HotelWedding VenueBusiness Meeting LocationsConference CenterHoliday Inn
Located only a quarter of a mile from Des Moines International Airport, Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center offers a comfortable and convenient stay with unique amenities and exceptional service.
Business travelers appreciate proximity to the downtown area, while our location, just five miles from Drake University, makes us a prime destination for visiting families and prospective students. We’re near Wells Fargo Arena, now called Casey’s Center, home of the Iowa Wolves and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Explore Blank Park Zoo, attend conventions at the Iowa Events Center, or shop and dine your way through bustling Downtown Des Moines, all nearby.
We go the extra mile to minimize stress and maximize relaxation during your stay. Hop on our complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle or choose our local shuttle to go within a two-mile radius of the hotel. Host corporate or social functions in our 34,000 sq ft of event space, and enjoy perks like a heated indoor pool, 24-hour Fitness Center, and lobby bar. Dine at our full-service restaurant or sneak into our hidden speakeasy for a nightcap or a game of pool. Unwind in spacious rooms or upgrade to one of our Executive King rooms. We provide everything you need for an unforgettable stay in Des Moines!
Many customers praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning individuals like Becca and Jennifer for their exceptional service.
Cleanliness Issues
Several reviews highlighted concerns about cleanliness, including unkempt rooms and common areas, with specific mentions of trash and bugs.
Room Quality
Guests noted that while some rooms were clean and comfortable, many found them dated, with issues such as uncomfortable beds and inadequate amenities.
Convenience
The hotel's location near the airport and the availability of a 24-hour shuttle service were frequently appreciated by guests.
Dining Experience
Feedback on the dining options was mixed, with some enjoying the made-to-order breakfast while others criticized the quality and availability of food.
LH
Liana Hedberg
2 days ago
5.0
The ladies at the front desk were exceptional! They provided excellent customer service, were accommodating and very welcoming! We will be staying there again.
TH
Toni Holmes
Jan 4, 2026
1.0
My family and I decided to go to this hotel for their New Year’s Eve event. We had teenagers and we were looking for something to them to do that did not involve alcohol. The hotel offered a New Year’s Eve package, which included a room for six, Swimming, DJ, Balloon drop, Party favors , and breakfast.
Now we have stayed in this hotel before Covid and they’ve had formal dinners and events. And I’m not complaining about the event itself. I just am a little bit disappointed in the response of the staff when I ask questions about this event so I gotta understanding of what I was paying for.
If you’re looking for a hotel where you could bring all your own food and you could stay in your poolside room with the adults and let the kids run around The middle of the concourse this is the hotel for you. That is not what I expected.
I expected to find a nice restaurant that we could dine in where you could actually talk to each other, Have some fun Swimming and dancing with the DJ. But what I saw was small kids running wild with food station set up all over the pool area And parents in their rooms drinking and watching football.
When I asked about the restaurant that they had on their website, what I found was it’s more like a snack station. On this night, they offered only six items and the room smelled like old grease when I walked in That offered only six food options. We have a vegetarian and there was nothing on that menu for a vegetarian.
I was told that there would be dinner provided which I was surprised by but when I got there, it wasn’t and that’s OK because there’s nothing in that snack station I would want to eat.
I was told there was a breakfast buffet the next morning and what I found was that same snack station offered you a plate with a scoop of eggs, Two sausages and two pancakes. Which was enough and I’m not complaining, but that is not a buffet which Was not what was explained to me.
There was also a lot of rules and these wristbands apparently there was a very big concern that people Would want to sneak into this event. I am not really sure why. I’m not sure if there were problems in the past with this event. I was very thankful that there was plenty of security. But according to other customers, This event was smaller than it’s been in the past and it was shut down earlier than it had been in the past.
I’m not writing this review to be complaining. I’m writing this review so people can be informed about what the hotel offers and what you could expect when you go there. I clearly had other expectations and other memories of this hotel, but somewhere in the renovation I think their focus had changed from fine dining and fine events to family oriented functions.
Overall, it worked out and we were mildly satisfied with what we had. We received a party favors, Got to swim in the pool, The DJ was marginal, The beds were nice, However, I’m not sure how you would sleep six and two queen size beds. The breakfast was filling, even though it was misrepresented.
If I had young children and I wanted to bring everything myself, this would be something I would do again. But I’m to the age that when I go to a hotel, I wanna be pampered and I’m glad that there are venues that would allow families who may be cash-strapped to have a good time also.
DB
Dametriah Boyson
Dec 28, 2025
1.0
Front desk staff is so rude and unprofessional the man named meoshae laughed at me and Threatened to call the police on me. She called the manager who was also unprofessional unprofessionally dressed, and he was no help either never again 3AM in the morning getting off work. She judged me by the time because she thought I was coming from the bar.
GG
Ginny Gucci
Dec 23, 2025
4.0
This was a great hotel. The pool is nice and warm. Breakfast is extra here but worth it. It is a made to order breakfast not the typical continental breakfast at other Holiday Inns. The hot tub here is not good. Luke warm and old and filthy. Definitely needs to be replaced. Housekeeping woke us up at 7 am by barging in and yelling. I also question the thoroughness of their cleaning. We moved a chair and there was trash and a deck of cards under it there was also trash under the curtains along the balcony door. We would stay here again because the pool side room was very ideal.
DW
Diane Wetherbee
Dec 21, 2025
5.0
Hotel is aging a bit - Holiday Inn Express in Marshalltown actually had nicer rooms with bigger bathrooms. But service here was stellar, everyone was friendly, breakfast was well-prepared. Tip: if you reserve a room with breakfast included in the price, only 2 breakfast coupons are provided. If you have 3 or 4 in the room, you'll have to pay for their breakfasts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center feature an airport shuttle?
Yes, Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center features an airport shuttle.
Is parking available at Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport/Conf Center?
Yes, we provide complimentary parking for all our guests.
Are pets allowed at Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport?
Yes, we are a pet-friendly hotel. Please contact our front desk for more details on our pet policy.
How far is Des Moines Airport from Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport?
Des Moines International Airport is just 0.9 miles away from the hotel.
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport/Conf Center have a pool?
Yes, our hotel features a beautiful indoor pool where guests can relax and unwind.
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center have meeting or event space?
Yes, Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center offers over 34,000 sq ft of event space, including ballrooms and meeting rooms ideal for conferences and special events of all sizes.
Is breakfast available at Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center?
Yes, breakfast is available at Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center through our on-site restaurant, The Grill, which offers a full breakfast menu with both hearty and lighter options.
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center offer a Fitness Center?
Yes, Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center features a 24-hour Fitness Center with cardio equipment, weights, and plenty of space for guests to maintain their workout routines.
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center provide laundry services?
Yes, Holiday Inn Des Moines–Airport/Conf Center offers self-serve laundry facilities to make extended stays and business travel more convenient.
Does Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center provide an airport shuttle?
Yes, the hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service for guests traveling to and from Des Moines International Airport.
Is parking available at the hotel and is it free?
Yes, self-parking is available free of charge for all guests at the hotel.
Are pets allowed at Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes both cats and dogs. Guests should contact the front desk for more details on the pet policy.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Does the hotel offer any fitness facilities?
Yes, a fitness center with free access, including elliptical machines, free weights, and treadmills, is available for guests.
Is breakfast available at the hotel?
Yes, breakfast is available for guests during their stay.
Are there any business facilities available at Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport?
Yes, the hotel offers a business center and has 18 meeting rooms that can be used for conferences and events.
What nearby parking options can guests use if arriving by car?
Besides complimentary self-parking at the hotel, guests can find nearby parking facilities such as SP+ Parking, Des Moines Airport Red Economy Parking Lot, and Jet Parking, which can be useful for extended stays or airport parking needs.
Are there places nearby where guests can get food or convenience items?
Yes, nearby options include Casey's General Store which offers pizza and convenience items, as well as H&A Minimart and bp America gas stations with convenience stores for quick snacks or essentials.
What local attractions or services near Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport might guests be interested in?
Guests might enjoy visiting the TBA Classic - Muay Thai World Expo for martial arts events or can make use of nearby services such as Thrifty Car Rental or The Travel Center for transportation needs.