Des Moines sits at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, and the city has grown up around that meeting point. Downtown holds the state capitol and the main civic and cultural buildings, while the metro area spreads out into surrounding suburbs and neighbouring towns such as West Des Moines.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between staying downtown — close to the riverfront, the arena and the historic core — or basing yourself in one of the outlying commercial areas, which tend to be quieter and more car-oriented. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each is like to stay in, and how to match them to your trip.
Best areas to stay in Des Moines
1. Downtown Des Moines
Downtown is the natural base for most visitors. It puts you within walking distance of the riverfront, the Civic Center Historic District with its Beaux Arts public buildings and fountains, and the Simon Estes Amphitheater along the Des Moines River. It is also where the city's larger full-service and historic hotels cluster, including properties on Locust Street and Walnut Street.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone in town for an event, since the Wells Fargo Arena and the connected Skywalk system are both here. Be aware that downtown is the busiest booking area during peak periods: the city hosts three successive weeks of state athletic championships in March for wrestling, girls' basketball and boys' basketball, and rooms near the arena fill up accordingly.
2. East Village
The East Village lies east of downtown, close to the Iowa State Capitol. It is a compact, walkable district with an upscale character, and it is where you find the city's more polished, design-led accommodation, including a hotel with a rooftop bar and lounge looking toward the capitol.
It suits travellers who want a quieter base than downtown but still want to be within easy reach of the centre, and it works well for couples or anyone prioritising a more contemporary style of place to stay.
3. West Des Moines
West Des Moines is a separate suburban city within the metro area, west of the centre. Accommodation here is largely of the larger chain and conference-hotel type, with extensive meeting space, on-property dining and leisure facilities such as pools and fitness centres.
This area suits families, business travellers and anyone driving, since it is oriented around roads and parking rather than walking. It is a practical base if you have a car and want easy access to the wider metro area, but it is not the choice for a trip built around downtown sights on foot.
4. Merle Hay Road area
The Merle Hay Road corridor, north-west of downtown, is a commercial strip where you find resort-style and conference accommodation, including a property with an indoor water park — the only one in the Des Moines area.
It suits families travelling with children and anyone who wants on-site recreation as part of the stay. As with West Des Moines, you will want a car here; this is a driving area rather than a strolling one.
5. Airport area
The area around the airport, on the south-east side of the city, is where you find the practical, no-frills end of the market — airport-oriented hotels with breakfast, wifi, indoor pools and in-room appliances, plus mid-range options along Army Post Road.
It suits budget travellers, anyone with an early flight, and visitors who simply want a straightforward room and a place to park. It is the least central option, so plan on driving or taking a shuttle if you want to spend time downtown.
6. Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue runs west from downtown through a residential part of the city, and it is where you find the smaller, more personal end of the market — including a bed and breakfast on Grand Avenue. Note that the city as a whole does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter, more residential setting and a less chain-like stay, and who are happy to drive or take a short trip into the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Airport-area hotels and other straightforward chain properties, typically with breakfast, wifi and basic leisure facilities included.
- Mid-range: Larger chain hotels and conference properties, often with indoor pools, fitness rooms, on-site restaurants and free breakfast; you will also find moderately priced independent hotels downtown with more character than the chains.
- Splurge: Downtown and East Village upscale and historic hotels, including properties on the National Register of Historic Places, hotels with rooftop bars, and long-established downtown addresses with restaurants and connections to the Skywalk.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Des Moines is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within reach of the riverfront, the Civic Center Historic District and the arena, and it is where the widest range of accommodation sits, from moderately priced independents to historic and upscale hotels. If you are in town for an event, book early, since the March championship weeks are the busiest period for downtown rooms.
Frequently asked questions
When is the busiest time to book a room in Des Moines?
Downtown, especially near Wells Fargo Arena, fills up for three successive weeks in March, when the city hosts the state athletic championships for wrestling, girls' basketball and boys' basketball.
Do I need a car to stay in Des Moines?
It depends on the area. Downtown and the East Village are walkable and connected by the Skywalk, while West Des Moines, the Merle Hay Road area and the airport area are car-oriented and better suited to drivers.
Are there many bed and breakfasts in Des Moines?
The city does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments, although this is not the case with Iowa in general. There are a small number of options, including one on Grand Avenue.
Which area is best if I want to be near the river?
Downtown, where the riverfront, the Simon Estes Amphitheater and the riverfront balustrades along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers are all located.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.