The Best Hotels to Book Near Adventureland, Iowa

You won't have to sacrifice sleek design or modern comforts at these properties around Adventureland | Courtesy of Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale / Expedia

Philipp Meier

14 September 2021

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From gambler havens and baroque-style lodgings to art palaces celebrating the heartland’s heritage, take a look at some of our favorite hotels to stay in on your next visit to Adventureland in Iowa – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Sitting between Mississippi and Missouri in the heart of the Corn Belt, Iowa is America’s only state with two parallel rivers defining its borders. The vagaries of nature segue from eastern forests into western grasslands. Rolling cornfields have been central in Iowa life for years and still fuel the economy, besides the service sector. This state is home to a thriving art and craft beer scene, and amusement parks galore.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines Altoona

Courtesy of Fairfield Inn and Suites Des Moines Altoona / Expedia

Just off the city center’s cafes, Fairfield is surrounded by greenery – a stone’s throw from Adventureland. Confident in delivering outstanding service at exceptional rates, the hotel offers a satisfaction guarantee. Rooms and suites are spacious, purposefully designed with a desk, flat-screen TV, roll-in shower and kettle. Facilities include a business center, indoor pool and hot tub overlooking a stunning lake. Fuel up for the gym with oatmeal, sausages or health-friendly fruits and yogurts. Keen to stay longer? From five consecutive nights, you’ll get some great deals.

Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel

Courtesy of Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel / Expedia

A 20-minute drive from Des Moines, this casino hotel boasts a delightful toy-house look. It’s a gambler’s paradise with slots and games galore, plus a 1mi racetrack to wager on horses. Rooms are kitted out with a flat-screen TV, fridge, tablet, retro-style armchair and desk – and the carpeted floors, padded headboards and glass shower doors add to the neat look. Suites feature a kitchen or lounge, and facilities like meeting spaces, a gym, a bar and a business center cater to every traveler’s need. Want to kick back? Jump into the saltwater pool to wind down after a long day adventuring.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Altoona Des Moines

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express and Suites Altoona Des Moines / Expedia

This newly renovated Altoona hotel sits 2.5mi from Adventureland, just minutes from Prairie Meadows. The carpeted suites are exceptionally roomy and have a bathtub, and the comfy beds, snuggly blankets and black-out shades guarantee you’ll get some solid shut-eye. There’s a business center, too, and you can get nibbles from machines when you have a few minutes. Breakfast and coffee are complimentary. If you’re keen on some early morning exercise, swim laps in the heated pool or exercise on the gym’s stepper – while the indoor whirlpool makes for some relaxing me-time.

Best Western Premier Ankeny Hotel

Courtesy of Best Western Premier Ankeny Hotel / Expedia

Best Western perfectly blends urban living with a rustic charm. Wood dominates the parquet-floor lobby where you get complimentary coffee around the clock – as in the breakfast area with wood slab tables, hardwood floors and timber ceilings. The spacious rooms have intricately patterned walls and carpets and offer three-star amenities – plus free local calls for up to 30 minutes. There’s an indoor pool, business center and 24-hour gym, while you can play yard games by the pond or visit nearby Adventureland. Sipping cocktails in the lounge by the fire pit completes the Premier experience.

Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny

Chain Hotel

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny / Expedia

Within easy reach of Adventureland, Prairie Meadows and downtown Des Moines, Courtyard is very conveniently located. The arched portico entrance sets the tone of this smart hotel, catering to both business and leisure travelers. There’s a 24-hour gym, indoor pool and whirlpool – plus a bistro with bright blue chairs. The meeting facilities and executive lounge feature couches and flat-screen TVs to make any business obligation a little more indulgent, while the rooms are bright and spacious. Don’t rush – stretch out on your comfy bed and wind down with a movie.

Des Lux Hotel

Courtesy of Des Lux Hotel / Expedia

In the heart of Des Moines and aptly named Des Lux, this property is a cut above three-star hotels. The moment you step inside this brick-wall building, the baroque-style furniture and wacky, Roman-inspired decor catches your eye. The lounge’s jazz music invites you to linger before you’ve even entered your whirlpool suite with a fireplace. And if you can be bothered to leave the comforts of your room – there’s a bathtub, cable TV and minibar inside – the gym and hot tub await you. In the morning, the breakfast room beckons with made-to-order eggs, waffles and fresh fruit.

Renaissance Savery Hotel

Courtesy of Renaissance Savery Hotel / Expedia

Determined to bring chic history to the next level, this laid-back hotel close to the Des Moines River has redefined cleanliness. “Historic” precedes all room type names – each suite offers city views, is incredibly spacious, spotless and has super comfy couches and armchairs. Get nibbles from machines before smashing your keyboard at the business center. Then sip on a cocktail or local brew at Coda Lounge before fueling up with scrumptious Italian dishes at Scopri Restaurant. Need to work off an indulgent dinner? Work on your fitness in the 24/7 gym.

Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale

Courtesy of Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale / Expedia

Off the main drag of Altoona’s Adventureland, the art-inspired Revel Hotel is steps away from the Living History Farms museum. The lobby and restaurant boast murals documenting rural Iowa’s industrialization of modern farming. The carpeted suites are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 55” HDTV and mini-fridge. Need space? Opt for the 395sqft-studio and slump onto the comfy corner sofa. Whether you’re a professional hanging out in the business center or a leisure traveler playing pool in the lounge, an ice-cold local craft brew makes it easy to chill out.

Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in Des Moines. Read all about Iowa’s High Trestle Trail Bridge.

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