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?
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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 ฿3,352 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
฿3,352
฿3,754 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 ...
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 ฿2,361 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,361
฿2,644 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 (1,005 reviews)
"They didn’t have my rooms available had to search for another hotel"

Reviewed on 10 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 ฿2,298 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,298
฿2,574 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! (1,855 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful and the facility was clean and maintained"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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 ฿4,310 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿4,310
฿4,828 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
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿3,230 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
฿3,230
฿3,617 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,884 reviews)
"Everything was amazing no complaints"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
GrandStay Hotel & Suites

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

2 out of 5
6215 Merle Hay Road Johnston IA
The price is ฿3,243 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
฿3,243
฿3,633 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Merle Hay Mall are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (725 reviews)
"It all began at check-in. Starts at 3, we were there closer to 4. Well you can check-in but there are no towels, what??!! We had been out in the sun for over 8 hrs, a shower and rest was what we booked for! Room was perfect, but couldn’t find a garbage can, found it under the sink, FULL! When they ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

GrandStay Hotel & Suites
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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