RAMADA TROPICS RESORT & CONF CENTER BY WYNDHAM DES MOINES - Urbandale IA 5000 Merle Hay Rd 50322

5000 Merle Hay Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322 United States

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near Exit 131 on I-35 (~0.1mi)

Near Merle Hay Mall

5.8

Excellent

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Call to book 1-800-219-2797

Group Sales: 1-800-906-2871

This hotel features a water park, indoor pool, and a bar/lounge, making it a fun and relaxing destination for families and leisure travelers.

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Free WiFi

Free continental breakfast

Free RV, bus, truck parking

Fitness facilities

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Reviews

"Staff was wonderful"

The staff especially Unique was wonderful. The employees on the pool area were attentive and helpful. I would recommend for future use. Our experience with ths staff was wonderful.

Leslee S. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room)

Verified Review, stayed from Sun Apr 26 to Mon Apr 27 2026 at a $84.15 average nightly rate.

"Fit my needs desires very well"

Such a pleasant experience. Unique at the desk she was an exceptional representative of this hotel! Thank you!

Lyle J. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room)

Verified Review, stayed from Sat Feb 21 to Sun Feb 22 2026 at a $137.53 average nightly rate.

"one washcloth for two people coffee pot brokenn."

I was really disappointed in the housekeeper staff's preparation for the next guests!

Randy B. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room)

Verified Review, stayed from Wed Aug 06 to Thu Aug 07 2025 at a $118.99 average nightly rate.

"We loved it."

We plan on coming back.

Pam W. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room)

Verified Review, stayed from Sun Jul 06 to Mon Jul 07 2025 at a $112.99 average nightly rate.

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Property Description

Located in Urbandale, Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines is within a 10-minute drive of Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Buccaneer Arena. This family-friendly hotel is 5.1 mi (8.2 km) from Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Enjoy a meal at Castaways Grill, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Unwind at the end of the day with a drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Make yourself at home in one of the 166 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and microwaves, as well as phones with free local calls.

Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.

Broadlawns Medical Center - 3.9 mi
Drake University - 4.3 mi
Valley West Mall - 4.5 mi
Zoo Lounge - 4.7 mi
Science Center of Iowa - 4.7 mi
Des Moines Arts Center - 4.7 mi
Salisbury House - 5.1 mi
Hoyt Sherman Place - 5.3 mi
Blank Children's Hospital - 5.3 mi
Terrace Hill - 5.3 mi
Veterans Memorial Auditorium - 5.6 mi
Des Moines Public Library - 5.6 mi
801 Grand - 5.7 mi
Wells Fargo Arena - 5.7 mi
Iowa Events Center - 5.7 mi
Des Moines Botanical Center - 5.8 mi
Polk County Convention Complex - 5.8 mi
Walnut Street Bridge - 6.0 mi
Iowa Science Center - 6.2 mi
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum - 6.2 mi
Iowa Historical Museum - 6.2 mi
Metropolitan Medical Center - 6.4 mi
Iowa State Capitol Building - 6.4 mi
Principal Park - 6.4 mi
Sec Taylor Stadium - 6.5 mi
Saylorville Lake - 6.8 mi
Jordan Creek Town Center - 7.8 mi
West Des Moines Holiday Inn and Suites - 7.9 mi
Kingsway Christian College - 7.9 mi
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 8.3 mi
Fort Des Moines Memorial Park - 8.3 mi
Compassion Bible College - 8.3 mi
Iowa State Fairgrounds - 8.6 mi
James W. Crownie Sports Complex - 9.0 mi
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park - 9.6 mi
Blank Park Zoo - 9.8 mi
Adventureland - 10.3 mi
Big Creek State Park - 10.3 mi
Summerset Winery - 17.4 mi
National Balloon Museum - 20.3 mi

Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Urbandale? This hotel has 10000 square feet (929 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.

Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including a water park, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, an arcade/game room, and gift shops/newsstands.

As the only resort with a full indoor waterpark, the Ramada Tropics Resort Conference Center is the most family-friendly hotel in Des Moines. With an incredible 10,000-square-foot aquatic playground, you can climb our 40 ft. pirate ship, rocket down two different 160 ft. water slides, and get your game on in our water basketball and volleyball pools. Even the smallest of swimmers will have fun splashing in the zero-depth entry pool. Once you need a break from the water, slide over to the arcade game room, poolside tiki bar, or onsite restaurant and bar. Conveniently located off I-35 and I-80, our pet-friendly hotel is just minutes from west and downtown Des Moines, thrilling rides at Adventureland amusement park, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. All our 166 rooms & suites feature a microwave & mini refrigerator. Included with your room are waterpark wristbands, free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. Poolside rooms, hot tub suites, and handicapped-accessible rooms are also available. Our conference center includes our main ballroom, which can seat up to 350 guests and can be sub-divided into three rooms. We also offer 4 additional breakout rooms ranging from 450-980 square feet.

Local Attractions

Prairie Meadows Race Track & Casino, Adventureland Amusement Park, Saylorville Lake, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Merle Hay Mall, Wells Fargo Arena, Blank Park Zoo, Principal Park Stadium (Iowa Cubs AAA Baseball), KGGO Arena (Des Moines Buccaneers).

Details / Other Expenses

Check-In 4:00 PM

Check-Out 11:00 AM

Year of Last Renovation: 2009

Floors: 2

Rooms: 166

Corridors: All Rooms Have Interior Hallways

Non Smoking Rooms: 166

Handicap Rooms: 7

Suites: 18

Room Windows: Windows Don't Open

Cleaning Frequency: Daily

Meeting Rooms: 6

Dist. to Food/Bars: 0.3 Mi

Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: 0.3 Mi

Dist. to Nearest Gym: On-site

Ownership: Wyndham

Nightly Parking: Free

Total Taxes: 12.00%

Total Misc Fees: $0.00 USD

Cancellation: 24 hours

Check-In Instructions:

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

Amenities / Features

24-hour business center
24-hour front desk
ATM/banking
Arcade/game room
Assistive listening devices available
At least 80% of all lighting comes from LEDs
Ballroom
Banquet hall
Braille or raised signage
Business center
Change of bed sheets (on request)
Change of towels (on request)
Check In: 4:00 PM
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Children's pool
Coin laundry on site
Computer station
Conference center
Conference space
Conference space size (feet) - 10000
Conference space size (meters) - 929
Daily
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Elevator
Fitness facilities
Free RV, bus, truck parking
Free WiFi
Free breakfast
Free continental breakfast
Free self parking
Gift shops or newsstand
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Housekeeping on request
Laundry facilities
Maximum number of pets per room 1
Meeting rooms
No accessible shuttle
Number of bars/lounges - 1
Number of indoor pools - 1
Number of poolside bars - 1
Number of restaurants - 1
Only dogs are allowed
Pet max weight (per pet) in kg is 14
Pet max weight (per pet) in lb is 30
Pets allowed
Professional property host/manager
Property does not require health documentation at check-in
Recycling
Service animals are allowed
Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions
Smoke-free property
Television in common areas
Vending machine
Water park
Waterslide
Wedding services
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair accessible parking
Wheelchair accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
Wheelchair-accessible meeting spaces/business center
Wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Airport & Shuttle Info

Des Moines International Airport, located 15- 20 minutes SE. of the Hotel. One way taxi charges approximately $40.00. No shuttle service available.

Sorry, no airport shuttle available.

Local Shuttle Info: Not available.

Breakfast Information

Complimentary continental breakfast buffet served daily.

Pet Friendly?

Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.

$20 per pet, per night.

Maximum number of pets per room 1

Pet max weight (per pet) in lb is 30

Pet max weight (per pet) in kg is 14

Service animals are allowed

Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Only dogs are allowed

Pets allowed

Parking Info

Free parking, over 500 spots.

Internet / WiFi

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel.

Pet fee: USD 20 per pet, per night Service animals are exempt from fees Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per day The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
Contactless check-out is available.

Contactless check-out is available

Cashless transactions are available

Free high-speed wireless internet access in the U.S. and Canada

San Francisco Soap company bath amenities

Conference meeting spaces available based on location

Ramada Limited Hotels offer free breakfast and swimming pools

Ramada Hotels offer on-site restaurants or a-la-carte food services

Ramada Plaza Hotels are located near major city centers and airports. They also offer a vaariety of on-site restaurants and lounges, conference space and banquet facilities

The Ramada highlights above are subject to change without notice.

Suggested AI Generated Itinerary

Day 1

Breakfast PerKup Cafe - A cozy cafe serving delicious breakfast options. Located 1 mile from the hotel.

Lunch Fong's Pizza - Unique pizza flavors with a Chinese twist. Located 5 miles from the hotel.

Dinner Jethro's BBQ n' Pork Chop Grill - Famous for their BBQ and pork chop dishes. Located 2.5 miles from the hotel.

Activity Adventureland Park - An amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions. Located 10 miles from the hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast Scenic Route Bakery - A charming bakery offering freshly baked goods. Located 3 miles from the hotel.

Lunch Zombie Burger + Drink Lab - A quirky burger joint with creative burger options. Located 6 miles from the hotel.

Dinner Centro - A trendy Italian restaurant with a modern atmosphere. Located 8 miles from the hotel.

Activity Pappajohn Sculpture Park - An outdoor park showcasing contemporary sculptures. Located 7 miles from the hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast La Mie Bakery - A French-inspired bakery serving delicious pastries. Located 4 miles from the hotel.

Lunch Malo - A Mexican restaurant offering flavorful dishes and margaritas. Located 7 miles from the hotel.

Dinner 801 Chophouse - A high-end steakhouse known for its prime cuts of meat. Located 9 miles from the hotel.

Activity Des Moines Art Center - A renowned art museum featuring a diverse collection. Located 6 miles from the hotel.

Frequent Questions

FAQs about Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

What time is check in?

Check in time is 4:00 PM based on the hotel's local time. Early check in may be available if requested at the front desk on the day of check-in.

What time is check out?

Check out time is 11:00 AM based on the hotel's local time. Late check out may be available if requested at the front desk during your stay.

How many rooms does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines have?

There are 166 rooms in the property.

Is there any meeting space at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Yes, they have 6 meeting rooms that can support various table layouts.

What kind of breakfast is at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Complimentary continental breakfast buffet served daily.

What parking is available at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Free parking, over 500 spots.

How much does internet cost?

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel.

Is there a gym at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Yes, there is a gym/fitness area available on-site at the property.

Is there a pool at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Yes, there is a pool on-site at the property. Our waterpark is 18,000 square feet of wet-n-wild fun for everyone. There are four pools, a hot tub, two 160 ft. tube slides, 40 ft. pirate ship, zero depth entry pool, water basketball & volleyball, sandy beaches, and a pool-side Tiki Bar. Hours vary throughout the week and seasons.

Is Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines pet friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed. Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.

Is there shuttle service at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Des Moines International Airport, located 15- 20 minutes SE. of the Hotel. One way taxi charges approximately $40.00. No shuttle service available.

Meeting Space

Meeting Rooms and Banquet Rooms at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Below are the meeting, banquet, conference and event spaces at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines.

Feel free to use the Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines meeting space capacities chart below to help in your event planning. Hotel Planner specializes in Urbandale event planning for sleeping rooms and meeting space for corporate events, weddings, parties, conventions, negotiated rates and trade shows.

Banquet

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