Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

Des Moines

A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.
A greenhouse with a geodesic dome roof, tropical plants, and a sandy pathway.
A multi-level atrium with a central staircase, suspended aircraft, and exhibits.
A park with a large building featuring a golden dome and a smaller dome, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A grand building with a large dome and two smaller domes, surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.

Stay near popular Downtown Des Moines attractions

A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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Top hotels in Downtown 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 ฿4,171 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
฿4,171
฿4,672 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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! (1,413 reviews)
"Hotel was unique. Our room was a bit dirty and elevator to parking garage was out of service."

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿5,391 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿5,391
฿6,038 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,118 reviews)
"The bed was hard and uncomfortable and the bricks on the wall were dusty. Could use some updating. The shower pressure was very weak, some of the items on the breakfast menu were cold. It was okay overall."

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

3 out of 5
418 6th Avenue Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,669 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
฿3,669
฿4,110 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,101 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
฿3,101
฿3,473 total
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

3.5 out of 5
700 Grand Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿4,518 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿4,518
฿5,060 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is ฿4,459 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
฿4,459
฿5,144 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
See all 782 properties in Downtown Des Moines
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 Downtown Des Moines

Find the best Downtown Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Des Moines
Learn more about Downtown Des Moines
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.

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 Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park 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 Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, a bridge, and a river.

Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A city skyline at sunset with illuminated buildings and domed structures.

Woodland Heights

While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide