Let’s be honest for a second. Finding a place to crash in the Iowa capital can feel as welcoming as the Midwest itself. Des Moines is a clean, vibrant city with a surprising food scene and the famous Iowa State Fair. Pick the wrong spot, and you might miss the river.
But when you find that perfect home base, waking up to the sight of the gold dome and the sound of the city is pure Midwest magic. And here’s the thing—2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Des Moines hospitality.
From historic luxury hotels downtown to convenient freeway stops, there is a perfect room waiting for you. Whether you are here for the fair, the business, or just passing through, these best hotels in Des Moines are absolute game changers.
1. The Des Lux Hotel
Let’s kick things off with a boutique luxury gem downtown. The Des Lux Hotel is a small, elegant property that feels like a secret. The vibe is dark, moody, and very sophisticated. The rooms are huge, with soaking tubs.
The complimentary breakfast is a cut above. For hotels in Des Moines, this offers the most romantic, intimate stay.
The location is near the Civic Center.
2. The Hilton Des Moines Downtown
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown is the convention center king. Connected to the Iowa Events Center, this hotel is built for business. The vibe is classic, busy, and very professional.
The rooms are standard Hilton quality. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a central, reliable stay downtown, this is a top pick.
The indoor pool is a nice bonus.
3. The Hotel Fort Des Moines
The Hotel Fort Des Moines is a stunning historic renovation in the heart of the city. The lobby is gorgeous, with a massive fireplace and vintage details. The vibe is old-school glamour.
The rooms are elegant and comfortable. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a unique, historic experience, this is the winner.
The on-site restaurant is a local favorite.
4. The Marriott Des Moines Downtown
The Marriott Des Moines Downtown is a classic, full-service hotel near the river. The rooms are standard Marriott quality. The vibe is classic and efficient.
The location is perfect for walking to the Principal Park. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a reliable, consistent stay, this is a safe bet.
The pool is a nice bonus.
5. The AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines
The AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines is a sleek, European-style hotel in the East Village. The vibe is minimalist, crisp, and very modern. The rooms are bright and airy.
The rooftop bar has great views of the Capitol. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a stylish, grown-up stay, this is a top pick.
The breakfast is continental but high quality.
6. The Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
The Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown is an all-suite hotel perfect for extended stays. The rooms have full kitchens and separate living areas. The free breakfast saves you money.
The rooms are spacious. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a “home away from home” feel for families, this is the winner.
The outdoor grill is a nice touch.
7. The Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
The Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown is a reliable, clean hotel near the river. The free breakfast is a great perk. The rooms are standard Hampton quality.
The location is great for walking to the Sculpture Park. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a consistent, high-quality stay downtown, this is a safe bet.
The staff is known for being friendly.
8. The Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines
The Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines is a solid, business-friendly hotel near the freeway. The rooms are standard Courtyard quality. The lobby has a bistro for breakfast.
The location is convenient for the business parks. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a consistent Marriott stay, this is a safe bet.
The staff is efficient.
9. The Holiday Inn Des Moines
The Holiday Inn Des Moines is a reliable, full-service hotel near the freeway. The rooms are standard but clean. The vibe is classic and family-friendly.
The pool is a nice bonus. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a solid, no-fuss stay for road trippers, this is a solid choice.
The staff is known for being friendly.
10. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines is an all-suite hotel perfect for extended stays. The rooms have full kitchens and separate living areas. The free breakfast and evening socials save you money.
The rooms are spacious. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a “home away from home” feel for traveling families, this is the winner.
The outdoor grill is a nice touch.
11. The Best Western Plus Des Moines
The Best Western Plus Des Moines is a solid, mid-range option near the freeway. The free breakfast saves you money. The rooms are standard but comfortable.
The pool is a nice bonus. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a no-fuss stay for road trippers, this is a solid choice.
The staff is efficient.
12. The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines
The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines is a pet-friendly option near the freeway. The rooms are standard but clean. The free breakfast saves you money.
The location is convenient for road trippers. For hotels in Des Moines that offer a great value for travelers with pets, this is a smart pick.
There is grass outside for walking the dog.
13. The Comfort Inn & Suites Des Moines
The Comfort Inn & Suites Des Moines is a budget-friendly, no-frills option near the freeway. The free breakfast is basic but saves you money. The rooms are standard.
The location is near the freeway. For hotels in Des Moines that are easy on the wallet, this is a pick.
The pool is a nice bonus.
14. The Motel 6 Des Moines
We are ending with the ultimate budget option. The Motel 6 Des Moines is cheap and basic. It is no-frills, but it is a place to sleep.
The rooms are standard Motel 6 quality. For hotels in Des Moines that are light on the wallet, this is a pick.
The location is near the highway.
Conclusion
So there you have it—fourteen incredible places to crash in the Iowa capital. From historic grand hotels to sleek European boutiques, Des Moines has a home base for every type of traveler.
The hardest part isn’t finding a bed anymore—it’s choosing which incredible state fair food to try first.
Now stop scrolling and go book that trip. Your unforgettable Iowa adventure is waiting for you right now.