Family Vacation Critic Favorite

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Des Moines Downtown

333 SW 11th St, Des Moines, 50309-5300, IA

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1 Room / 2 Adults

1 rooms,
2 adults
  • Rooms:

    1
  • Adults:

    2
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TripAdvisor Rating

Editor's Rating

Overview

Opened in 2016, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown is a fantastic hotel for families, with complimentary breakfast, a swimming pool, and guestrooms for up to six family members. But our favorite part about this hotel is its location. The family-friendly property puts you within 10 minutes of the Iowa State Fair in one direction, and 10 minutes of the Des Moines International Airport in the other. It’s also an easy drive (or even a walk) to local restaurants and all that Iowa’s capital city has to offer.

Our Editor Loves

  • Location
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Guestrooms for six people

Family Interests

  • Museum/Cultural

Family Amenities

  • Connecting Rooms
  • Cribs
  • Family Room 5+
  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry
  • Pool
  • Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the Best Price for Your Stay

The hotel has 102 guestrooms and 33 suites, spread across four floors. All guestrooms -- which are modern and chic in decor -- are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Other perks include flat-screen TVs with free HBO and oversized towels in the bathrooms.

Most guestrooms are equipped with showers only; if you need a tub, note this when making your reservation.

Connecting rooms and cribs are available; request in advance to ensure availability. Accessible rooms are also available.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms are equipped with one king or two queen beds; the latter option can accommodate up to four guests.

Suites
Have a family of five or more? Opt for the 2 Bed Suite, which has two queen beds, plus a living area with a sleeper sofa that can sleep one or two people. This room can accommodate six guests total. King suites are also available.

Reviews

Outstanding!!

by Camper646631

What a nice, clean hotel. Stayed 4 nights and utilized the shuttle service daily which was outstanding! Most of the drivers were very friendly and personable, especially Ikram. Thank you for your service. Will stay again next time I’m in area

Great place to stay

by osanida

My wife and I stayed here last night as a get away from the Kansas city area. The room was nice, just needed a little mold scrubbed out of the shower. The hotel shuttle service was excellent. We used it several times as my wife cant walk long distances. Had I come by myself I'd have walked everywhere as the hotel is quite close to the downtown in a fairly decent area. It's great that the shower included shower soap and shampoo. There was a little sign by the sink noting that one could get a free razor or tube of toothpaste if you forgot yours! The breakfast was good, just a bit crowded as a lot of people were staying there. I cant comment on price as I'm an ihg member and used points for the room. I'll stay here again next time I'm in des moines!

Family Activities

Pool
The hotel has a small indoor pool; it's open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Family Dining

Complimentary Breakfast
Complimentary hotel breakfasts are certainly evolving, and the breakfast offered at this Holiday Inn is a perfect example. Aside from the traditional eggs, bacon, and sausage you can expect to find at many hotels, this hotel offers find mini egg white omelets and mini Cinnabon pastries!

Breakfast hours are 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 7 to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Vending Machines

The hotel has vending machines with snacks and beverages -- including individually bottled beer for parents to enjoy.

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras

  • Check-In/Check-Out
    Check-in time is 3 p.m.; check-out is noon.
    Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi is complimentary to hotel guests and works well.
  • Fitness Center
    The hotel has a small fitness room with cardio machines and free weights for strength training. It's accessible with your key card.
  • Business Center
    You'll find computers in the hotel lobby, where you check in for flights, print attraction tickets, and the like.
  • Pets
    Pets are welcome! The hotel requires a one-time, non-refundable deposit of $25, plus a $25 nightly fee. Up to two pets are permitted per guestroom.

The Best Time to Visit Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines—without a doubt—is during the Iowa State Fair, which takes place every August. Because it's such a popular time to visit, the Holiday Inn (and other area hotels) books up quickly; plan your trip well in advance.

Getting There
The Des Moines International Airport is just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Getting Around

  • Parking
    You'll want a car to get around Des Moines. Parking is free.
  • Shuttle
    If you don't need to go far, you can also utilize the hotel's complimentary shuttle to the airport, operating between 5 a.m. and midnight daily. It also goes to the convention center.