Grays Lake Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Grays Lake attractions

A park with trees and grass.
Photo by Erik Rowley
Open Photo by Erik Rowley

Water Works Park

Water Works Park is just one of the places to see in Des Moines, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
See properties

Top hotels in Grays Lake

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

3 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,196 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
฿3,196
฿3,579 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"We walked in the lobby to a strong fragrance. It seemed to be some type of air freshener. As soon as we left the lobby, that smell disappeared and we were met with the smell of dampness. It is clear they were trying to cover up whatever the source of the smell was with air freshener. Other than that, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
The price is ฿2,359 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,359
฿2,642 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
5.8/10 (1,024 reviews)
"Very nice accomedations. Helpful and caring staff. Fantastic Waterpark area. Sweet to obtain a room on the floor next to Waterpark pool. Really appreciated every bit of our stay."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,268 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,268
฿2,540 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,838 reviews)
"I do not want to comment"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,016 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,016
฿2,357 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Great service and clean!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿4,308 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿4,308
฿4,825 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1800 50th St West Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,337 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿3,337
฿3,738 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel
See all 838 properties in Grays Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Grays Lake

Find the best Grays Lake areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

Downtown Des Moines

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while you're in town.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Des Moines Community Playhouse and La Casa Cultural Center.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Grays Lake Travel Guide