Western Gateway Travel Guide

Des Moines

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent skyscraper, a well-lit plaza, and a winding road.
A large stone sculpture of a smiling face on a pedestal in a park with grass and trees.
A sculpture of a large spider in a grassy park with a city skyline in the background.
A large white sculpture of a human figure in a park with buildings in the background.
A building with large white letters in the foreground.

Stay near popular Western Gateway attractions

A sculpture of a bull in a park with a city skyline in the background.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

10.0/10 (3 reviews)
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.
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Top hotels in Western Gateway

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
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! (1,841 reviews)
"Clean room and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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 (922 reviews)
"The bathroom door did not lock. Other doors did not lock. Hair strands in bed, stained beds. Light fixtures coming out of ceiling. Not happy at all. The good thing was the waterpark."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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! (1,019 reviews)
"All was good"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿3,252 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
฿3,252
฿3,643 total
20 Jul - 21 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 835 properties in Western Gateway
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 Western Gateway

Find the best Western Gateway 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.

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 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.

Western Gateway Travel Guide