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 ฿5,358 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿5,358
฿6,001 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! (1,212 reviews)
"Recommend for all"

Reviewed on 6 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,794 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿3,794
฿4,249 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! (1,006 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 ฿2,600 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
฿2,600
฿2,912 total
21 Jul - 22 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! (1,823 reviews)
"A decent place to stay for the price. Did not hear airplanes at all, despite being right next to the airport, so very quiet. Room was nice and clean, but musty smelling. Was very humid outside and the air conditioning unit was older and probably needed some cleaning, or maybe it was the carpet holding ..."

Reviewed on 7 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 ฿2,516 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
฿2,516
฿2,818 total
8 Jul - 9 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 (911 reviews)
"Everything was filthy, poorly kept, and the place smells terrible. Breakfast is a joke. Pool was disgusting we didnt even swim in it. One of the worst places we have stayed"

Reviewed on 6 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 ฿5,062 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿5,062
฿5,669 total
9 Jul - 10 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
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

4 out of 5
207 Crocker Street Des Moines IA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿4,071 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿4,071
฿4,559 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
"Lovely!!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
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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.

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.

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.

Western Gateway Travel Guide