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 ฿4,255 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿4,255
฿4,765 total
26 Aug - 27 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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,019 reviews)
"Kitchen"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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 ฿2,763 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
฿2,763
฿3,094 total
23 Aug - 24 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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,843 reviews)
"Grest place"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 ฿4,946 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿4,946
฿5,539 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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
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 ฿2,830 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
฿2,830
฿3,170 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
5.8/10 (961 reviews)
"The adult pool was closed. In the room, there was only one electrical outlet we could had access to without moving the entire bed, which eventually the staff had to come do because they did not have an extension cord we could use. There were kids running through the halls and playing in the elevator ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
The price is ฿3,291 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
฿3,291
฿3,686 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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! (1,868 reviews)
"Love the overall atmosphere. Staff is super friendly and everything is nice and clean, even while under renovation. The only 'complaint' I have is the rooms need overhead lights. The side table lamps just do not give off enough light. This was our third time staying here this summer and will be back ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 ฿3,002 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
฿3,002
฿3,362 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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 ...
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 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 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.

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.

Drake Travel Guide