Merle Hay Travel Guide
Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Top hotels in Merle Hay
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Very clean, good amenities. Excellent price. Subtracted a star, because of LED lights in the room.
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Excellent hotel and service. Great restaurant and speak easy!
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
We stayed in a 2 bed suite. The tv was missing in the living room area and the entire hallway and in our room smelled like someone was smoking pot for hours on end. Staff was very friendly.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Room was very clean and spacious the staff was wonderful and very caring!
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Staff were helpful and breakfast was wonderful. Everything was very clean and beautiful.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Water poured from the light fixture in the bathroom. Room above us was having bath tub draining issues. The rest of the hotel is outdated and falling apart. The pictures on line are 20+ years old. I don’t recommend but our room was clean for the most part.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Lovington
Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
