5 star hotels in Johnston, IA

1. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton (4-star hotel)

About this hotel

This classic, brick-style hotel is an 8-minute walk from Western Gateway Park and 1.6 miles from the Iowa State Capitol.Casual rooms offer tea and coffeemakers, free WiFi and cable TV. Some have microwaves and/or traditional furnishings.Amenities include a restaurant, a bar, a cafe and a gym, plus a business center and a newsstand. Airport shuttle transportation is complimentary.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms, which have kitchenettes
  • Walking distance to Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
  • Some guests disliked the air conditioning but others praised the beds
  • 13 min drive to Des Moines International Airport
  • Guests praised the service, which has a concierge
  • Guests liked the lobby, mentioned 13 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Pat Pula

Traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast we spent 2 nights at this hotel It has beautiful detail which you will not find in a modern facility Everything from the classic wooden appointed lobby to the elevators is just a wonderful experience of the charm and the workmanship of another era

Our room was pleasantly appointed and the bathroom spacious Only item I would add is a bench to the bathroomThe city is incredibly walkable Nothing is too far away Highly recommend staying hereAnd if you are here in the winter the hotel is connected to a lengthy interior walkway that can take you pretty much anywhere while you avoid the elements!

S Vital

We loved the hotel It is stylish and the rooms are clean and of a good size The staff is attentive and nice

We just had a little trouble with the heating system but did not stain our stay We also were happy with the location There are plenty of restaurants and cafes into walking distance from the hotel We plan to go back and we will recommend it

Kristi Mollenhoff

Excellent hotel Beautiful lobby, spacious, elegant super clean rooms Very friendly staff, from front desk to housekeeping service to cafe

Would highly recommend for the location too Seems central to everything Will def stay here next time in Des Moines Have stayed at other downtown hotels at twice the price and was not as impressed as I was here Loved the history of this place too

2. Des Lux Hotel (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 800 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Phone: (515) 288-5800
  • Ratings: 4.6 (581 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Des Lux Hotel
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Warm rooms & suites in an upscale hotel offering free breakfast & an airport shuttle, plus a gym.

About this hotel

Dating to 1912, this upscale hotel in an elegant, redbrick building is a 6-minute walk from historic St. Ambrose Cathedral and a 15-minute walk from the Wells Fargo Arena.Refined rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as coffeemakers, minifridges and minibars. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas, wet bars and/or fireplaces. Suites include whirlpool tubs and/or separate living rooms.Complimentary amenities include full breakfast served in the wood-paneled bar, as well as an airport shuttle. There’s a 24-hour fitness center, a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub. Meeting facilities are available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms
  • Walking distance to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests praised the restaurant
  • Guests liked “a fireplace”, mentioned 31 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the fitness center
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a hot tub

Feedback From Real Customers

holly larson

Absolutely perfect!We stayed in a king suite with jacuzzi and it was spacious and luxuriousIt’s not often I just want to sleep in and stay longer at a hotel but I had to drag myself out of bedThe breakfast was great! Fresh orange juice, hot biscuits and gravy and just cut cantaloupe was delicious

Staff was all so helpful and genuine 6 stars ⭐️ If they would allow 🥰

Jessica Webb

This is my favorite hotel in the Des Moines metro! Elegant, classy, glam Paris-themed decor Outside of the sophistication of the hotel, the staff and service are top notch We’ve had Mary at the front desk several times, and she ALWAYS goes above and beyond

She has a wonderful way of making you feel comfortable and welcome Be sure to ask for her favorite restaurants! Breakfast is complimentary and delicious—they offer a wide variety of drinks, fruits, cereals, pastries and hot foods The workout facility in the basement was spacious and nice We’ve stayed in suites and executive rooms—all are very nice We love the fireplace rooms in the winter months The beds are very comfortable, 5-6 on the firmness scale, so they will be comfortable for most I appreciate the bathrooms are stocked with full size shower items to decrease plastic and waste from mini samples You won’t be disappointed!

Rynda D

Vintage feel, chic decor

very unique downtown Des Moines hotel!The look of this hotel stands out Great room options, very clean and style at every turnHotel lobby and bar is a great spot to chill with good drink pricesEasy side street parking and full public parking garage right across from hotelDefinitely recommend a stay or nightcap!

3. Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

About this hotel

In a busy commercial area off Interstate 80/Interstate 35, this relaxed hotel in a modern building is a 5-minute walk from farm exhibits at the open-air museum, Living History Farms. It’s 7 miles from Des Moines Art Center and 10 miles from State Historical Museum of Iowa.Warmly decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sitting areas, as well as minifridges and Keurig coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add living areas and dining tables. Room service is offered.Parking is complimentary. Other amenities include a fitness center, and a vibrant bar with a billiard table and a patio. Breakfast is available for a surcharge.

Things You Need to Know

  • 5 min walk to Living History Farms
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests mentioned beds 10 times
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a casino
  • Guests praised the vibrant bar

Feedback From Real Customers

rhonda haynes

I only spent one night in the hotel with my mother who’s 88 and my two daughters 21 and 23 We also had our dogs with us two Boston Terriers We booked through Priceline online because we were unfamiliar with the area, just traveling through

If I ever come through that way again I will definitely stay at the Revel again the rooms were very nice clean the beds were comfortable I love the pillows The bar was very nice everyone was so friendly all the patrons and employees wish we could have stayed longer Did not really get to experience any of the amenities of the hotel like the weight room or the pool Etc but the breakfast was phenomenal very basic very tasty

Raymond Waller

This was a wonderful place to stay The staff was kind and conversational every time we had questions The rooms were amazing and I think the bed was the most comfortable of any hotel I’ve stayed in

Highly, highly recommend! We brought our bikes, and this location is only a few blocks away from an amazing bike trail network We were able to bike from here to downtown every night!

Danielle Majors

I booked this hotel for my parents who were in town visiting I had never been in this hotel and simply booked it based on reviews! When I went to the hotel to meet up with my parents, I was really impressed with the ambiance they have when you walk in! The rooms were very spacious (in my opinion) and there was a nice seating area in their room where we could sit and talk vs sitting on the beds and talking

I will definitely book this hotel again!

4. Wildwood Lodge Clive (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 11431 Forest Ave, Clive, IA 50325
  • Phone: (515) 222-9876
  • Ratings: 4.5 (945 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Wildwood Lodge Clive
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Functional rooms with high-end bedding in a low-key hotel offering an indoor pool & free breakfast.

About this hotel

This casual, rustic hotel is 6.7 miles from the Des Moines Art Center and 9.1 miles from Water Works Park.Straightforward rooms and suites offer flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, iPod docks and free WiFi, plus high-end bedding. Some have colorful furnishings, desks and pull-out sofas, as well as whirlpool tubs, microwaves, minifridges, fireplaces and/or boardroom tables.Hot drinks, continental breakfast and afternoon cookies are complimentary. Other amenities include an indoor pool with a waterfall, plus a hot tub, a 24-hour gym and a business center.

Things You Need to Know

  • 11 min walk to Clive Aquatic Center
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests praised the large, clean rooms but some disliked the kitchenettes
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 49 times
  • Guests praised the architecture
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the indoor pool and the hot tub
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Christy Sundberg

This is a great place overall I’ve brought my nephew twice and he loves it Very homey atmosphere with helpful staff

We really like the saltwater pool You should absolutely get one of the poolside rooms if you like swimming! More breakfast than you could possibly eat (scrambled eggs, sausage, cereal, waffles, pastries, etc) Family-friendly selection of games available in the lobby is a perk

Laurie O’Brien

We happened to find this place when traveling across I-80 It was relatively close to the highway and not expensive As we drove up we saw the fire pit on the front patio with a fire going that can be seen through the glass surrounding the indoor pool

The facility is like a rustic lodge, with a large fireplace in the lobby, tables and space to hang out and games for guests to use Staff are the friendliest and most attentive we’ve ever encountered The room was very spacious and comfortable If there is a downside, it’s that there is no microwave in the room but there is one in the lobby Breakfast was wonderful with lots of choices and extras

Amy Spencer

Place was nice and clean Unfortunately we were on the third floor at the very end as far from the elevator as possible Morning breakfast was standard but good

They changed our towels but didn’t make the bed which seemed strange We didn’t use the pool because there were quite a few kids there but it looked nice Convenient location to everything we wanted to see Lots of restaurants nearby Staff was friendly

5. Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Close to shops and restaurants off I-80, this relaxed hotel is 8 miles from sports and concerts at the Wells Fargo Arena, and a mile from the Living History Farms.Unfussy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows feature Wi-Fi (fee), flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Some have sofabeds. Suites add minifridges, microwaves and living areas. Club-level rooms provide access to a lounge offering complimentary WiFi, food and drinks. Room service is available.There’s a laid-back restaurant & bar. Other amenities include a gym, a heated indoor pool and a convenience store, as well as a coin-operated laundry. Parking is offered for a fee. Pets are allowed.

Things You Need to Know

  • 5 min drive to Clive Aquatic Center
  • Guests liked the friendly service, which has a concierge
  • Some guests complained about the kitchenettes
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Guests liked “waterfalls”, mentioned 24 times in reviews
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 56 times
  • Guests liked the fitness center

Feedback From Real Customers

Tom Erdely

I stay at this hotel once a year for a conference The hotel is always nice, clean and the staff is friendly However, during my most recent stay, it was even better

The entire staff was fantastic and WAY above and beyond From the front desk staff to the people working the breakfast, to the manager who gave us a tour of the 10th floor Everyone was great!The entire trip wrapped up with Mo driving us to the airport and it was one of the nicest trips I’ve ever had! He was so kind, helpful and told us stories from his life It was incredible If you’re in the area and need a hotel, you can’t do better than the Sheraton, mainly because of the staff!The only thing I wish was slightly different was that for the last 3 years, I booked the exact same room type, but previously had a small suite (separate living area with a coach and separate TV) and a fridge This time, it was a single (very nice) room with no fridge Not sure why or how I can make sure I get the bigger room with a fridge when I return next year

Amber Emberton

We stayed in this hotel for a wedding recently This hotel has a beautiful lobby, but the rooms are sub-par There isn’t a mini-fridge which is super inconvenient, and the rooms are in desperate need of updating

Not to mention all of our bedding was super wrinkled and there was someone else’s hair in the bathtub when we got there (which shows me little pride is put into the appearance of our accommodations) The elevators are an absolute nightmare There are only TWO elevators for ten floors, so you better be prepared to spend most of your time waiting on one to arrive to your floor It also seemed to be a pretty common occurrence for the room keys to all of a sudden stop working, as it happened not only to us but to multiple wedding guests, as well Their $12 breakfast is also just sad If you’re going to charge that much for breakfast, you better offer more than what most hotels offer in a FREE continental breakfast I must say, the staff are incredibly friendly, and I have zero complaints about them The wedding reception area is also very nice The staff, lobby, and reception areas are the only reasons I’m giving 3 stars Without them, my rating would most definitely have been lower

Nate Anderson

Rooms are average when it comes to comfort, along with terrible air flow and cooling during these summer months Hotels usually have great cooling but the room was muggy the entire stay, while the temp was set at “60°” No mini fridge which I suppose may be usual

However, we went to the bar to grab a drink and the bartender had tremendous trouble making drinks – the entire bar had to help guide her to the right bottles Clueless on what simple drinks were and poured the wrong drink Overall a below average stay

6. Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This informal hotel in a modern building is 6 miles from Living History Farms, and 13 miles from both downtown Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport.Simple rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sofabeds, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. The 1-bedroom suites add separate living areas.An airport/area shuttle is complimentary. Other amenities include a 24-hour restaurant, a cafe/bar, a fitness center and an indoor pool. Pets are welcome.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the large, clean rooms and liked the beds
  • 10 min drive to the Jordan House
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • Guests praised the 24-hour restaurant
  • Guests mentioned bars 18 times
  • Guests praised the fitness center, which has weight machines
  • Guests liked the indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Ann Anderson

Very family and pet friendly atmosphere The hotel is in the hub of West Des Moines activities The staff were friendly and helpful

I brought a safety concern to the attention of the front desk Cassie had it immediately addressed and restored The full breakfast was stocked and had great options I will definitely stay again when in the Des Moines area

Jessica Horaney

If you are here for a party or a weekend night out, this might be the place for you The location is next to Jordan Creek It shares a parking lot with Smash Park, an indoor/outdoor game bar – which has loud music blaring and people yelling until 1am

The hotel itself is modern with comfortable beds, but we didn’t get much sleep thanks to the noise Our soccer team booked this hotel for a tournament in the area I would not recommend to stay here on a weekend if you are a family needing an early night for sporting events

7. Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines-Northwest, an IHG Hotel (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Located next to the intersection of I-35 and I-80, this modern hotel is 11-minutes’ drive from Camp Dodge.Straightforward rooms come with flat-screen TVs and desks, plus stereos and coffeemakers. Kids 19 and under stay free with an adult, plus there’s free WiFi in every room, as well as a choice of hard and soft pillows. Suites add separate living spaces with pull-out sofas, kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs.The facility also offers a restaurant and bar serving Irish-American dishes (where kids 12 and under eat free), plus an indoor pool and a fitness center. There’s also a full conference center and a free shuttle within a 2-mile radius.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms, which have TVs
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • 12 min drive to Living History Farms
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned hot tubs 13 times
  • The fitness center has elliptical machines and treadmills
  • Guests liked the indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Sarah Balleweg

Decor and carpet dated, but clean Rooms clean Pool is good size

Moved to a different hotel only because we had to pay for breakfastwhen we could go to another hotel same price free, breakfast I really hope that the ladies that were cleaning tables got part of the top we left our “server” the ladies checking on customers and busin tables were customer friendly and just all around sweet to us 🫶🏽

Courtney Linell

This hotel is pretty much what I expect from a Holiday Inn – not the most upscale hotel, but clean and serviceable for my weekend stayI didn’t have the opportunity to take advantage of the amenities while here, but the rooms were comfortable enough and reasonably well keptThe hotel has good access to the freeway, and is centrally located to a lot of the Des Moines suburbs

If you’re looking for an economical stay, this is a solid option

Matt Plumley

Staff was friendly but that was about it for this location The pool was full of green algae in the bottom of it and the ceiling of pool is failing apart The room was ok but not very clean

A guest puked in the pool the night prior and no one closed it off so people were swimming in it Every morning the pool area was not cleaned or picked up Swim diapers were on the ground and no towels were available Nice and big hotel but needs a lot of TLC to get it back up to standards

8. Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off I-35, this relaxed hotel is 5 miles from the Living History Farms open-air museum, 8 miles from the Des Moines Art Center and 12 miles from the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.The warmly decorated rooms feature flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas with pull-out sofas.Freebies include parking, hot breakfast, popcorn and soda in the lobby, and an evening receptions with food and drinks. Other amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool, a hot tub, an exercise room and a business center.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms and the beds
  • 8 min drive to the Jordan House
  • Guests liked that this hotel is near shopping
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests liked the indoor pool and praised the hot tub
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Connie Anderson

A+ When I travel to Des Moines again this will be the only hotel I ever stay at Superb staff

Everyone was very friendly The kitchen team was amazing Front desk was so polite and helpful when we were looking for area activities The housekeeping team was great! Great staff is hard to come by but this hotel has some of the best I have seen in a few years Rooms and hotel were very clean The kids love the pool, and they always had fresh clean towels ready Great job! We had a wonderful stay!

9. Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This polished all-suite hotel along the Des Moines river is less than 1 mile from the Iowa State Capitol.Modern suites, some with city or river views, include kitchenettes, separate living rooms and pull-out sofas. All offer flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (fee); upgraded suites add free Wi-Fi and Keurig coffeemakers.Complimentary perks include made-to-order breakfast, and an evening reception with light appetizers and drinks, as well as an area shuttle. There’s also an American grill restaurant, an indoor pool and an exercise room, plus a multilevel atrium in the lobby.

Things You Need to Know

  • Walking distance to World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
  • Some guests complained about the beds
  • Some guests complained about the unclean bathrooms
  • Guests liked the service
  • Guests praised the American restaurant
  • Guests mentioned “waterfalls” 18 times
  • Guests praised the indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Laurie Hansel

Nice location downtown Rooms are nice size and staff is very helpful and friendly The breakfast buffet is nice and there is plenty of seating

Staff does a nice job of keeping things fresh and full They do offer underground parking, but it is generally full and costs 18 dollars There is free parking on bridges if you can find it or a city parking garage across the street for 10 dollars, but it does cost 1 dollar an hour to come and go The building is dated and carpets in hallways desperately need to be stretched or replaced It’s a big tripping hazard I found the beds so hard it was like sleeping on a stack of 2x4s I couldn’t do a second night and slept on the couch Others with me didn’t find them this bad, so this is subjective Just be aware if you don’t like a firm mattress, this is not the place for you Overall, a nice stay, mostly due to the excellent staff Management is clearly not investing in this property to keep it safe or make improvements They are lucky to have excellent employees who probably all deserve a raise

Brenda Smith

Mold in two shower stalls!We stayed at the Embassy Suites downtown Des Moines on 5/14/22 I’ve been a Hilton Honors member for awhile and chose Hilton because of the reputation and my past experienceI was very disappointed to find in the first room (323?): hair and other debris in the mini fridge, debris on the bathroom floor and a pinkish substance that easily came off on a tissue on the shower floor and mold in the grout and caulk of the shower

We had little time before needing to leave for the show but a bellman was sent up and helped us quickly move to another room At first glance it was cleaner than the previous room so we accepted it and hurried to get ready for dinnerAfter we returned and I went to shower I then saw how bad the mold was in this second room shower stall(328?)We reported this to the front desk and were told a full refund would be processed I wrote to the manager in hopes this issue gets addressed and the bathrooms get professional mold removal and grout and tile cleaning Certainly at $250/ night x the number of rooms this would be deemed a wise investment by whoever makes these decisionsI would love to stay there again when attending a Civic Center show as it was otherwise a very nice hotel and walking distance to our event However, I won’t be staying there unless I’m somehow able to find out if this mold in the ceramic tile shower stalls is addressed

xFOXYxDIVAx Gamer

It’s always such a welcoming environment! Always beautiful, free breakfast & sometimes dinner or it’s all the time! Free alcoholic drinks between 530-730 Pool was nice and warm, our room was clean and nicely kept together! Bars and food in walking distance for a fun night, and they offer to drive you if you’re intoxicated Private parking too, or free on the bridge! Will always choose this hotel now!!

10. Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines – Johnston (2-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off Interstate 35/Interstate 80, this laid-back hotel is 10 miles from Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and 13 miles from walking trails at Walnut Woods State Park.Rustic rooms feature Keurig coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi; some have wood-paneled walls and/or log furniture. Some upgraded rooms and suites add separate living areas and pull-out sofas; some also feature kitchenettes and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Extended-stay cottages are available.Parking and hot breakfast are complimentary. There’s a cozy bar, a conference center, a gym and a hot tub, plus connected indoor and outdoor pools.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the large rooms
  • 10 min drive to Living History Farms
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests mentioned hot tubs 42 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines and treadmills
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an outdoor pool
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Renie Osterlund

I’m in between on if this deserves the full 2 stars! The staff were excellent, friendly, and attentive, but busy They do deserve the full 5 stars However, the rooms/amenities do not

I’ve stayed in “discount” hotel chains that are nicer/cleaner than the Stoney Creek was First the room – we just had a basic king size room, they were spacious The bed was comfortable, and the pillows/linens were too However, the cleanliness of the rooms was lacking Our comforter had a couple stains on it The main garbage can still had some papers in it, and our bathroom had crumbs in the toilet paper dispenser area Not to mention we only had 2 towels in our bathroom upon check-in With that said, we simply needed a place to sleep and we were able to do that The walls are pretty thin, and the hotel was packed The pool area was simply disgusting There were so many people in that area, and it was absolutely freezing cold That might be fun in the summer but a cold Iowa spring and it wasn’t conducive to swimming Which made it so that the hot tub area was packed of children, and less than bathwater warm I spent all of 5 minutes in the area and it was more than enough, my husband and son stayed awhile longer but my son froze the entire time I’ll assume it’s a bit warmer when the outdoor (connected pool) can be utilized But they should note that the indoor pool isn’t heated for those staying in the winter/colder time of the year The halls were outdated, and dark, but the hotel was large The breakfast was decent They had a few options, and they kept it clean despite how busy the hotel was All in all, it’s definitely a bit more run down and pricey than other hotels in the area

Bridgette Wiggins

After a long day of travel we were greeted with a warm and welcoming smile Despite a hiccup beyond her control, the woman at the front desk was patient, understanding and worked diligently to help us to get checked in The hotel itself is excellent

Lovely accommodations and a clean room were a welcome respite for us weary travelers We will make a point to come back here Highly recommended

Kayla Van Gorp

We booked 2 nights in one of the family suites with a bunkbed! The room was great, exactly as pictured on the website Very clean and the kids loved the bunkbed! The pool looked cooler online than it was in person It was also very small compared to what I was expecting based on pictures

The whirlpool was also down for our whole stay which was disappointingThe breakfast setup was very nice, something different each morning we were there There was an automatic pancake maker which was very neat and actually very tastyWe would definitely stay here again!

11. Hotel Renovo (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 11167 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
  • Phone: (515) 276-1126
  • Ratings: 4.5 (476 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Hotel Renovo
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Polished, rustic-chic hotel with an indoor pool, a fitness center & a trendy lobby bar.

About this hotel

This polished hotel with a country-chic vibe is 8 miles from the Des Moines Art Center, 10 miles from bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines and 19 miles from Adventureland Amusement Park.The streamlined rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites add lofts, kitchenettes, pull-out sofas, dining areas and/or board rooms. Room service is available.Amenities include a trendy lobby bar serving breakfast and dinner. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms
  • 4 min walk to Living History Farms
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Some guests complained about the restaurant
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 16 times
  • Guests praised the fitness center
  • Guests praised the indoor pool
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a spa

Feedback From Real Customers

C.

Enjoyed my stay here; beautiful and well kept facilities Room was spacious and had excellent accommodations (only thing missing were the complimentary travel sized dental hygiene products) TV had local and cable channels (only thing to make it better is to install smart TVs so folks can stream their favorite subscriptions)

Pool was large and clean Hot tub was wonderful Outdoor patios are great for relaxing My only complaint is that the breakfast wasn’t complimentary and it wasn’t clearly stated that it wasn’t Me and other guests were surprised to be billed, but $11 isn’t much, just wish they were clearer about that Scones were some of the best I’ve ever had There’s also a bar on the first floor Staff is very friendly Prices are currently affordable and reasonable for the offerings Overall, a great experience and will return

John Pienta

Google listed this as a “three star hotel” I feel that’s a huge undersell I was put up here for an interview, so I’m not able to comment on pricing, but the service, and amenities are truly second to none when it comes to hotels I’ve stayed at in Iowa and even the Midwest in general The pool is huge, clean and well maintained, the gym is in excellent shape and has a pretty good variety of equipment

The king room I stayed in was spacious, and beautiful The staff consistently went out of their way to make sure I was well taken care of and my needs were all metI would highly recommend Hotel Renovo to anyone

Kelda Hankins

Overall, I was disappointed with this room from time of our arrivalRoom Issues:1 The shower head and handle were loose and rattled

It felt like this issue came from the lack of any sort of mount/restraint on the water pipe servicing the shower2 The shower door had seals installed in such a way that water hitting the glass just drained to the floor outside the shower Made for a slippery exit the first time I used it3 Carpeting on the stairs was frayed at the edges and looked to be coming up a bit at the corners4 Paint/caulk all over the chandelier’s bulbs5 Large stains on the rug downstairs6 The mini fridge couldn’t be shut unless it was dragged out from under the counter, and it didn’t seem to be able to chill anything even though it showed the right temperature7 Got woken up a bit after 8 am by some very loud housekeeping staffPayment Issues:The card used to book my rooms online was NOT the card they charged for final room payment even though the reservation listed that card as the “Payment Method”A family member checked in early and provided their card for the damage deposit, as is normal for every hotel That family member ended up being charged for the deposit AND the entire stay even after being told that the card they provided was only for deposit at check-inFurthermore, I called the hotel before our stay to confirm that this family member could check in early and use their card for the deposit, but my card was to be charged for the roomsApparently, it is the hotel’s policy to charge the rooms to the card used for the deposit regardless of the card used to book, and regardless of my phone calls to explain the early check-in situationStuff We Really Liked:1 Loft room was pretty neat and felt less like a plain old hotel room Particularly good room for a small group to hang out in2 Pool/hot tub were nice and quite large There was even an adult only time in the late evening3 Lobby was VERY nice Nice seating, itty bitty bar, nice breakfast hall(?)4 Bed was quite clean and comfortable5 Room had full-sized sink, a microwave, and a mini fridge Probably would have been good for a longer stay6 Breakfast scones! <37 Room had giant windows and the hotel was on a high(ish) point in the city so the view was niceConclusion:The payment issued can probably be chalked up to a series of miscommunications and my failure to confirm which card was being used upon check-out, but I had thought I'd already made arrangements with the hotel to handle itSome of the room issues were noticeable enough to make the recent remodel feel a bit shoddy, but we liked it overall and would probably stay again

12. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This suburban hotel is less than 8 miles from Beaver Creek Golf Course and under 11 miles from downtown Des Moines.All rooms offer contemporary decor, custom-designed beds and flat-screen TVs with premium cable, plus minifridges, microwaves and free WiFi. Some have pull-out sofas. Suites add separate living areas, and some have whirlpool tubs.A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there’s an American restaurant, as well as a lounge, outdoor patio and 24/7 convenience mart. Guests can visit a fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna. Additional perks include meeting rooms and a business center, plus free parking.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the clean rooms, which have minibars
  • 9 min drive to Living History Farms
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests liked the American restaurant
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 16 times
  • Guests liked the breakfast
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a casino
  • Guests praised the hot tub

Feedback From Real Customers

Jan Gatzke

We love staying at Hilton Garden Inns because we know wherever we are in the country, we know that we will have a quality hotel stay Our disappointments with this particular hotel was the room upkeep and pool Our room was a king suite and while the overall furnishings were clean, as soon as we laid on the bed, there was a streak of white paint on the popcorn ceiling attempting to cover up stains

Paint the whole ceiling, not just a small section (Besides, the paint didn’t come close to covering up the stains) We were also very disappointed in the size of the pool Seriously the hot tub was just slightly smaller than the pool Add 4 people, and that pool was packed For such a large hotel in a metropolitan area, the size of the pool was a joke With having kids, we probably won’t stay here again

Angela Libertini

The front desk staff were incredibly rude and unorganized We paid for a premium room with snacks to be refreshed daily We stayed for a week and nothing was comfortable or easy

Every time we made a request or asked for service, the front desk argued or made excuses that later we were told different explanations by other staff The hotel is older than others in the area and overall not as clean There was minimal room to unpack our suit cases to make it easier while staying with young children Most evenings when we arrived after a long day visiting family, there was no hot water in the lobby The one night there was hot water, there weren’t any tea bags The pool was cleaned on July 4th during regular open hours around mid morning We had planned the day around letting the kids play in the pool before lunch and naptime at my grandma’s house One of the treadmills was partially broken Overall, the staff didn’t take pride in their hotel and didn’t care about making their guests feel welcomed

13. Best Western Premier Ankeny Hotel (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off I-35, this straightforward hotel on a lake is 7 miles from Adventureland Park, and 4 miles from Margo Frankel Woods State Park’s hiking trails and playgrounds.The relaxed rooms have work desks, flat-screens and free Wi-Fi, plus minifridges, microwaves, and tea and coffeemakers. Suites add living areas with sofabeds. Children ages 17 and younger stay at no charge with an adult.Amenities include free breakfast, an indoor pool and a gym, as well as a bar.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms, which have refrigerators
  • 13 min drive to Adventureland
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests mentioned beds 16 times
  • Guests mentioned pools 10 times
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Raquel Gitch

2 things I didn’t like The lack of a solid shut of our restroom door and the breakfast However, the location is great, Ashley at the front desk was helpful, the outside patio was a great place to host our group of families and the beds were about the most comfortable hotel bed I’ve slept in for as long as I can remember

We will return

14. The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (4-star hotel)

About this hotel

Set among shops and restaurants, this upscale hotel with a retro vibe is 6 miles from Des Moines Art Center and 3 miles from Walnut Woods State Park. Des Moines International Airport is 12 miles away.Relaxed, understated rooms provide Wi-Fi, minifridges and sofas, plus designer toiletries, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add microwaves, and separate living areas with sofabeds; some have dining areas, fireplaces and/or soaking tubs.There’s a steakhouse, an indoor pool and a hot tub, plus a gym and event space. Parking is available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms and the beds
  • 9 min drive to the Jordan House
  • Guests praised the service, which has a concierge
  • Guests liked the restaurant, mentioned 24 times in reviews
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a casino
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Dawn Wheaton

Rooms were clean and nice We thought they had continental breakfast, but they did not There is a restaurant in the hotel that served a buffet breakfast

Food was not real good, hashbrowns were not completely cooked, bacon was over cooked Price was high for the meal Service was very good in both the restaurant and hotel They also did not have a microwave we could use Put on the robe they furnished and my husband’s had a container of chew in the pocket All in all not the best but not the worst stay either

Todd Parsons

Update to my previous 1 star rating This was a lovely hotel; clean, new, well maintained After having a not so good customer service experience I was asked to call them via an email and they finally after 2 weeks were able to offer over half off our stay ( after already paying for a night that we missed booked)

Satisfied but wish it would not have taken going out of my way to write a review

15. Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Set in a modern shopping and dining district, this relaxed hotel is 3 miles from I-35, 4 miles from Saylorville Lake, and 9 miles from events and concerts at the Wells Fargo Arena.Featuring kitchens, the understated studios provide flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, plus sitting areas and sofabeds. The 1-bedroom suites add separate living rooms.Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a patio with a fire pit, as well as a coin-operated laundry. Parking and breakfast are available.

Things You Need to Know

  • The rooms have refrigerators and kitchenettes
  • 11 min drive to Saylorville Lake
  • Guests praised the service
  • The fitness center has free weights and treadmills

Feedback From Real Customers

Don Fernandez

Stayed in a studio for about two weeks Staff was friendly and helpful Parking was plentiful and enough room for small trailers

Location is walking distance to allot of good restaurants Room cleaning was only once a week, but you could always ask for fresh towels and other services All appliances worked and only fault I found was their can opener & veg peeler could use replacing

Steven Smithson

I stayed at this motel for businessNice placeThe room was clean

Staff very niceBed was pretty hard and a bit lumpyThey could use some newer mattresses

16. AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Set in a polished building surrounded by bars and eateries, this modern hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from the Des Moines River waterfront, 1 mile from Pappajohn Sculpture Park and 5 miles from Des Moines International Airport.Contemporary rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers; some have sofabeds and/or city views. Suites add living areas.An airport shuttle is complimentary. There’s also a chic restaurant/bar, a gym and a coin-operated laundry. Parking and breakfast are available for a fee.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • Walking distance to Robert D. Ray Asian Garden and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • 16 min drive to Des Moines International Airport
  • Guests praised the service, which has a concierge
  • Guests praised the nightlife
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Emily Nothwehr

The AC Hotel was one of the hotels downtown that I selected to block rooms out for my wedding in the East Village Tyler was very helpful assisting with setting us up with room blocks All of our guests commented on how nice their stay was and was impressed by the modern, sleek design and the amenities the hotel had to offer

The greatest amenity of all was Republic on Grand, the restaurant on the 6th floor It was nice that our guests didn’t need to go far for excellent food and drink Beyond Republic on Grand, the hotel is nearby several amazing restaurants and entertainment spots You can’t ask for a better stay in the Des Moines East Village!This rating would be an outstanding 5/5 if it wasn’t for an upholstery issue on one of the couches in the larger suites However, I have no doubt that this will be addressed soon!

Kimberly

Came to town for an event! This was the 2nd time I’ve stayed at the AC Hotel in East Village It’s clean, comfortable and beautiful! Everything you could ask for Staff is attentive and friendly! Special shout out to employee Stephanie who went above and beyond to ensure we had an excellent stay! We were able to walk to our destination was an added plus! We’ll be back!

Victoria Johnson

My husband and I won a free night at the hotel, which included a $100 gift card to The Republic (restaurant upstairs) which we were so excited about Upon arrival, the front desk worker was not very pleasant towards us, it was extremely awkward Then, we were notified that The Republic was actually closed for a private event that night, and was closed to the public

So, there went our dinner/drink plans on a Saturday night in the DSM area We were placed in a room directly in front of the elevator, which was possibly the noisiest room on the entire floor We heard people entering and exiting all night- it was very loud We even had a random person knock on our door at 3:00 am, and we are assuming they had the wrong room Aside from these things, the room was clean, bed was very comfortable The heated private parking garage for guests was the best feature they had, especially on a snowy January night We have a $100 gift card to this place, which just seems like a complete waste that we stayed there without being able to use it

17. Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (4-star hotel)

About this hotel

In an enduring redbrick building in downtown Des Moines, this laid-back hotel is a mile from I-235, 2 miles from Gray’s Lake Park and 3 miles from the Des Moines Art Center.The casual rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add access to an executive lounge with complimentary breakfast and snacks. Suites feature living areas with pull-out couches, along with microwaves and minifridges. Room service is available.Amenities include a gym and a business center, plus 2 restaurants, 1 of which serves Italian fare. Hot breakfast is offered for a fee.

Things You Need to Know

  • Walking distance to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
  • One of the few hotels in the area with 24-hr room service
  • Guests mentioned the rooms are clean but small
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 18 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a hot tub
  • Guests liked the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Mark Zimmerman

Very nice hotel! It wears its age very nicely Only real complaint is the lack of accessible electrical outlets in our room

3(1 on each nightstand and another in the bathroom)Today’s “plug it in” culture requires a few more than thatThe nearby (across the street) parking was shockingly inexpensiveThe staff was beyond friendly and helpful to the point I felt like a VIP despite the fact I’d never stayed there before

Philipo

Absolutely great to stay The staff is very friendly and kind They have driver’s shuttle service that can drop you off to where you want to go as long its within 2 miles distance

You can also catch a ride to and from the airport…that was definitely a plus for meI want to send a shout out to Bobby and Melissa for their excellent customer service!!Great hotel to visit and stay…the location is perfect

Ryan Whedon

Great hotel, historic and wonderfully appointed One of the better renaissance hotels in the Marriott chain Although the bathroom is very small and really can only handle one at a time, it’s a old hotel hotel, not much you can do

Bed was very comfortable and climate controls worked great One star knocked off as the staff was not friendly at all

18. Element West Des Moines (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off I-35, in an area with eateries, this informal extended-stay hotel is 3 miles from the landmark Victorian Jordan House and 7 miles from Walnut Woods State Park.The bright rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and rainfall showers, as well as kitchenettes with minifridges and microwaves. Upgraded rooms add living areas and dining tables, and suites offer separate living rooms.Breakfast, parking and an evening reception are complimentary. Other amenities include an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and an outdoor patio with BBQ facilities, along with a mini-mart.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms and the kitchenettes
  • 8 min drive to the Jordan House
  • One of the few hotels in the area with 24-hr room service
  • Guests liked the service
  • Guests mentioned “dogs” 18 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an outdoor pool
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Courtney Phillips

Absolutely recommend this stay to everyone!! We checked in and were kindly greeted with happy hour (free beer, wine, bread and cheese) Jack went above and beyond our hospitality expectations He was warm, welcoming, and organic in conversation

My husband and I called four days prior to see if the hot tub was functioning before booking a room (it was) When we went to swim, the hot tub was “out of maintenance” I approached the front desk to ask when this had happened and before I was able to get a word out, Jack informed us of a previous event (they had to drain it due to a child messing with a light) and immediately came to check the temperature of the hot tub for us He returned with towels and complimentary beer! Over the top with hospitalityThe room was clean, chic and comfortably simple The TV had a plethora of options for entertainment It was even personalized with a greeting for us! The bathroom was incredibly clean Bed was very comfortable The fourth floor view was beautiful as well Impressed with the kitchenette too – glasses, real silverware, toaster, microwave and fridgeBreakfast was delicious, had a wide variety of options and felt very homey They even had “specialty breakfast” options that would be cooked on the spot for you Also delectable! The staff was kind and welcoming all morning as we sipped coffee My husband and I couldn’t stop complimenting the aesthetics and how attractive and comfortable they wereThey offered an incredible military discount as well! Very impressed, Element! We will certainly be back

Carolyn Washington

My son picked the perfect hotel for my birthday getaway The hotel is bright and inviting, with lots of large windows to allow guests a panoramic view of the surrounding area It’s located near the heart of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues

In warmer weather, I would have loved to spend time on the beautiful outdoor terrace I didn’t have time to take advantage of the indoor pool, gym or laundry facility… maybe next trip My room was clean, spacious and comfortable And the staff was very accommodating

Andrea Arthur

I had a mini stay-cation last weekend and spent the night The room was great and had more amenities than I’m used to like plates, glasses, etc Loved the free breakfast which even included made to order pancakes with fresh toppings

It was a really nice touch Love the coffee/tea/etc available in the lobby at all times The patio is very nice and location is excellent The only negative was the pool was overrun by a sports team of rambunctious pre-teen boys so we weren’t able to swim when we wanted to I don’t really blame the hotel for this as they can’t control who is at the pool and when It would be nice if the pool could be open later for adults only Just a suggestion

19. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off Interstate 35/Interstate 80, this unpretentious all-suite hotel is a 5 miles from exhibits at the 500-acre Living History Farms and 11 miles from events at Wells Fargo Arena.The relaxed studios have free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, and feature sitting areas, and kitchenettes with dishwashers. Some offer pull-out sofas and/or living rooms.A hot breakfast buffet and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a convenience store, a BBQ area, an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness room. Coin-operated laundry facilities are on-site.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms and the kitchenettes
  • Guests praised the beds
  • 9 min drive to Living History Farms
  • Guests praised the service, which has a concierge
  • The fitness center has weight machines
  • Guests liked the indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Sugar Laing

Booked this place pretty last minute on the day of Booked for Thursday to Saturday; the two bedroom suite It’s very spacious

I appreciate having the fridge, stove, microwave, and dish washer The burners on the stove are messed up and off center But 2 of the 4 are okay to use It comes with very basic utensils and plates You can’t cook too much, but just enough The dining room table is nice, comfortable couch and chairs, TV tray is nice for the couch, two bedrooms are just fine (comfortable beds), and bathroom is a ful bath with tub Bedrooms are a bit small to fit a pack n play or portable crib in; but we just pushed the bed off center and made it work I was informed breakfast is 6am to 9am and the pool is open Customer service at the front desk was acceptable

Jack Batson

What a nightmare after a 13 hour drive and looking forward to a relaxing evening Non personable check in and walked in to a sauna of a room 405The HVAC was trying but could not get the room below 74 humid degrees

The filter and coils were plugged solid with some sort of yuck and I tried cleaning both to help, pictures can be provided The window would not fully close so I used a kitchen knife to wedge under the bottom to close the gap a bit Plastic bag frozen to the bottom of the freezer, vent in the bathroom kept making a rhythmic clanking noise, fan off or on, some sort of device on the wall that would blink a bright green 20 times and then stay on for a period and then go back to blinking Asked for another room and wanted to inspect it first which for some reason could not be done because there was only one employee there for some reason?? I called Marriott customer service and they were no help Needless to say we both had a sleepless night listening to the overworked HVAC and that is also how I know the device on the wall blinked bright green, kind of like counting sheep, from not being able to sleep, I did throw a towel over it to soften the strobe effect We finally gave up early in the AM and got the heck out so we could enjoy the coolness of the vehicle AC and push through to Detroit The was a debacle of a Marriott stay and I stay at a lot of Marriott properties for work and pleasure The facility is well past it prime and unfortunately we had to experience this after a long day on the road

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