For visitors who want to spend time at the Iowa State Fairground, either to see the livestock sales, flea markets or various other shows such as trade or antique shows, that come to the fairground throughout the year, think about staying at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairground. This 2-star hotel is located next to the fairground and the surrounding area has a range of restaurants and bars. Ensure you check the program for the Iowa State Fairground beforehand to see what’s on.

For golfers visiting Des Moines, why not stay in the Holiday Inn Express Des Moines at Drake University? This 2-star hotel is a 6-minute drive from the Waveland Golf Course, which is an 18-hole course established in 1901. The course is the oldest municipal course west of the Mississippi River. The golf course has a Pro Shop at the club house in case you need to stock up on tees or golf balls.

If you want to stay in Downtown Des Moines to be in amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, you could stay at the 3-star Hyatt Palace Des Moines/Downtown, which is near various restaurants, shops and the Downtown Farmers’ Market of Des Moines. This area also boasts live music acts and shows, especially during the summer months.

Wanting to explore the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and visit the gardens afterwards? Consider booking the Embassy Suites Hilton Des Moines, located on the bank of the Des Moines River. This 3-star hotel is a 1-minute drive away from the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates – a museum dedicated to a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was renowned for creating food programs to eliminate hunger.

If you want to explore the historical background of Des Moines, you could stay in the East Village, which is home to the Iowa State Capital Building and the State of Iowa Historical Museum. The 3-star AC Hotel Des Moines East Village is located within the East Village and from here you can wander around the area and take a look at some of the listed buildings.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Des Moines

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The Hilton Des Moines Downtown provides an indoor swimming pool for guests as well as a business center for guest use. Another option with an indoor swimming pool is the 2-star Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport, which is less than a mile away from the airport.

The Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport hotel is a 3-star hotel under 10 miles away from the center of Des Moines which offers a free airport shuttle for the 2 miles journey to the hotel. Another option closer to the center of Des Moines, with a view of the river, is the Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center.

The 4-star Des Moines Marriott Downtown is situated a 4-minute drive away from the Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater. A 3-star option is the Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown, which is just 3 minutes away by car.

The 4-star Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, which is located under a mile away from the Iowa State Capitol Building, offers a complimentary continental style breakfast on a daily basis. Another hotel that includes breakfast is the 3-star Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Airport, which is located a 15-minute drive from the center.