presidential Suite has its own conference room
  • Groups - Great value packages offer fun activities and amenities for hen dos, girly weekends away and relaxing getaways
  • Restaurant - Atmospheric Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse channels 1950s Rat Pack era, serving classic surf, turf and cocktails
  • Sights nearby - Top city sites include Iowa State Capitol, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Living History Farms
from $131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Hotel Fort
Hotel Fort

Des Moines (Iowa)

A Des Moines icon which has been lovingly restored to create a dazzling luxury hotel. Interiors are full of features which bring its grand past to life including retro light fittings and ornate furnishings, yet rooms and suites feel smart and modern. A chic city stay ideal for business or leisure.

  • Local exploring - Situated right in the centre of Des Moines, The Fort is ideally located for exploring all of its highlights
  • Local markets - Des Moines is famous for its farmers' market where you can find the best local produce
  • City Style - Beautiful retro reimagining of an iconic hotel
  • Restaurant - Proudfoot & Bird offers a varied international menu with dishes using the best local produce
from $134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Hotel Revel
Hotel Revel

Des Moines (Iowa)

Cool and contemporary hotel in outer Des Moines. Of-the-moment decor manages to feel both fresh and homely; think modern art, cosy seating areas and a funky terrace. Floor-to-ceiling windows with tree views bathe minimalist-style rooms with natural light. Ideal base for business or short breaks.

  • Business meetings - Bright, light-filled meeting rooms with state-of-the-art tech are great spaces for business and events
  • Restaurant - Relaxed Revel Lounge, just off the lobby, offers light bites, drinks and pool table. Enjoy farm-fresh cuisine from 11am onwards
  • Sights nearby - It's a five minute walk to nearby Living History Farms 500-acre open-air museum dedicated to the state's farming history
  • Great walks - Stretch your legs on the scenic trail around Gray's Lake
from $166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Des Lux Hotel
Des Lux Hotel

Des Moines (Iowa)

A conveniently located hotel with impressive wellness and fitness facilities in Des Moines downtown. Recently renovated, contemporary interiors with historic influences blend glitzy chandeliers, Edwardian-style wooden panelling and deep jewel tones. Select rooms boast fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

  • Romantic Break - Spoil yourselves with a stay in one of the top suites; expect roaring fireplaces, cosy down duvets and two-person whirlpool tubs
  • Local exploring - Des Moines downtown is steps away. Walk in a matter of minutes to restaurants, trendy neighbourhoods, bars and cultural sites
  • Spa - The extensive fitness and wellness area includes whirlpool, sauna, steam room, gym and massage facilities
  • Business meetings - Host meetings and events in the glamorous Presidential Suite & Atrium and Board Room
from $189 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Surety Hotel
Surety Hotel

Des Moines (Iowa)

Contemporary-luxe downtown hotel in iconic Beaux-Arts property. Mid-century interiors give a sleek fresh feel to rooms and suites while double-height ceilings and crown moulding create a welcoming light-filled lounge. Enjoy cityscape views and atmospheric dining at tavern-style restaurant and bar.

  • Business meetings - Five diverse spaces offer venues for functions of all sizes and styles; ballroom, courtyard, meeting rooms and solarium
  • City Style - Successfully combines well-preserved authentic 1913 architectural features with on-trend modern interiors and vibe
  • Restaurant - Mulberry Street Tavern offers contemporary take on classic comfort food in open-kitchen and buzzy bar setting
  • Sights nearby - Visit Iowa State Capital, Botanical Garden, Blank Park Zoo and 1920s Salisbury House
from $193 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms