Drake Travel Guide

Des Moines

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

Stay near popular Drake attractions

Drake University

8.6/10 (639 reviews)
Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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Top hotels in Drake

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,456 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿3,456
฿3,871 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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 ...
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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 ฿3,177 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿3,177
฿3,558 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 ...
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 ฿2,333 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿2,333
฿2,613 total
27 Aug - 28 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 ...
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 ฿2,242 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,242
฿2,512 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! (1,850 reviews)
"Nice rooms, helpful staff, and good price. Always a go-to when we’re in the area"

Reviewed on 22 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 ฿1,993 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿1,993
฿2,330 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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! (1,018 reviews)
"It was clean and reasonable for the price. Staff however could be a little more helpful in explaining breakfast times and having room ready at time of check-in."

Reviewed on 22 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 ฿4,260 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿4,260
฿4,771 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
See all 846 properties in Drake
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 Drake

Find the best Drake 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.

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.

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.

Drake Travel Guide