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 ฿4,144 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿4,144
฿4,642 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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
"Very clean, put together classy home like facilities and great furniture choices, would stay again and highly recommend"

Reviewed on 9 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 ฿3,816 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿3,816
฿4,273 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! (1,007 reviews)
"Property was clean, updated, and staff was very nice."

Reviewed on 6 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 ฿2,615 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿2,615
฿2,928 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! (1,829 reviews)
"The room was filthy - stained towels - TV never worked."

Reviewed on 9 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 ฿5,389 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿5,389
฿6,035 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! (1,214 reviews)
"Recommend for all"

Reviewed on 6 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 ฿2,390 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿2,390
฿2,677 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 (919 reviews)
"It was really bad. Room service never came around. We stayed for two nights. We only went to The pool once because there was poop on the pirate Ship and pool.."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿5,091 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
฿5,091
฿5,702 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,075 reviews)
"I give it a 4 star because the carpet in the rooms looks not so clean."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

Des Lux Hotel
See all 841 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 Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park 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