The Best Hotels Closest to Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines - 2026 Updated Prices

An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Our top choices for Iowa State Fairgrounds hotels

A spacious indoor area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and a modern ceiling design.

An indoor swimming pool with clear windows, a lifeguard chair, and a lifebuoy on the wall.

A hotel room with a hot tub, a dining area, and a window with a view.

Three vending machines with various snacks and drinks, a payment terminal, and a small window with a view of the outside.

1. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area

Fairground, 0.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

AUDREY

1.460.480 ₫

1.635.738 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

An outdoor seating area with yellow chairs and a colorful sofa, a fire pit, and a wooden ceiling with hanging lights.

A hotel with a modern exterior, a covered outdoor seating area, and a traditional building in the background.

A modern lounge area with a sofa, ottomans, and tables, featuring a mix of red and yellow chairs.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a computer, a TV, and a kitchenette.

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Drake, 8.5 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Ashley

2.758.742 ₫

3.089.791 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sept - 21 Sept

A hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a wall-mounted TV, and a window with curtains.

A restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a fireplace, and a view of the outdoors.

A reception area with a stone mosaic wall, a wooden panel design, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

3. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Watrous South, 10.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

John

1.836.032 ₫

2.056.355 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

16 Sept - 17 Sept

A spacious, modern interior with a long wooden table and bar stools, a seating area with sofas, and a kitchen area with a countertop and shelving.

A modern conference room with a large wooden table, comfortable seating, and a fireplace.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and tables.

4. GrandStay Hotel & Suites

15 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Maureen

2.132.040 ₫

2.387.885 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

A luxurious living room with a stone fireplace, a large mirror, and two blue armchairs.

A spacious hotel lobby with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and a bar area.

A hotel facade with a brick exterior, large windows, and a prominent entrance sign.

5. Des Lux Hotel

Court District, 6.5 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Angela

3.966.768 ₫

4.442.989 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

8 Sept - 9 Sept

A hotel with a reflection in a calm body of water, surrounded by open fields.

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a large window providing a view of the outdoors.

A modern reception area with a stone accent wall, a seating area with a sofa and chairs, a computer station, and a sign that reads "Connect & Print".

A hotel room with two large beds, a television, a desk, and a mirror.

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

7.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Tiff

2.975.206 ₫

3.332.231 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, tiled walls, and a no diving sign.

A modern hotel with a prominent 'La Quinta' sign, a covered entrance, and a parking lot.

A modern lobby with a sectional sofa, blue armchairs, and a bar area.

A reception area with two counters, a green-lit ceiling, and a central doorway.

7. La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

9.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Sarah

2.347.200 ₫

2.628.864 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

An outdoor seating area with sofas and tables, stone pillars, and a pathway leading to a building.

A river with a building on the left and a bridge in the foreground.

A bar area with a marble counter, a refrigerated display case with beverages, and a wall-mounted decorative piece.

A modern hotel with a stone facade, large windows, and a covered entrance area.

8. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

7.2 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Robert

3.572.960 ₫

4.001.715 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sept - 21 Sept

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large windows, and a chandelier.

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large windows, and a central chandelier. There are multiple seating areas with tables and chairs.

A spacious lobby with a central round table, green seating, and large arched windows.

A grand lobby with a piano, a chandelier, and a seating area.

9. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Western Gateway, 6.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

LaSeana

3.742.480 ₫

4.191.578 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A spacious hotel lobby with a blue sofa, a grey armchair, and a flat-screen TV mounted on a textured wall.

An indoor swimming pool with a blue and white color scheme, a lifeguard station, and seating areas with chairs and tables.

A hotel lobby with a blue sofa, a beige armchair, a flat-screen TV mounted on a textured wall, a fireplace, and a dining area in the background.

A hotel reception area with multiple coffee machines, a small seating area, and a counter with various amenities.

10. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Downtown Des Moines, 5.9 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Mark

2.529.499 ₫

2.833.039 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A sunroom with a glass ceiling, wicker furniture, and potted plants.

A clean, well-lit breakfast area with a self-service station, a coffee machine, and a variety of food items.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a seating area with sofas and ottomans, a reception desk, and a staircase to an upper level.

A hotel room with a bed, a blue armchair, a desk, and a nightstand.

11. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Southwestern Hills, 14.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Paul

2.549.320 ₫

2.855.238 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

A Holiday Inn Express building with a brick facade, multiple windows, and a covered entrance.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with a view.

A modern hotel room with a large window, a blue sofa, a desk with a chair, and a colorful striped rug.

A Holiday Inn Express & Suites van parked in front of a hotel with a modern design, multiple floors, and a covered entrance.

12. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Downtown Des Moines, 6.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Meg

3.077.440 ₫

3.446.733 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A modern hotel lobby with a central reception desk, seating area with sofas and chairs, and a self-service kiosk.

A modern gym with exercise equipment, a wall-mounted TV, and a mirror.

A modern lobby with a reception desk, colorful chairs, a purple sofa, and a wall with a 'SOUTHEAST' sign.

13. Tru By Hilton Norwalk Des Moines

15.6 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Nathan

2.331.030 ₫

2.610.755 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A modern dining area with a large island table, multiple chairs, and a chandelier.

A hotel room with a wooden desk, a bed, a TV, and a large window with a view.

A modern living room with beige sofas, a round coffee table, and decorative vases.

A modern indoor swimming pool area with clear signage, including a 'No Lifeguard On Duty' sign, and a separate shallow pool with a 3 ft depth marker.

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

Court District, 5.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Lauren

2.758.742 ₫

3.089.791 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sept - 21 Sept

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and hanging pendant lights.

A modern hotel with a stone facade, a covered entrance, and a clear blue sky.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, a pool ladder, and a tiled floor.

A snack display with various packaged foods and a sign indicating a peak inside for personal items.

15. Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines

10.3 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Christy

2.780.128 ₫

3.113.743 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A modern hotel lobby with a round coffee table, sofas, and a TV mounted on the wall.

A hotel room with a grey sofa, a matching ottoman, a flat-screen TV on a wooden desk, a standing lamp, and a framed abstract painting on the wall.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a tiled floor.

A hotel with a stone facade, a covered entrance, and an American flag.

16. Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

11.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Galen

3.207.840 ₫

3.592.781 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sept - 21 Sept

A La Quinta hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and a brick facade.

A large indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a small seating area.

A spacious indoor area with multiple seating arrangements, including tables and chairs, a sofa, and a television mounted on the wall.

A spacious lobby with modern furniture, a patterned wall, and a tiled floor.

17. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

12.4 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Dave

2.266.874 ₫

2.538.899 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

13 Sept - 14 Sept

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a TV, and artwork on the wall.

A modern hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, including tables and chairs, and a reception desk.

A modern lobby with a sofa, chairs, a lamp, and a wall with a floral pattern.

A Sleep Inn & Suites building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a clear sky.

18. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

12.4 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Chrisshanna

2.623.126 ₫

2.937.901 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A modern kitchen with dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a tiled backsplash.

A modern stadium with a glass facade, a prominent entrance, and an American flag.

A hotel room with a bed, a TV on a dresser, a desk with a chair, a sofa, and a window with curtains.

A hallway with a door, shelves stocked with snacks, and a refrigerator with beverages.

19. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Historic East Village, 5.4 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Dawn R.

3.520.800 ₫

3.943.296 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

10 Sept - 11 Sept

A building with a sign reading "WILDWOOD LODGE."

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, large windows, and a distinctive antler decoration.

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a sofa, and a coffee table.

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a view of the outdoors.

20. Wildwood Lodge

18.6 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Paul

2.523.240 ₫

2.826.029 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sept - 21 Sept

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Iowa State Fairgrounds

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area	7.2 Good 1,002 reviews	View
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University	9.4 Exceptional 1,014 reviews	View
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport	8.6 Excellent 1,834 reviews	View
GrandStay Hotel & Suites	9.2 Wonderful 802 reviews	View
Des Lux Hotel	9.6 Exceptional 1,090 reviews	View

Top Iowa State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

10/10 Excellent

"The friendliness and healthfulness of the staff at the hotel. I appreciate when the restaurant was closed I was able to order food at the lobby bar."

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

8/10 Good

"Good place to stay if you’re going to be gone all day. The person who was doing the continental breakfast did an excellent job and I can tell she takes a lot of pride in what she’s doing. The front desk was pretty nonchalant. Not particularly friendly and definitely not rude. Just there to check us in. Pretty efficient. There was a lady talking pretty loud on the phone to another guest about replacing something and getting it mailed out. Kinda odd she wouldn’t take that call to the back office. The room was small with two queen beds. Everything was clean. On one pillow there was a stain so I just didn’t use it. The beds…the beds were horrible. We tossed and turned all night long. The mattress was so hard. For that reason alone, we will not use another Comfort Inn."

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"We used the shuttle, and he was very friendly. Will definitely stay here again."

Des Lux Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"This was such a beautiful unique hotel. We loved it and highly recommend."

Sleep Inn & Suites Pleasant Hill - Des Moines

8/10 Good

"The check in gal was wonderful. The breakfast lady was working hard and helpful. It was really irritating to get in the shower and reach for the shampoo and it was empty...wet hair for nothing and there was not bath soap in the shower, just a bar by the sink...not so great when you didn't notice and were already wet."

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area

10/10 Excellent

"Very nice"

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

10/10 Excellent

"Great hot tub. Nice breakfast. Stayed 3 nights. $20 per day to park unless you use the street meter parking. It is free 9pm-9am and on Sundays. It’s on an app so you can do it from your phone. Only .80 per hour. Cheaper on the street and better lit. The parking dark was scary dark and unsafe. I complained to desk about parking deck lack of lighting. There were absolutely no lights. I had to use my cell phone flashlight. Don’t pay for deck! It was not safe and expensive. With the meters on the street you programmed how long you wanted. No feeding the meter with coins."

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

8/10 Good

"The Staybridge Suites was easy to find and conveniently located between downtown Des Moines and the Iowa State Capitol. Check-in was friendly and efficient. Parking was available in the multi-storey car park next door for $20 per night. My room was a good size, with modern décor and a useful kitchenette area. The reception staff were also very helpful in directing me to the nearby pickup point for the shuttle bus to the Iowa State Fair. The impressive State Capitol is well worth visiting and only a 10–15-minute walk from the hotel. The surrounding area was very quiet during my stay, although this was on a Sunday evening. There were plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, but most were largely deserted that evening. Breakfast was served downstairs and offered a good selection of both hot and cold items. Overall, this was a peaceful and convenient place for an overnight stay in Des Moines. I am not sure there would be enough in the immediate area to occupy me for more than a couple of nights, but it suited my visit very well."

WoodSpring Suites Des Moines Pleasant Hill

10/10 Excellent

"The room was clean when we checked in. Pretty quiet for a Saturday night!! The gentleman who checked us in gave us some good dining options in the area!!"

Other attractions near Iowa State Fairgrounds

A large government building with a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Iowa State Capitol Building

9.0/10 (354 reviews)

After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

See properties

An exhibit with historical artifacts, including a large wooden machine and various tools.

State Historical Museum of Iowa

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at State Historical Museum of Iowa during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

See properties

Sky Glider East

6.0/10 (1 review)

You can take time to visit Sky Glider East during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and great live music in this family-friendly area.

See properties

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

7.4/10 (3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

See properties

Copper Creek Golf Course

6.6/10 (7 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Pleasant Hill at Copper Creek Golf Course. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

See properties

Grand View Golf Course

6.0/10 (1 review)

Enjoy a round of golf in Des Moines at Grand View Golf Course. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Great Escape

You can take time to visit Great Escape during your travels to Pleasant Hill. Take in the live music and sunrises in the area.

See properties

Wooly's

You can make plans for a show at Wooly's during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.

See properties

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Iowa State Fairgrounds?

Iowa State Fairgrounds is located in a welcoming area of Des Moines known for its lively festivals. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 14 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

How many hotels will I be able to find near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

Expedia has 14 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Iowa State Fairgrounds.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Iowa State Fairgrounds, will I receive a refund?

Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are refundable provided that you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best options available near Iowa State Fairgrounds.

What can I see and do near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

Science Center of Iowa, State Historical Museum of Iowa and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates feature a variety of fascinating exhibits to see while you're in town. Learn about local history at Walnut Street Bridge and Temple Theater. You can catch a show at Wooly's, Hoyt Sherman Place and Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Cars

Search Hotels Near Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Iowa State Fairgrounds hotels

1. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

4. GrandStay Hotel & Suites

5. Des Lux Hotel

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

7. La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

8. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

9. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

10. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

11. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

12. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

13. Tru By Hilton Norwalk Des Moines

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

15. Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines

16. Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

17. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

18. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

19. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

20. Wildwood Lodge

Compare popular hotels close to Iowa State Fairgrounds

Top Iowa State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

Sleep Inn & Suites Pleasant Hill - Des Moines

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

WoodSpring Suites Des Moines Pleasant Hill

Other attractions near Iowa State Fairgrounds

Iowa State Capitol Building

State Historical Museum of Iowa

Sky Glider East

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Copper Creek Golf Course

Grand View Golf Course

Great Escape

Wooly's

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia