The Des Moines center point is approximately the area of Walnut Street Bridge and the area of Iowa Events Center.
People travel to Des Moines year-round for various reasons. However, the most popular time to visit this city is during summer because of the warm weather in the mid 70s to 80s. Several festivals happen in Des Moines between July and August, and you can take advantage of the biking trails and parks without the need for a jacket. The East Village is always a great place to visit.
Fall is also a wonderful time to visit Des Moines because of the foliage. There are several gardens and parks throughout the city that have flowers and other plants on display. You can spend hours taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful landscape. Most people don't visit Des Moines during the winter, but there are skiing and snowmobiling options for those who want to do that.
If you're an AAA member, a senior citizen, or you serve in the armed forces, you can receive discounted rates at certain hotels in Des Moines. Discount options are available from the Embassy Suites Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, Quality Inn & Suites Event, and Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Downtown. Of course, you can ask any hotel where you want to stay if they offer special discounts — it doesn't hurt to ask. Check out HotelPlanner.com for a quick list of hotels that offer these types of discounts.
Des Moines Marriott Downtown is one of the more upscale hotel offerings in the city, but you can stay there affordably if you can get a discount. It is family friendly and business-friendly. Plus, it is part of the Marriott Rewards Program, so you can save money if you are a member. Also, ask about AAA discounts and discounts for seniors. Many of the rooms at the Marriott provide great city views, along with all the deluxe accommodations you'd expect from a hotel. The earlier you book this hotel, the more money you can save.
If you're looking for a midrange hotel that offers great value, the Hyatt Place hotel is located in downtown Des Moines. This gives guests easy access to downtown's skywalk system, as well as the East Village. The location of the Hyatt Place definitely adds value to this hotel. The furnishings and decorations at the Hyatt Place are modern and comfortable and guests will enjoy the on-site amenities, including a pool and fitness room.
Another best value option in Des Moines is the Embassy Suites hotel in the downtown area. All of the rooms feature kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, as well as sofabeds, LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, and other nice amenities. The Embassy Suites hotel also has an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool to make your stay better. You can order breakfast for free and enjoy the bar and lounge area in the evening. The Embassy Suites hotel takes care of everything for you, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Even though Des Moines is not a top destination for tourists in the Midwest, there are still plenty of attractions to keep you busy and having fun. Championship golf courses abound, and there are tons of bike trails within the city limits. Des Moines is truly a beautiful place to visit. If you have time during your stay, take a stroll through Better Homes and Gardens' Test Garden and the Botanical Center. Iowa State Fairgrounds is also beautiful and a fun place to go if events are going on.
The art scene in Des Moines also provides plenty of opportunities for tourists. For instance, the Des Moines Art Center displays tons of contemporary artwork, and there is a beautiful landscape outside the door where you can take nice pictures. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park also features artwork from around the world. The park is in the middle of downtown and an easy walk from many of the hotels in Des Moines.
If you're looking for more things to do, you can attend a performance at the Civic Center, visit Blank Park Zoo, find some fun wineries and breweries, or check out some trendy restaurants. The Django restaurant gets rave reviews and Zombie Burger is definitely fun.
Des Moines offers a variety of hotel options to make your stay perfect, whether you're traveling on a tight budget or you're looking for deluxe accommodations that put you in the center of all the action. For convenience, pick a hotel near the downtown area. This will give you the most time to explore all that Des Moines has to offer.
If you want cheap hotels then following are the best options for you. Super 8 Clive in West Des Moines is a successful establishment and many people choose to stay there on return visits to the city, due to its clean, tidy rooms and polite staff. This hotel is pet friendly and also offers free Wi-Fi to its guests. It is within walking distance of many local restaurants and is situated near the main road for quick access to any part of town by car. The AmericInn Hotel and Suites is right next to the international airport of Des Moines, excellent for late night arrivals. It offers a swimming pool and gym, as well as a free breakfast. It is an excellent hotel for those who just want a place to relax after a long day in the city. The Comfort Inn is another good choice if neither of the others take your fancy. These are the best cheap hotels in the city.
The capital of Iowa is a bustling commercial giant, evidently seen by its lights and high rise buildings. Naturally then, Des Moines hotels can cater for even the richest taste. Embassy Suites, in down town Des Moines, is a prime option. When you enter through the glass doors you will be greeted by an atrium that has been lovingly decorated with a five story cascading waterfall, which dominates the center and creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere for all. Just across from the hotel is an ice rink which is open in the winter months and the state capitol complex of Iowa is clearly visible to the East. This hotel has a magical feeling to it, which will make your stay unforgettable. The Double tree hotel and the Marriott Downtown hotel are two more highly respected hotels which are in the center of the city and offer all the comforts you could possibly need.
Independent and boutique hotels in Des Moines don't get much better than The Des Lux Hotel. The lobby is beautiful, with dark wood accents and polished floors. The rooms are very large, with plenty of clean linen and pillows to make yourself comfortable. Huge windows allow plenty of light into your room, making the space feel even larger. The bar and gym are of top quality, and you can even relax around the fireplace in the lobby and listen to some tunes from their piano. The Cozy Rest Motel is another lovely independent hotel to stay at, with a very modest price point while still maintaining quality. Des Moines hotels come in a variety of sizes and types, but I hope this list has helped you choose one that will compliment your trip perfectly.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Des Moines, IA excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Polk
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Jan, 2026 | 31-Dec, 2025 | $121.00 | $80.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Des Moines, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
I lived here for 45 years, leaving for Minneapolis for family reasons, and I miss the place. Since I moved here in 1980, this p lace has grown up. Drake University, across the street, is a first class private school, and there are many good shopping areas, as well as typical college town amenities, concerts, museums,, etc. Iowa State University is 45 minutes away.
It was very near to my destination.
👍
It's nice, lots of restaurants
Was there for a horse show
Shopping!
State capitol building is a must see! Great tour and the law library is amazing!
Everything: size, appearance, safety, cleanliness Sculpture Park, nearby restaurants like Freska (spelling?), Home Grown, Gateway Market, the Civic Center, State Capitol, Grey's Lake, Ingersoll Avenue, El Patio & other eateries, Greenwood Park & Art Museum. Iowa State Fair and fireworks! Des Moines is a great city.*****
It's hard to say I wasn't there long enough. Heading to Missouri after my stay at Comfort Inn
Had to use hospital for a procedure so was easy to get to early AM appointment
Many sightseeing opertunities!
Love staying in that area great restaurants.
We liked the close bus transportation and going to the Iowa State Fair.
The State fair is wonderful Along with the other attractions
The capital and how nice the people are.
We didn't have time to take in the sights but what we did see was nice.
Plenty of places to eat close to the hotel
The casino and Adventure Land
The softball field we played at was a very clean and nice facility that had no fees to watch games.
So many parks and walkways, fireworks were great! Lots of stores were open in the evening during the week - that was pretty cool! Music at the Capital! GOODGUYS CAR SHOW WAS EPIC! President Trump Event with the 250 Anniversary America was epic. We loved eating at Liberty's and the Iowa Taproom for evening meals. We loved that Hyvee was just down the road for Starbucks and Snacks. Scoop Me Up Jay for a ride service was fantastic! The HUGE variety of things to see, do, and just enjoy, was really suprising. We loved it so much we plan to make this an annual event. A great trip!
Easter Lake is amazing!
The art festival, the pedestrian bridge area near the river, and the restaurants.
Love all the old houses and parks and your mall is pretty great.
Des Moines is easy to navigate. I'm there 5-6x/year. Lots to see and do!
Very nice place.
Casino and horse track was great. Their employees were very nice and helpful
The variety of different foods.
Fun bars with great food!
Concert venue.
Great restaurants!
The hotel had an awesome staff, and the room was incredibly clean! I would definitely come back again.
Great restaurants near the hotel!
Love how there are lots of options to eat or spend time.
Near riverwalk and lots of restaurants around. And clean.
Clean and seems safe.
Airport shuttle.
Easy airport access. I live in Iowa and have been to DM many times. The Botanical Garden, Iowa State Capitol, Living History Farms, Adventureland, the Iowa State Fair, nice shopping opportunities!
Easy airport access. I live in Iowa and have been to DM many times. The Botanical Gardens.
Shopping and food!
Great food!
Beautiful!
Busy weekend at the surrounding events. Easy to get around.
Busy weekend at the surrounding events. Easy to get around!
Found a great bar called Kelly's Little Nipper, staff was friendly, food was amazing and great beer choices.
Was there for a funeral...didn't explore the city other than Smokey D's BBQ which was great!
Lots of restaurants.
The restaurant options were good.
The restaurant options were good.
Des Moines is a great city with lots to do!
Close to hospital; had a surgery scheduled the next day.
We liked the restaurants we ate at!
Excellent!
Great place!
Shopping!
Perkins!
The convention center is really pretty and very well kept! I had a nice experience there!
Fun, safe and clean. The people are terrific
Restaurants!
Beautiful city..
Ease of getting around. Plenty to do for any interest.
A lot of places were charging really high because of the fair but this hotel was practical with their pricing.
The concert at the fair was GREAT!
Went to state fair, had a great experience. VFW provided shuttle to the gate.
Motley School Tavern is close and has excellent food!
Stayed at downtown Marriott. Found downtown to be clean with many restaurants in walking distance.
Very close to Iowa annual car show; 15' from the fairgrounds.
West Des Moines is very new and clean (lots of recent growth).
Everything!
The restaurants were amazing. We live in Pella so it was nice to be able to visit our son while staying at the hotel! I really enjoyed the pool and hot tub! Thank you for making our senior dog feel welcome also!
we went to the Iowa Cubs games had a blast took all the kids and grandkids.
Went across the street to Embassy Clue to watch the fireworks!
Des Moines was nice.
Hotel was conveniently located for the wedding venue right next door which was a great advantage for someone not really familiar with the downtown area of Des Moines.
Easy to naviigate
Easy to find your way around.
Restaurants were fairly close to the hotel.
Center of the heartland.
Hotel desk receptionists were welcoming.
Great state wrestling!
Everyone was friendly.
There are tons of bars, restaurants, shopping venues, and some rec/games places really close to Drury at West Glen. Great area in West Des Moines!!
Capital is beautiful!
A lot of fun things to do and I like the airport.
History Museum.
I only stayed because of an early flight out of Des Moines.
Easy to get around. Fun downtown. Great event center.
Beautiful city, very clean with great resturants!
Beautiful city, very clean with great resturants!
Nice variety of place to eat in Des Moines, IA.
Better than average hotel.
Being at the fair and the state capitol.
Music scene and architecture!
Des Moines was bustling with many things to do during the day and a healthy nightlife too! A surprising gem!
The city of Des Moines has a great nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance. There were also some good parks with art sculptures.
The hotel was comfortable, clean and the staff were very helpful.
Ease in getting around. Clean city, Midwest friendly. Some entertainment, restaurants and Dairy Queen close by.
The neighborhood east of the river is a very cool, hipster area. Lots of lovely cafes and lively bars!
I live in Altoona but shop in Des Moines!