What's the best neighborhood in Des Moines for a first time visitor?

I've never been to Des Moines and I'm a little overwhelmed by all the hotel options. I'd like to stay in a hotel that is central and gives me good sense of what Des Moines is like. I'd love to know where locals tell their friends to stay when they visit, and why those areas and hotels are special. thanks!

Des Moines (Iowa)

7 Answers

answered by

Gina

Hotels near Jordan Creek in West Des Moines are new and great. There are a lot of nice restaurants and a lot of shopping. It's the newest mall built.
Waukee (Iowa) is also nice area and hotels are close to the Mall, if you like to shop.
If you like downtown there are several hotels down there to stay at and places to shop, a lot of bars and night life, the Science Center, the Iowa State Capitol and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Wells Fargo Arena and Hoyt Sherman Place for concerts. Des Moines is easy to drive around so even if you stay on the West side, it's easy to get downtown.

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Jordan Creek (natural feature)
West Des Moines (city)
Waukee (Iowa) (city)
Science Center (museum)
Iowa State Capitol (tourist attraction)
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (tourist attraction)
Wells Fargo Arena (point of interest)
Hoyt Sherman Place (museum)

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answered by

Bruce

Marriott Des Moines

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Marriott Des Moines (hotel)

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answered by

Sarah from Des Moines, Iowa

Hi Katie - I have lived in Des Moines for the better part of my 30+ years. If I was having a friend visit, I would choose a hotel downtown to get the best of the unique experiences Des Moines has to offer. I think most downtown hotels are nice, but I love The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel hotel because of the exposed brick walls and luxurious rooms. Your best options for funky local restaurants and bars (Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Fong's Pizza, Django, Americana Restaurant and Lounge, Royal Mile, The High Life Lounge) are downtown, plus there is nightlife of all varieties nearby, and great local shopping in the East Village. If you are going in the summer on a Saturday - the Des Moines Beaverdale Farmers Market market is one of the best in the country. It's also downtown!!

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The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel (hotel)
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (restaurant)
Fong's Pizza (restaurant)
Django (restaurant)
Americana Restaurant and Lounge (attraction)
Royal Mile (restaurant)
The High Life Lounge (restaurant)
East Village (attraction)
Beaverdale Farmers Market (restaurant)

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answered first by

Tyler from Oskaloosa, Iowa

I stay at The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel when I stay downtown in Des Moines. You wont find any disappointments, unless you pinch pennies.

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The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel (hotel)

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answered by

Lisa

The East Village in Des Moines is a great place to stay and is walkable and accessible to great restaurants, shopping, etc. We like to recommend the AC Hotel on Grand. (AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village).