Find downtown hotels in Des Moines, Iowa, near the Iowa State Capitol, Wells Fargo Arena, restaurants, shopping and top city attractions.
As Iowa’s capital, Des Moines combines historic landmarks, a growing food scene and a welcoming downtown atmosphere. Staying in the city center puts visitors within easy reach of the Iowa State Capitol, Historic East Village, Wells Fargo Arena, Principal Park and many of the city’s best restaurants and breweries.
Downtown Des Moines is a great choice for travelers who want to experience Iowa’s capital city at a relaxed pace. Staying in the city center means being close to the places that give Des Moines its unique character — from historic landmarks and cultural attractions to local restaurants, craft breweries and entertainment venues.
Guests staying in downtown hotels can easily explore the Iowa State Capitol, walk through the charming streets of Historic East Village, or spend an evening in the Court Avenue District, known for its restaurants and nightlife. Food lovers can enjoy locally inspired dishes at places like Centro, while craft beer fans can visit local favorites such as Exile Brewing Company or Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company.
Art and culture are also within easy reach, with the Pappajohn Sculpture Park offering one of the city’s most recognizable outdoor art experiences. Whether you are visiting for a conference, a concert at Wells Fargo Arena, a baseball game at Principal Park or simply a weekend escape, downtown Des Moines offers an easy way to experience the city’s history, local food scene and everyday character.
The Iowa State Capitol is one of the largest capitol buildings in the United States, crowned by a 23-karat gold-leaf dome that has has been one of Des Moines’ most recognizable landmarks since 1886.
Des Moines welcomes visitors throughout the year with a mix of business events, cultural attractions, sporting events and seasonal experiences. Spring fills downtown parks and patios, while fall brings cooler days that are ideal for exploring East Village and the Capitol area on foot.
Summer brings some of the city’s biggest gatherings, including the famous Iowa State Fair, while venues such as Wells Fargo Arena and Principal Park attract visitors for concerts, sporting events and entertainment throughout the year. Staying in a downtown hotel makes it easy to be close to the action without spending time traveling across the city.
As Iowa’s capital and a growing business hub, Des Moines also welcomes thousands of professionals for conferences, meetings and corporate events. Downtown hotels are a convenient choice for business travelers, with government offices, corporate centers, event venues and dining options all nearby. After a day of meetings, guests can easily enjoy the city’s restaurants, breweries and cultural attractions just steps from their hotel.
Less than three hours west of Des Moines, Omaha offers another vibrant downtown experience, from the historic Old Market to the Missouri River waterfront. If your Midwest trip continues, explore downtown hotels in Nebraska’s largest city.
