The closest off-post hotels and motels are just south of the main gate, near I-35 at Merle Hay Road. There are more hotels 5 miles southwest of the entrance near I-35 at 86th Street.
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows dogs up to 50 pounds - $25 per night fee for each dog. - Jul 2021 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"Easy access to the interstate and restaurants. The hotel was quiet, and the room was clean and well-appointed. The bed was comfortable, and the bedding was clean and smelled fresh. I asked for an extra pillow, and the housekeeper brought one in minutes. When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly employees. You won't be disappointed if you stay here.2023-11-25"
"Good hotel stay.2023-05-23"
"This hotel is well worth a stay.2022-11-15"
"Good rates. The hotel room smelled musty, and a piece of the bathroom floor board was missing. The hooks on the bathroom door were too high for an average person to reach. The staff was great, and breakfast was nice.2022-07-12"
"Great location right off the interstate. This hotel was worth the price. The room was clean, the staff was nice and let me check in early, and breakfast was good.2022-06-01"
Heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool - exercise room
Free hot breakfast buffet
Free WiFi
Free parking - truck parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows dogs up to 50 pounds, 2 dogs per room - $25 per night fee for each dog. - Jun 2018 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel room was nice, clean, and quiet.2016-10-17"
"Hotel was a bit hard to find at night. All was OK during our overnight stay.2015-03-10"
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows up to 2 pets per room - $100 pet fee if staying 5 nights or more - $50 pet fee if staying fewer than 5 nights. - Aug 2022 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel was fine.2021-05-24"
"The bed was comfortable, the hotel staff was courteous, and the restaurant was convenient.2018-08-23"
"The TV remote control didn't work; I called the hotel clerk, and a replacement arrived in less than 5 minutes.2016-06-27"
Pet friendly hotel
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- pets allowed only in standard rooms, 2 pets per room - $10 per night fee for each pet. - Feb 2016 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel was dirty and horrible. Don't stay here.2018-06-29"
"I was put in 3 different rooms because the first 2 had bedbugs. Don't stay at this hotel.2016-09-15"
"The hotel was generally satisfactory. There were several small roaches and spiders in our room, and it was humid due to the large, indoor water park. Good room amenities, and the staff was friendly, attentive, and helpful. If you don't have children and aren't interested in the water park, shop around for another place to stay.2016-06-28"
"Our hotel room was fantastic, but breakfast needed work. I'd stay here again.2016-05-20"
"Great room. The hotel staff was cheerful, helpful, and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to stay here.2015-09-20"
Free shuttle to other attractions within 2-mile radius
Heated indoor swimming pool - exercise room
Free WiFi
Free parking - truck parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- $20 per stay pet fee. - May 2021 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel was OK overall, but the breakfast buffet cost over $16.2023-07-26"
"Nice hotel with helpful, pleasant personnel. The restaurant was clean and looked new, and the food and service were good.2022-07-14"
"The sofa and chair were hard and super uncomfortable. The pool area was filled with trash, and the garbage can was overflowing. Someone set a fire in the stairwell, and we had to evacuate at 11:30 PM. Don't stay at this hotel.2020-08-11"
"The hotel room was clean and quiet, but the shower water was lukewarm. No continental breakfast, and I didn't have time to eat at the restaurant.2019-02-04"
"Easy access to the interstate. The hotel room was clean and suited our needs perfectly. Check-in was quick and easy, and the clerks were efficient and friendly. I highly recommend staying here.2016-03-22"
"The hotel was clean, the staff was friendly, and breakfast was good. I couldn't find an ice machine on the 1st floor.2023-05-14"
"Good hotel stay.2018-06-14"
"Lovely room with a comfortable bed. Even though it was close to the interstate, we didn't hear any noise. Friendly hotel staff. Great place to stay; highly recommend.2015-06-19"
Pet friendly hotel
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- $20 per night fee for each pet. - Feb 2022 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"There was nowhere to hand used towels. I enjoyed the hotel breakfast.2021-08-01"
"Nice hotel, but the handicap room was just a regular room with hand rails. The bathtub was too high for me to get into.2019-09-16"
"Our room was clean but humid, and the carpet was wet and sticky. The front desk clerk was the only pleasant employee at the hotel. The others completely ignored us. Look for other options.2019-07-08"
"Inexpensive hotel. I had a non-smoking room, but it smelled a bit like smoke. I liked the room layout, but not the long mirror for a headboard. The bed was comfortable, though. The bathroom door had been spattered with something and it hadn't been cleaned. Not a vacation destination, but it met my needs.2015-08-14"
"The hotel was clean and comfortable, and the staff was accommodating. The fire alarm went off shortly after our arrival, and the front desk clerk said it wouldn't be turned off until the fire department arrived. Other than that, our stay was enjoyable. I'd recommend booking here.2015-06-08"
Upscale, smoke-free, all-suite, extended-stay hotel
Heated indoor swimming pool - exercise room
Free hot breakfast buffet
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows up to 2 pets per room - $150 per stay pet fee. - Nov 2019 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"Great location near restaurants and businesses, but many were closed because of Covid-19. We were able to order and pick up meals. The hotel was comfortable and clean, and the staff was friendly, helpful, and answered my questions about what was being done to keep everyone safe. The room was clean, and we enjoyed having a suite.2020-04-16"
Cheap motel near Living History Farms and I-35/I-80
Some smoking rooms
Outdoor swimming pool open in summer
Free continental breakfast
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet friendly motel
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- $10 per night fee for each pet. - Jul 2015 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"There were burn holes in the bedsheets of our non-smoking room. The TV didn't work, and the room was freezing. Find another motel.2023-03-19"
"The 1st room was disgusting, and the AC didn't work. The lights and AC didn't work in the 2nd room. The bed wasn't properly made, and the bathtub had hair in it. The 3rd room was a little better. Don't stay at this motel.2018-06-18"
Budget, smoke-free, all-suite, extended-stay hotel near I-35/I-80
Also near Living History Farms
11.5 miles from downtown Des Moines
No swimming pool
Free continental breakfast
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- $25 per night fee for each pet - $150 maximum per stay fee for each pet. - Jun 2015 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel was dirty. The beds and pillows were hard, and I found strands of hair on the bed. Don't recommend staying here.2015-05-27"
Pet friendly motel
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- no pet fee for 1st pet - $10 per night fee for each additional pet. - Jan 2019 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The motel was OK, but seemed overpriced. It was hard to enter and exit the property.2023-08-06"
"We didn't get a 1st floor room as requested. We turned on the heater when we got to our room, and the cover fell off. No coffee in the lobby because the coffee maker was out of service and the clerk didn't know how to operate it. There was nowhere around the motel to walk the dog, despite a $200 refundable deposit. Find a different place to stay.2023-04-18"
"Good motel stay. The room was affordable, pet friendly, and clean. The bed was comfortable, and there was a fridge and microwave. The staff was friendly. The continental breakfast could've started earlier. Book it.2022-10-06"
"The room was OK, but there was too much noise and we didn't didn't sleep well. The floors weren't clean, and the fridge made a weird swishing noise. We wouldn't stay at this motel again.2019-07-22"
Midscale, smoke-free hotel near I-35/I-80 at US 69
Heated indoor swimming pool - exercise room
Free continental breakfast
Free WiFi
Free parking
Not pet friendly
- no pets allowed. - May 2019 Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"Convenient to the convention center. Great rates. The room decor was nice. There was no microwave in the room, and there were no vending machines. The hotel clerks were awesome and welcoming.2022-09-18"
"Easy access to and from the freeway. Good hotel stay.2019-11-23"
"The main hotel building was nice, but our room was totally inadequate. 2018-07-19"
"The hotel room was dated, and the TV didn't work. The hallways were dirty. Don't stay here.2017-06-10"
"The hotel room was clean but mediocre. Good breakfast. Great place for a short stay.2016-11-07"
Not pet friendly
- no pets allowed. - Aug 2021 Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"I couldn't stay. The hotel room smelled like mildew, and there was hair on the bedsheets. There was no one to check us in, so we had to go to the hotel next door, where the clerk said she couldn't help me with a refund. Don't stay here.2023-06-08"
"I had an enjoyable stay. Give this hotel a try.2021-05-06"
"The hotel met all my needs.2020-11-09"
"Good hotel for an affordable price. The room was clean and had pleasant decor, and everything worked. The bed was comfortable. I arrived before check-in time, so my 1st floor room wasn't ready, but I agreed to take a 2nd room floor even though there was no elevator. If you want a practical place to stay, this one is good.2019-01-30"
"The hotel was clean, and the staff was friendly. I had a relaxing stay.2018-11-09"
Not pet friendly
- Jan 2024 Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"This was our 1st hotel stay since the pandemic started, and it exceeded our expectations. Good location with easy access to I-80. The hotel was new, clean, and nicely furnished. The bed was quite comfortable, and the bathroom was nice. The only glitch was an issue with temperature control in our room. We were able to sit outside and eat take-out food, and there was an on-site bar. The indoor pool looked great, and the check-in clerk was accommodating and helpful.2020-09-20"
"The hotel staff was friendly and helpful. I especially enjoyed the breakfast. Nice wait staff in the dining area.2018-01-10"
Midscale, smoke-free, full-service hotel near I-35/I-80
Also near Living History Farms
A Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel
Free shuttle to Des Moines Airport
No swimming pool
Exercise room
Free WiFi
Free parking
Park and fly not allowed
Not pet friendly
- no pets allowed. - Sep 2019 Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The hotel was conveniently located next to I-80. Easy walk to the Machine Shed restaurant. Good price for an acceptable room.2017-09-06"
"I could hear every footstep in the room upstairs. The bedsprings were terrible. We asked for extra pillows and never got any. We didn't get any sleep. No washcloths provided, and the shower smelled like mildew. Don't stay at this hotel.2017-07-06"
"Nice experience. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful.2017-06-24"
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows dogs up to 80 pounds only, 2 dogs per suite - $100 pet fee if staying 7 nights or more for each dog - $50 pet fee if staying fewer than 7 nights for each dog. - Jan 2021 < Less
Note: Some WoodSpring Suites charge a weekly rate, even if you stay just one night.
"This hotel was really bare-bones. Had to pay for a 2nd roll of toilet paper, and there was a $25 fee if guests don't take out their own trash. The bed was more like a cot. No cooking utensils, hand towels, or tissue provided. The employees were friendly and helpful.2016-05-12"
11 miles from Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland
11 miles from Prairie Meadows Racetrack
No swimming pool
Free hot breakfast buffet
Free WiFi
Free parking - truck parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- pets allowed in some pet friendly rooms - $20 per night fee for each pet. - Aug 2023 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"There was blood on the bedsheets in my hotel room. Don't stay here.2020-05-26"
"The bedding was dirty, and there was no water pressure in the sink; we had to brush our teeth with water from the shower. Run away from this hotel.2016-05-10"
Upper-midscale, smoke-free hotel near downtown and I-35
Heated indoor swimming pool - exercise room
Free WiFi
Free parking - truck parking
Pet friendly hotel
More >
- allows pets up to 50 pounds, 2 pets per room - $20 per night pet fee. - May 2023 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"Construction was going on at the hotel during my stay. The room wasn't that clean, and not enough towels were provided. The check-in clerk was rude. Breakfast, however, was good. All in all, not a pleasant stay.2016-09-28"
"Adequate hotel. The mattress needed to be replaced.2016-05-04"
"The hotel was clean but needed updating. Friendly employees and nice pool area. Ask for a room near the pool.2016-04-19"
"The hotel was a nice, clean, quiet place to stay.2015-08-31"
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows dogs only - $10 per night fee for each dog. - Jan 2021 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"The motel was dirty. The bedsheets had burn holes, and the pillows were bad. The TV was small. Not much selection at breakfast. Don't stay here; it's not worth the price.2016-02-03"
"Dirty motel with stained carpeting. The door lock was broken, and the AC didn't work. The walls needed cleaning, and there was hair in the bathtub. We'll never stay again.2015-09-12"
Not pet friendly
- no pets allowed. - Aug 2022 Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"Everything was good. Stay at this hotel.2022-07-30"
"This hotel is a good value.2022-06-25"
"The hotel was lovely, clean, and safe. Great room with the best bed I've ever slept on. There was a selection of pillows to choose from. Nice, efficient personnel and a good complimentary breakfast. The property was well-lit and had lots of security cameras. I recommend staying here.2022-06-01"
"Good hotel. Stay here.2021-06-12"
"The beds were comfortable. Stay at this hotel.2020-09-27"
Midscale, smoke-free, all-suite, extended-stay hotel
Near I-35, Exit 90
11 miles from downtown Des Moines
No swimming pool
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet friendly hotel
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- allows up to 2 pets per room with a combined weight of 80 pounds in 1st floor rooms only - $10 per night fee for each pet. - June 2020 < Less
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: Based on 37 reviewsRead Recent Reviews
Upper-midscale, smoke-free hotel near I-35, Exit 89
9.5 miles from Des Moines
No swimming pool
Exercise room
Free continental breakfast
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet friendly hotel
More >
- allows dogs and cats only, 2 pets per room - $125 pet fee if staying 5 nights or more - $75 pet fee if staying fewer than 5 nights. - Dec 2022 < Less Most Recent HotelGuides ReviewsRead >
"We had to wait an hour before we could check in, but we got a discount for the inconvenience. The room was fine, and the hotel staff was courteous. Good place to stay.2015-09-10"