Downtown Des Moines, Iowa

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Policies vary on the availability of pet friendly rooms to it is wise to be open, honest and upfront during the booking process. You may find yourself kicked out or even paying a large deposit if you are not in a pet-friendly hotel and bring one anyway. New ADA laws are fuzzy though as service animals are not required to be documented and proprietors are legally not allowed to ask if the animal is a pet vs. a service animal.

Other sources of noise can be opening and closing trash dumpsters and also during collection by garbage trucks. Another great question is if they have any renovation plans, or underway that could affect your ability to relax. Pack earplugs and eyeshades!

Elevators are notorious for being a nuisance so ask to be roomed on the top floor and as far away as possible. Most hotels book nearby rooms last so hopefully they have availability elsewhere.

Things To Do

Des Moines shopping is better than online shopping so that you can touch, feel, smell and taste as an experience with an item before deciding to purchase it for yourself or as a gift. Local merchants have hand selected their inventory to provide a unique selection for your downtown.

Des Moines brings a custom fit every time a shoe is bought locally. Nothing beats the hands on experience of shoe shopping to add to your collection of Men's, Women's and Children's shoes. Try them on, walk around and make sure you have the best fit as every manufacturer is a bit different on sizing.

Des Moines has that special dining venue and you are sure to find something to please with numerous meals served to satisfy each palette. A wide variety of restaurants and delis are available to choose from with a nice selection of entrees and especially desserts.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Bob Puthoff
I'm sending some clients there this Summer and want to get them a discount card to shop. Thanks!

kristin Cutler
It's so cute and quaint.

Randy Mazzocco
Iam on my way next month

Ariel
i have been here since 2005 and fell in love with downtown, the shops are amazing, good prices, nice people, great gifts ect... the scenery is wonderful as well

Randy Swansen
We haven't been before, but we're looking forward to coming down next week!