Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a bustling city that’s used to be dull. Today, it’s a cool and hip city with a contemporary style that has caught the attention of many. This rapidly growing mid-size city is a versatile travel destination that has been enjoyed by plenty of travelers. It’s a place filled with culture, history, and a delightful culinary scene. With its fascinating past, intriguing present, and exciting future, the best way to make sure you enjoy the city is to stay in great accommodation. That said, why not book a room in one of the hotels in Des Moines near the airport? Staying near the airport might not be a popular choice, but it’s actually pretty convenient and you’ll still be close to many attractions. Keep your eyes on your screen and let us show you all the top hotels near Des Moines airport!
Where to Stay in Des Moines Near the Airport
When looking for hotels in Des Moines near the airport, you should totally check out Southwestern Hills. Plenty of them is set on Fleur Drive, which takes you less than 5 minutes to reach the airport on wheels. Lucky for you, most of those hotels near Des Moines airport come with free airport shuttles. Since it’s very close to the airport, it can be relatively noisy at times. If you don’t mind driving a couple of more minutes for a quieter stay, the hotels in Willow Creek Ave might suit you more.
Staying in the downtown area is also not a bad choice if you have your own vehicle. It takes less than a 15-minute drive to reach the airport. However, since their facilities aren’t focused on airport transfer, it’s a bit hard to find one from the hotels in this area.
If you’re planning for a getaway in a small town for your next vacation, we recommend going to Decorah. The best hotels in Decorah, Iowa are all very affordable too, which are good for those who want to travel on a budget.
Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown
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Overlooking the Des Moines River and set in the heart of the city center is none other than Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown. If the lack of an airport shuttle isn’t a problem for you, then you might want to consider staying here. However, if It’s a priority for you, you might want to opt for other hotels near Des Moines airport with shuttle. Or, you can take Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Des Moines – Departure Private Transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you’ll travel comfortably to the airport.
This all-suite hotel is just moments away from the city’s top attractions. If your destination is under 2mi (3.2km), you can take the hotel’s free shuttle service and let the driver take you there. When the weather is not friendly, we recommend spending some time at the state-of-the-art fitness center or indoor swimming pool instead.
Every suite at this hotel is super spacious and modern. You can enjoy the beautiful river view from the comfort of your room. When you’re not admiring it, you’ll find yourself enjoying the pay-per-view channels on the flat-screen TV. Most suites can accommodate up to 5 or 6 people, perfect for a family vacation. Some have 2 beds that are in a separate room, and you’re guaranteed to sleep peacefully like a rock.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Not available
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 5.2mi (8.3km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 12 minutes via W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy and Fleur Dr
Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
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Less than a mile (1.6km) away from the airport, Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport offers you modern accommodation that’s also within easy reach from the downtown. Aside from the airport shuttle, the big plus of staying here is that you’ll be surrounded by many stores and eating establishments in the area.
Rooms at this hotel are decorated with vibrant colors and rich linens to keep you comfortable. Just like other hotels in Des Moines near the airport, each of them is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a spacious work desk with an ergonomic chair. That said, if you’re tired of working at the desk, you should get yourself one of the 13 best laptop stands for travel. It allows you to work comfortably anywhere you want and reduce the side effects of sitting with odd postures.
Here, you can benefit from the deluxe continental breakfast that’s served at the on-site café before starting your activities. Those who can’t stop munching at night must visit The Market, which is open 24/7 and sells a wide range of snacks and refreshments. During your spare time, feel free to go to the wellness area and take a dip in the indoor pool and the hot tub.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.9mi (1.4km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 3 minutes via Fleur Dr
Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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There’s no such thing as regret when you spend your nights in Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Airport. As one of Wyndham’s top hotels in Des Moines near the airport, you shouldn’t question its quality. Just less than a mile (1.6km) from the airport, it offers you airport transportation without any additional charge.
Decorated in soft, neutral colors, each spacious room on this property boasts nothing but top-notch amenities. Those who like to stock some snacks and make one will be happy to find a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee maker in the room. If you book the Superior King Suite, you can even spoil yourself by unwinding in the jetted tub. But if you want to save some cash, you can opt for the King Room and float on the indoor swimming pool instead.
One of the highlights of this hotel is Big Al’s BBQ, the on-site American restaurant that serves scrumptious a la carte menus. You can visit this eatery for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even better, all of them! Another popular facility includes the business center that comes in very handy for business travelers as it features printing services too.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.8mi (1.2km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes via Fleur Dr
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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Adjacent to the airport, AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport offers you a lavish stay in a homey room. If you can look right through the outdated design, you’ll love this hotel. Each room is perfect for self-pampering, especially if you’re having a quick trip. By staying in the King Suite, you’ll have the privilege to enjoy yourself in the in-room spa bath. For your added convenience, amenities like a microwave, a fridge, coffee-making facilities, and a work desk are all provided.
When the sun rises, you can have a hot breakfast at the on-site restaurant. Make your tummy happy by savoring the delicious waffles, fresh fruit, eggs, and pastries. Then, feel free to visit the indoor pool area and swim a few laps there before chillaxing on the sun loungers. In addition to the pool, you’ll also find a fitness center that boasts modern equipment.
Like other hotels in Des Moines near the airport, you can make use of the free airport shuttle to go to the airport. That way, you don’t need to spend more money on a taxi. In case you have your own vehicle, you can park your car for free at the parking area. As long as you don’t oversleep, there’s no need to rush as it takes less than 5 minutes to reach the airport.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.4mi (0.6km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes via Fleur Dr
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
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Aside from being 0.3mi (0.5km) away from the airport, Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport is also near many first-rate attractions. They include the Blank Park Zoo, Iowa Events Center, and Wells Fargo Arena. There are a great number of restaurants surrounding the area as well, which will bring your tastebuds to an incredible culinary adventure.
Here, you are invited to enjoy many facilities. First, you’re able to take advantage of the 24-hour airport shuttle. Business travelers will surely appreciate the free high-speed Wi-Fi, along with spacious work areas and access to fax and copy services. When it’s time to relax, you can go to the heated indoor pool and the hot tub.
The complete room amenities and competitive rates will make you even more excited to stay at this hotel. Each guestroom is equipped with ironing facilities, a big plush bed, and a cable TV. For something more luxurious, you can book the Executive Suite instead. It comes with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker. With a bigger space, you and your friends can chill in the living area and sleep on the additional queen-size sofa sleeper.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.3mi (0.5km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 1 minute via Fleur Dr
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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Compared with most hotels in Des Moines near the airport, this hotel is a tiny bit further. Set just off Highway 5, Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport and the airport are 4.2mi (6.7km) apart. Being away from Fleur Drive is actually a big bonus, as it’s way quieter here, perfect for a much-needed sleep. Since it’s impossible to walk to the airport, you can take the airport shuttle provided by the hotel for free.
This hotel features some amazing facilities that you can’t miss. When you’re not resting, you’ll most probably find yourself in the wellness area. There, you can chill in the heated indoor pool, hot tub, and dry sauna. If that’s not enough, there’s also a recreation room where you can watch sports on the huge TV or play billiards. Out of all the facilities, the show-stealer is the arcade center! Yes, ditch your mobile game and have fun playing some classic arcade games to kill time.
In each decorative guestroom, you’re promised nothing but a soundless sleep on the plush bed. When insomnia hits, just grab some snacks from the fridge and enjoy some shows on the satellite TV until your eyes are heavy. In the morning, you can use the coffee maker to make a cup of hot coffee before heading down to savor the deluxe continental breakfast.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 4.2mi (6.7km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 8 minutes via Army Post Rd
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
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Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport sure is one of the travelers’ favorite hotels in Des Moines near the airport. With its ideal location and many free amenities, there’s no reason to dislike this accommodation. It’s ideally situated across from the airport and close to many points of interest. Plus, it’s within easy reach to the city center, Blank Park Zoo, and Knoxville Raceway.
One of the free amenities includes the 24-hour shuttle service. If you drive on your own, you can park your vehicle in the designated parking area without paying a single cent. Those who want to have leisure time can make use of the free high-speed Wi-Fi to play online games or splash into the outdoor swimming pool. For something more intense, feel free to hit the on-site gym.
After a restful night’s sleep on the signature Cloud Nine bed, you can start your morning by enjoying your complimentary hot breakfast. Then, you can pamper yourself for a while by soaking yourself with hot water in the bathtub. Don’t forget to also have a taste of the freshly baked biscuits that are offered in the evening before you go to have some wine.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.4mi (0.6km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes via Fleur Dr
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
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Let’s move a few miles north of the airport and meet Hilton Des Moines Downtown. It takes you around 11 minutes to reach the airport from this hotel, which isn’t long considering it’s set in the city center. To make your way to the airport easier, this hotel has prepared a complimentary airport shuttle for you. From here, you’ll be within walking distance from places like the Science Center of Iowa and Wells Fargo Arena.
This 4-star hotel has plenty of great facilities throughout its property. You can drink whatever you want at the bar and forget about dieting when you’re at the restaurant. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center for those who like to be active. If you’re running out of cash, you can get some from the on-site ATM center before heading out for some shopping.
There are many room options at this hotel, and each of them is equally amazing. It’s fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and an air conditioner. Want to go big? We recommend booking the Skyline Suite. It’s far more spacious, bright, has more amenities, and best of all, you can enjoy the vibrant city view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 5.3mi (8.5km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 11 minutes via W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy and Fleur Dr
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conference Center
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This hotel is so close to the airport that you can even walk there if you want! Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conference Center is only 0.4mi (0.6km) away from the airport, and like other hotels in Des Moines near the airport, it also offers a complimentary shuttle service that’s located just across the street. Even better, free public parking is available too, and there’s no need for a reservation.
Since many of the guests are business travelers, each room at this hotel features a large work desk and a seating area. To help you focus, you can use the coffee maker to make a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to make use of the fridge and microwave to keep your drinks cold and heat some instant food.
Besides the 24/7 business center and meeting rooms, make sure to also spoil yourself by visiting other great facilities this hotel has to offer. In the atrium area, you can float on the pool and relax in the jacuzzi. Guests will also be able to have free access to the on-site gym, allowing them to stay in shape. Bowling, darts, and billiards are available too, but they come with an additional charge. To end the day, we recommend going to The Grill and fill your mouth with the tasty traditional American cuisine that tastes best with a glass of champagne.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.4mi (0.6km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes via Fleur Dr
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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To catch your early flight, staying in Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is highly recommended. You can easily reach the airport in less than a 5-minute drive. As one of the most popular hotels in Des Moines near the airport, this hotel also offers you a complimentary airport shuttle. Some of the city’s top attractions like Blank Park Zoo, Wakonda Country Club, and Southridge Mall are all within 3.7mi (6km).
On paper, this accommodation might be a 2-star hotel, but its facilities beg to differ. Inside this property, you’ll have the chance to swim in the indoor pool or work out at the on-site fitness center. There’s also a business center for those who need to hold a meeting. To make sure you’ll be able to start your day right, this hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast too.
The guestrooms are impressive as well. Each of them comes with a 32” flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, which means you can continue watching your on-going series during this trip. You can also make use of the refrigerator to keep your food and heat it up using the microwave whenever you’re starving. If you don’t mind paying more, you should go for the Suite, as it comes with an indulgent hot tub.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.5mi (0.8km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes via Fleur Dr
Doubletree Des Moines Airport
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You know you’re in for a treat when you’re going to spend your trip at Doubletree Des Moines Airport. This hotel is under 5 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown, which means you can still enjoy the city’s top attractions without having to worry about missing your flight. Similar to other hotels in Des Moines near the airport, you can expect a free airport shuttle and parking area.
We love how this hotel pays attention to even the smallest detail to ensure the guests have a pleasant stay. Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcome with a fresh-baked cookie. Aside from the King and Queen Room, you can book one of the three suites which all boast king-size beds and hypoallergenic down pillows. One of them offers you a cozy fireplace, while the other features a whirlpool tub. The third suite has a well-stocked kitchen, perfect for those who like to cook.
As expected from one of Doubletree’s hotel, a heated indoor pool along with a fitness center are available on-site. There’s also Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, the on-site restaurant that will serve you mouth-watering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Want to be treated like a VIP? Take the “celebration” package and you’ll have the privilege to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, have your breakfast delivered to the room, and have a late checkout.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for free
- Nearest Airport: Des Moines Airport at 0.1mi (1.6km)
- Estimated Drive Time: 3 minutes via Fleur Dr
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Des Moines Near the Airport:
- Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse – Set a few miles from the airport, this is definitely one of the best steakhouses in town. The steak is very tender, and it comes at a reasonable price.
- Skip’s – This amazing eatery is just a mile from the airport, and it has both great food and great service. The chicken marsala is heaven-like, and the ribeye steak is impressive as well.
- Eatery/A – There’s no such thing as bad food in this American restaurant. The cocktails, bacon-wrapped dates, and cioppino are out of this world.
Recommended Activities in Des Moines Near the Airport:
- Des Moines Scavenger Hunt: City Beautiful – Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems in the city while trying to solve challenges. Work together with your team or compete against them as you learn new facts about the city and create memorable experiences.
- True Crime Stories Walking Tour – Together with the other travelers, learn about the seedy side of Des Moines with the local guide during this historic tour. This downtown tour will take you past buildings that share stories about notorious crimes, famous bank robbers, and many more.
- Blank Park Zoo – This 49-acre zoological park is the only accredited zoo in Iowa. Here, you’ll meet more than 800 furry, finned, and feathered exotic creatures that will make your day.
