Greater South Side Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Greater South Side attractions

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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Top hotels in Greater South Side

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 ฿2,317 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿2,317
฿2,596 total
14 Sept - 15 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 ...
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

2.5 out of 5
5001 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,752 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿3,752
฿4,202 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

3 out of 5
1920 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,127 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
฿2,127
฿2,382 total
10 Sept - 11 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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,009 reviews)
"Everything was excellent"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

3 out of 5
6111 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,456 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿3,456
฿3,871 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in their ...
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

2.5 out of 5
5231 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,099 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿2,099
฿2,350 total
28 Sept - 29 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 in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"La habitación limpia y el aire acondicionado bien, el desayuno bueno pero puede ofrecer que el menú sea más amplio. El personal muy atento y servicial!!!"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Quality Inn & Suites 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 ฿2,008 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿2,008
฿2,348 total
13 Sept - 14 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 ...
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
See all 849 properties in Greater South Side
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 Greater South Side

Find the best Greater South Side 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 Des Moines Civic Center or Science Center of Iowa 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 Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park 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.

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 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.

Greater South Side Travel Guide