Western Gateway Travel Guide

Des Moines

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent skyscraper, a well-lit plaza, and a winding road.
A large stone sculpture of a smiling face on a pedestal in a park with grass and trees.
A sculpture of a large spider in a grassy park with a city skyline in the background.
A large white sculpture of a human figure in a park with buildings in the background.
A building with large white letters in the foreground.

Stay near popular Western Gateway attractions

A sculpture of a bull in a park with a city skyline in the background.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

10.0/10 (3 reviews)
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.
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Top hotels in Western Gateway

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 ฿4,282 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿4,282
฿4,796 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,290 reviews)
"Amazing property great location extremely clean"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 ฿3,179 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿3,179
฿3,561 total
30 Aug - 31 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! (1,012 reviews)
"Nice rooms, equipped with refrigerator and coffee maker. Bathroom large and easy to navigate. Breakfast was abundant and delicious. Lovely staff"

Reviewed on 20 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 ฿2,347 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿2,347
฿2,629 total
26 Aug - 27 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 (1,028 reviews)
"Only"

Reviewed on 21 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 ฿2,255 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,255
฿2,525 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! (1,845 reviews)
"Bathroom door was so bad had to change room. Then hair dryer didn’t work. Breakfast area tables too close togethrt"

Reviewed on 20 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 ฿2,004 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿2,004
฿2,343 total
27 Aug - 28 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! (1,015 reviews)
"The rate was very good But it was an extremely load room with a LOT of banging next door and load hallway argiments! All ice machines were broken and breakfast was poor!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
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 ฿3,317 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿3,317
฿3,716 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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 845 properties in Western Gateway
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 Western Gateway

Find the best Western Gateway 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 paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Western Gateway Travel Guide