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.
See properties

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 ฿4,600 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
฿4,600
฿5,152 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Great locations!"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

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 ฿3,795 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿3,795
฿4,251 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Clean room. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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 ฿2,797 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿2,797
฿3,132 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
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! (1,837 reviews)
"The staff is very friendly and helpful. Parking is great and day rates are awesome. The beds are comfortable. Shuttle to the airport is a huge plus. The breakfast bar has many options."

Reviewed on 13 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 ฿5,360 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿5,360
฿6,003 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
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! (1,223 reviews)
"Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

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 ฿2,517 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿2,517
฿2,819 total
23 Jul - 24 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 (921 reviews)
"Room was not the greatest in condition. The smoking area was just outside our window. We could smell everything that was being smoked out there. However, for this price it is worth it as you get to enjoy a nice pool without a resort fee. As for the internet, arcade, and restaurant. The restaurant ..."

Reviewed on 12 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 ฿3,252 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
฿3,252
฿3,643 total
14 Jul - 15 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! (1,873 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 832 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 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 Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center 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.

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.

Drake Travel Guide