The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Des Moines, Iowa

You’ll have plenty of space to spread out at this Sheraton | Courtesy of Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel / Expedia

21 December 2021

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Bill Bryson, originally from Des Moines, famously wrote of the Iowan capital: “I come from Des Moines. Someone had to.” And while, in decades gone by, the city may have had an image problem, the galleries, breweries, farmers’ markets and miles of leafy cycling trails of today make it one of the top cities in the Midwest. Here are the best cheap hotels in Des Moines, Iowa, bookable on Culture Trip.

The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for stylish design

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

A stylish guest room with colorful art at the Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Courtesy of The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton / Expedia

Rooms at the Rewind deliver comfort and style, from the tasteful decor right down to the high-thread-count cotton sheets and down pillows. Modern art and art deco-inspired accessories add a pop of vibrancy to the rooms. As it’s on the southern edge of the city, the hotel has the luxury of space and offers easy access to I-35 southbound towards Kansas City – ideal if you’re on a Midwestern road trip.

Wildwood Lodge, for Midwestern charm

The nature-inspired lobby with comfy seating at the Wildwood Lodge

Courtesy of Wildwood Lodge / Expedia

Red wooden bed frames, blue curtains, white bed linen and camping-themed decor give the Wildwood Lodge in West Des Moines an all-American feel. If you check into the hotel between Sunday and Thursday, complimentary cookies are often provided on arrival, while a hot breakfast is served every morning as part of the room rate. If you feel guilty for such indulgences, the on-site fitness center is always open, while the indoor heated pool is accessible from early morning until late evening.

Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West/Clive, for easy access

A warm guest room with nature-print wallpaper at the Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West/Clive

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West/Clive / Expedia

At the junction of several major highways, you’ll find the Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West/Clive, which is equally well set up for longer stays as it is for folks who are just passing through. If you’d like to explore on foot or have a bicycle with you, then the hotel has ready access to the Clive Greenbelt Trail, which winds through the city. The rooms are bright and cheery, with burnt-orange nature-print wallpaper and warm lighting.

Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive, for sports enthusiasts

A polished room at the Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive

Courtesy of Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive / Expedia

This Hampton Inn is not only a modern, comfort-oriented hotel, but it’s ideal for guests looking to stay in shape while traveling. The on-site fitness center is among the best of all the cheap hotels in Des Moines, with free weights and multiple cardio machines. If you’re a fan of golf, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, which often hosts major golf and tennis events, is right around the corner.

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale, for an all-in-one hotel

A pretty pastel guest room at the Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale / Expedia

In northwest Des Moines, right off I-35/I-80, the Hilton Garden Inn offers easy access by car. Once you’ve parked up beside your room, you won’t have to venture off the property for anything during your stay. The indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center will help you stay fit, while the on-site restaurant, shop and room service will keep you fed. There’s also plenty of working space if you’re living the digital nomad life.

Sleep Inn and Suites West Des Moines Near Jordan Creek, for great value

A spacious room with black-and-white nature photography at the Sleep Inn and Suites West Des Moines Near Jordan Creek

Courtesy of Sleep Inn and Suites West Des Moines Near Jordan Creek / Expedia

For a cheap hotel in Des Moines that feels anything but, check out the Sleep Inn and Suites, where a caramel and duck-egg-blue color palette and tasteful black-and-white nature photography make for a stylish stay. Rooms come with work desks and executive chairs so that you can clock some hours in comfort while you’re on the move. A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning, with waffles, eggs and hash browns as standard.

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, for a rural vibe in an urban environment

The indoor pool with landscape views at the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West

Courtesy of Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West / Expedia

Another great value hotel in Clive, west of Des Moines, the Country Inn and Suites is shrouded in trees with a lake nearby. This environment creates an instant sense of country living, even though the exit to I-80 is right beside the hotel. Inside, the rooms all have a rustic-chic blend of tartan curtains, pastel earth tones and, in the case of the whirlpool suites, two-person jetted tubs.

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel, for modern comfort

The spacious hotel atrium with lots of seating at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

Courtesy of Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel / Expedia

This cheap hotel in Des Moines is an impressive, open-plan building with an American grill restaurant and a barbecue space. Over multiple floors, the rooms are arranged around a spacious central atrium and have a classy feel thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, marble sinks and comfy sitting areas. In addition, it’s a pet-friendly property, so you can bring your four-legged friend on your Iowa adventure.

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