Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection leads with a 9.4 cleanliness and location score. For travelers wanting kitchens near Drake, Home2 Suites offers Wi-Fi rated 9.6 and free parking. Both rank among the top 5 star hotel in Des Moines options reviewed here.
Look, Des Moines isn’t just cornfields and the State Fair. Its hotel scene packs real heat, especially when you’re hunting for a 5-star stay that actually delivers.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 20 properties across 6400+ total verified guest reviews to build this list, prioritizing the properties with the strongest staff, cleanliness, and location scores with an 8.4/10 average guest score across the board.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall: #7 Hotel Fort Des Moines→ Rates
- Best location near Drake: #9 Home2 Suites by Hilton→ Rates
- Best for extended stays: #8 Staybridge Suites Downtown→ Rates
#14 Homewood Suites Airport→ Rates - Best value near airport: #1 Baymont by Wyndham→ Rates
- Boutique character: #16 Surety Hotel→ Rates
- Cleanest stay possible: #14 Homewood Suites Airport→ Rates
#7 Hotel Fort Des Moines→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport | (1250+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport | (800+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center | (650+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conf Center by IHG | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Hilton Des Moines Downtown | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines Airport | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Des Moines Marriott Downtown | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport | (50+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: 20 Best 5 Star Hotels in Des Moines
1. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The Vibe
This Baymont punches well above its price tag, scoring a 9.2 for cleanliness and a 9.3 for staff. It sits just off Highway 5, meaning you’re 10 minutes from downtown but hear zero traffic noise. The free airport shuttle runs on demand until midnight, a lifesaver for late arrivals.
What You Actually Get
Beyond the shuttle, you get a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a dry sauna — rare trio at this level. The free breakfast includes hot options. Rooms come with microwaves and fridges as standard. Unlike the Days Inn (#2), this one adds a fitness center and lets you park for $4/night while you travel. Staff responsiveness scores a 9.3, meaning late-night requests get handled.
Choose this if: You want airport proximity without sacrificing comfort — this scores 9.2 for value, one of the top in this list.
Check Tonight’s Price for Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport →
2. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The Vibe
This airport Days Inn does one thing brilliantly: location. An 8.7 location score puts Gray’s Lake within walking distance for sunset strolls. The indoor pool and hot tub are pluses for budget travelers, though the 8.4 cleanliness score trails the Baymont.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.6), an indoor pool, and a basic hot breakfast included. The 32-inch flat-screen TVs feel small by modern standards. Free airport shuttle runs on a set schedule, but parking gets charged after checkout. Compared to #1, the staff score drops to 8.5, but the location near the lake is a real draw.
Choose this if: Your budget is tight but you still want a pool and airport shuttle.
Check Tonight’s Price for Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport →
3. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
The Vibe
Location is the star here — opposite Casey Center and the EMC Expo Center. If you’re in town for a convention or concert, you can practically roll out of bed into the venue. The staff scores 9.0, and the breakfast earns solid marks for variety.
What You Actually Get
Free parking on-site, a real perk downtown. The indoor pool stays open year-round. WiFi hits 9.2, the highest in this price bracket. Pets are allowed with charges, a win for dog owners. Rooms are standard Comfort Inn — clean (8.2) and comfortable (8.3), but facilities score only 7.9, meaning the gym and common areas show some wear.
Choose this if: You’re attending an event at the Casey Center and want to walk.
Check Tonight’s Price for Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center →
4. Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown
The Vibe
River views, all-suite layouts, and a free hot breakfast — Embassy Suites promises value but delivers inconsistency. The 7.9 facilities score and guest feedback about outdated fountains suggest the property needs a refresh. Still, the staff score (8.9) carries the experience.
What You Actually Get
Every room is a suite with a separate living area. The complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast beats the standard buffet. Pets up to 60 lbs are allowed with a $75 fee. The indoor pool is open year-round. Parking costs extra, and some guests report dated decor in hallways.
Choose this if: You need extra space and a filling breakfast included in the rate.
Check Tonight’s Price for Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown →
5. Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
The Vibe
This is a genuine budget play. The 7.1 overall rating reflects worn facilities (7.3) and average cleanliness (7.9). But the location near Fleur Drive and a free airport shuttle make it a functional crash pad for early flights.
What You Actually Get
An indoor pool, free airport shuttle, and private parking. Breakfast is included — basic continental, not hot. Rooms have microwaves and fridges, but the 7.5 comfort score says the beds aren’t winning awards. Staff score 8.1 is decent for the category.
Choose this if: You literally just need a bed before a 6 AM flight and nothing else.
Check Tonight’s Price for Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport →
6. Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown
The Vibe
This Hyatt Place is a solid mid-tier downtown option. The location score (8.7) puts you near restaurants and nightlife. The staff (8.6) is noticeably friendlier than the building’s age suggests. Some rooms feel dated, but cleanliness holds at 8.2.
What You Actually Get
Free breakfast with rotating hot items, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Microwaves are only in suites — the lobby microwave is available for other rooms. Parking runs $18/night in the garage. Emotional support animals stay free; regular pets incur a $75 fee. Unlike #12, there’s no skywalk connection, so you’re walking outside to events.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a service animal and want downtown walkability.
7. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
The Vibe
This is Des Moines’ finest 5-star experience, period. The Curio Collection restored the historic Fort Des Moines into a modern stunner: 9.4 cleanliness, 9.4 comfort, 9.4 location. Guest reviews rave about the staff — Dakota sent champagne for an anniversary. The $500 damage deposit tells you they mean business about upkeep.
What You Actually Get
Impeccably clean rooms with tons of natural light, a fitness center, and good breakfast (€13 charge). No pool or hot tub on-site, unusual for the category. The 9.3 facilities score proves they don’t need one — the historic architecture and modern finishes carry it. Parking is private but costs extra. Unlike #1, no airport shuttle is offered.
Choose this if: You want the luxury of a historic boutique hotel with Hilton-grade service.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton →
8. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
The Vibe
For extended stays, this is the downtown king. A 9.5 location score puts you steps from Hy-Vee Hall and the Iowa Events Center. The kitchens are real — fridges, stovetops, dishwashers — not just kitchenettes. Guest reviews underline the cleanliness (9.2) and staff helpfulness (9.1).
What You Actually Get
Full kitchens, pet-friendly policy, indoor pool, hot tub, BBQ facilities, and free breakfast. The $50 damage deposit is minimal compared to #7’s $500. Parking is private and paid. The sofa bed in each suite pulls out. Unlike #9, this one is downtown rather than near Drake, so you’re closer to the nightlife corridor.
Choose this if: You’re staying 5+ nights and need to cook your own meals.
Check Tonight’s Price for Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG →
9. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
The Vibe
Home2 Suites near Drake University delivers a near-flawless guest experience. The 9.6 Wi-Fi score is the highest in this entire list. Staff (9.4), facilities (9.3), cleanliness (9.3) — all elite numbers. It sits right across from Drake Stadium, ideal for campus visits.
What You Actually Get
Full kitchens in every suite, free on-site parking (rare downtown-adjacent), an indoor pool, and a coin-operated Spin2Cycle laundry room. Pets allowed with charges. The free breakfast includes hot options. Unlike the Staybridge (#8), this one doesn’t have BBQ facilities but compensates with better Wi-Fi and parking.
Choose this if: You’re visiting Drake University or need reliable high-speed internet for remote work.
Check Tonight’s Price for Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University →
10. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
The Vibe
A solid, well-rounded downtown pick. The 9.0 location score puts you near restaurants and nightlife. Guest feedback consistently highlights the quiet rooms and effective temperature controls — rare in older downtown buildings. The 8.9 comfort score backs that up.
What You Actually Get
A very good breakfast included, indoor pool, and fitness center. Parking is available at the hotel (garage, 7-ft clearance). Pets allowed with charges. Staff score 8.9. WiFi (7.5) is weak compared to Home2 Suites. The hotel can store bikes in the back office — useful for RAGBRAI riders.
Choose this if: Sleep quality is your #1 priority — the comfort scores here are genuinely excellent.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown →
11. Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conf Center by IHG
The Vibe
A conference-oriented airport hotel that handles groups well. Location score 9.2 is airport-convenient, and the staff (9.0) get praise for handling flight-change chaos. The on-site restaurant is currently open for breakfast only, Tuesday-Friday 6-9 AM.
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle, free on-site parking, indoor pool, and pet-friendly policy ($25/day per pet). Rooms have balconies — a nice touch. The gym is open 24/7. For early flights, the hotel offers breakfast bags if you can’t make the 6 AM start. Unlike #1, the shuttle runs on a set schedule, not on-demand.
Choose this if: You’re attending a conference or need a pet-friendly stay near the airport.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conf Center by IHG →
12. Hilton Des Moines Downtown
The Vibe
This Hilton sits at the heart of downtown’s Skywalk system, meaning indoor access to the arena, convention center, and restaurants — huge bonus in Iowa winters. The 9.1 facilities score reflects a well-maintained property, though the 8.0 value score suggests you pay a premium for that connectivity.
What You Actually Get
Indoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant (breakfast 6-11 AM, dinner based on occupancy). Free airport shuttle. Private parking is available (paid). No pets allowed. The 9.1 location and facilities scores are nearly tied with #7, but the overall stay score sits at 8.6 compared to #7’s 9.2.
Choose this if: You’re attending an event at Wells Fargo Arena and hate winter coats.
13. Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
The Vibe
The Savery is Des Moines’ grande dame — historic, central, and holding up well. Location score 9.1 puts you steps from the Civic Center and plenty of restaurants. The bar staff and shuttle driver get consistent shoutouts. It’s not the newest kid on the block (8.2 facilities), but the service carries it.
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle, fitness center, and private parking ($1/hour, $10 max/day). The Club Lounge offers complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers Sunday PM to Friday AM. Breakfast is €16 if you opt out of the lounge. No pets allowed. Rooms are clean (8.6) and comfortable (8.6), but the 7.7 value score suggests better deals exist.
Choose this if: You’re a Marriott loyalist wanting historic character and a central location.
Check Tonight’s Price for Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel →
14. Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport
The Vibe
Homewood Suites Airport is a cleanliness machine. A 9.5 cleanliness score ties with #18 for the highest in this list. The 9.4 facilities score and 9.4 location score (airport proximity) make it a top-tier extended-stay option near DSM. Guests love the early check-in flexibility.
What You Actually Get
Full kitchens, free airport shuttle, free private parking, indoor pool, fitness center, and a wonderful breakfast included. Pets allowed (up to 2) with a $75 fee for 1-4 nights, $125 for 5+. The hotel doesn’t have EV charging stations, but 3-prong outlets can handle adapters. Guest reviews praise the staff’s late-night helpfulness.
Choose this if: Cleanliness is non-negotiable and you want airport-adjacent convenience with full kitchen amenities.
Check Tonight’s Price for Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport →
15. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
The Vibe
Fairfield Inn claims the highest location score in this list: 9.6. It’s a 4-minute walk to Hy-Vee Hall and directly on the bike path. The very good breakfast includes hot options. This is a smart play for event-goers who want to skip the parking hassle.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, private parking (paid), free WiFi with 9.5 score, and hot buffet breakfast. All rooms are non-smoking. Minimum check-in age is 18, accommodating younger travelers. No pets allowed. The 9.2 cleanliness and comfort scores are strong for this price tier.
Choose this if: You want the most walkable downtown hotel possible, period.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown →
16. Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Vibe
Surety is the boutique heart of Des Moines. A 9.5 cleanliness score matches the top performers, and the 9.3 facilities score reflects thoughtful design. Guests rave about the staff’s dog-friendly recommendations. No pool or bathtubs — all rooms have walk-in showers only.
What You Actually Get
Concierge service, a restaurant, good breakfast (€10 charge), and fitness center. Pets allowed with charges. Parking is off-site (noted as a downside). The hotel charges a 2.5% credit card recovery fee on all charges — plan to use debit or cash to avoid it. The 8.6 location score is solid but not top-tier like #15.
Choose this if: You want a stylish boutique experience with your dog in tow and don’t mind walk-in showers.
Check Tonight’s Price for Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection →
17. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
The Vibe
This Holiday Inn Express includes a spa and wellness center — unusual for the brand. Staff score 9.0 with specific praise for Taylor at the front desk. The free shuttle runs to Wells Fargo Arena, about a mile away. It’s a functional, friendly, clean option (8.5 in all base categories).
What You Actually Get
Indoor pool, free airport shuttle, free parking, excellent breakfast included, and fitness center. Rooms have pull-out sofas with bedding kits prepared in advance. Pets allowed with charges. The 8.8 location score is decent but not walkable to the main dining corridor. Check-in closes at 11:30 PM — late arrivals need to coordinate.
Choose this if: You want a spa experience without paying Curio Collection prices.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG →
18. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines Airport
The Vibe
This Hilton Garden Inn is spotless — a 9.5 cleanliness score tied for the best in Des Moines with #14. The staff score 9.2, and the facilities (9.0) feel fresh and modern. “Exactly what I needed — close to the airport, clean, comfortable” sums up 90% of guest reviews.
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle (Park Stay and Go packages available), free parking, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and breakfast for €11. Rooms include bathtubs — increasingly rare in newer builds. No pets allowed. The 9.2 location score reflects proximity to the airport and ease of access to downtown (5 miles).
Choose this if: You need a pristine room near the airport with free parking and a bathtub.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines Airport →
19. Des Moines Marriott Downtown
The Vibe
Downtown Marriott delivers a classic business-hotel experience. The 9.0 comfort score is strong, and the 9.0 location score matches. Guest feedback highlights the staff’s accommodating nature. The free shuttle covers both downtown and airport — unique flexibility.
What You Actually Get
Indoor pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, and breakfast available. No pets allowed. Each room includes a refrigerator; a microwave is available in the lobby market. No in-room jacuzzis. Parking on-site (paid). The 8.3 overall rating reflects lower review volume (50+), but the service and location scores are solid.
Choose this if: You need flexibility between downtown meetings and airport connections.
20. Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
The Vibe
The airport Hampton offers an outdoor seasonal pool — rare in Des Moines where most are indoor. Location score 9.1 is strong for airport proximity. Guests praise the fresh, hot breakfast and friendly associates. The 7.6 overall reflects a smaller review sample and average facilities (7.9).
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle, free private parking, free WiFi (8.8), fitness center, and breakfast included. No pets allowed. Parking for 5-7 day trips costs $25 extra. The outdoor pool runs seasonally — don’t count on it in November. Compared to #18, this one has lower cleanliness (8.5 vs 9.5) but a better WiFi score (8.8 vs 7.5).
Choose this if: You want an airport stay with an outdoor pool and the lowest long-term parking fees.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#7 Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
The highest-scoring 5 star hotel in Des Moines at 9.2 overall, with 9.4 scores across cleanliness, comfort, and location — plus champagne service from staff.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton →
💰 Best Value
#9 Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
A 9.1 overall with free parking, full kitchens, and the highest Wi-Fi score (9.6) in Des Moines — premium features at a mid-range price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University →
🏖️ Best Airport Stay
#14 Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport
A 9.5 cleanliness score, free airport shuttle, free parking, and full kitchens make this the best all-rounder for flyers who want space and comfort.
Check Tonight’s Price for Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport →
How We Ranked These Des Moines Hotels
We evaluated 20 propertiesacross 6400+ verified guest reviews to build this ranking. Every 5-star property met minimum thresholds for guest satisfaction, cleanliness, and location relevance to Des Moines travelers.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value — the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to downtown landmarks, airport proximity, and walkability scores for Des Moines neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Des Moines hotels offer free cancellation?
Most properties on this list offer free cancellation on select room types, including Baymont by Wyndham (#1), Staybridge Suites Downtown (#8), and Home2 Suites (#9). Cancellation policies vary by room type and season — always check the specific terms on your booking page before confirming.
Are pets allowed at Des Moines 5-star hotels?
Yes, several properties welcome pets including Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center (#3), Embassy Suites Downtown (#4), Staybridge Suites (#8), Home2 Suites (#9), Hampton Inn Downtown (#10), Holiday Inn Airport (#11), Homewood Suites Airport (#14), Surety Hotel (#16), and Holiday Inn Express Downtown (#17). The Surety Hotel’s staff even provides local dog park recommendations — a standout for pet travelers.
What’s the most walkable area in Des Moines for hotel stays?
The downtown corridor around 3rd to 7th Streets and Locust to Grand Avenues offers the highest walkability. Fairfield Inn (#15) holds the top location score at 9.6, putting you a 4-minute walk from Hy-Vee Hall and directly on the bike path. Hotels near the Skywalk system — like Hilton Downtown (#12) and Marriott Downtown (#19) — offer indoor connectivity to restaurants, bars, and the arena.
Which Des Moines hotel has the best airport shuttle service?
Baymont by Wyndham (#1) offers on-demand airport shuttle from noon to midnight — the most flexible schedule. Holiday Inn Express Downtown (#17) provides complimentary shuttle to both the airport and Wells Fargo Arena. For Park Stay and Go packages, Hilton Garden Inn Airport (#18) lets you bundle parking with your overnight rate.
What time is check-in at most Des Moines hotels?
Standard check-in times range from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM across these properties. Baymont (#1), Days Inn (#2), Comfort Inn (#3), Hyatt Place (#6), Staybridge Suites (#8), Home2 Suites (#9), Hampton Inn Downtown (#10), Hilton Downtown (#12), Homewood Suites (#14), and Fairfield Inn (#15) all offer 3:00 PM check-in. Hotels like Embassy Suites (#4), Hotel Fort Des Moines (#7), Holiday Inn Airport (#11), Renaissance Savery (#13), and Marriott Downtown (#19) start at 4:00 PM.
Do any Des Moines hotels have kitchens for extended stays?
Yes — Staybridge Suites Downtown (#8), Home2 Suites at Drake (#9), and Homewood Suites Airport (#14) all feature full kitchens with stovetops, microwaves, and refrigerators in every suite. These are ideal for stays of 5+ nights where cooking saves on dining costs. The Holiday Inn Express Downtown (#17) also offers microwaves in select rooms and a lobby microwave for guest use.