HotelWedding VenueBusiness Meeting LocationsConference Center
CONVENIENT LOCATION TWO SHORT BLOCKS FROM IOWA EVENT CENTER
Located on I235 Downtown Des Moines Adjacent to Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena travelers benefit from the close proximity and easy access on I235. Featuring FREE on site covered parking. Close to Mercy Hospital, Iowa Events Center, Wells Fargo Arena, Principal Financial Group, Drake University, Grand View University, Downtown Des Moines, Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines Civic Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, James Cownie Sports Complex, Iowa Cubs, All of Downtown Des Moines, and East Village, within walking distance to Lauridsen Skatepark, bike trails and many outdoor dining options in downtown Des Moines. Hotel often offers shuttle during concerts and special events. Contact hotel direct for shuttle information.
Our hotel features 6 flexible meeting rooms that can be arranged in variety of styles. "Top of the Tower" banquet room has the only panoramic view of the downtown skyline.
The parking lot is closed, causing significant inconvenience for guests who have to park far away.
Staff Attitude
Many guests reported rude and unhelpful staff, particularly at the front desk.
Room Conditions
Rooms are often described as outdated, with issues such as poor air conditioning, unpleasant odors, and cleanliness concerns.
Location Benefits
The hotel is conveniently located near the hospital and downtown, which some guests appreciated.
Mixed Experiences
While some guests enjoyed their stay and found the staff friendly, many others had negative experiences that overshadowed the positives.
KJ
Kennesha Jewett
1 day ago
4.0
Need to update the rooms but service was amazing!!!! Thank you Aliyah for your amazing service!! Breakfast ladies were so nice and kind! Area is perfect also!
LB
Laura Lee Burk-Swanson
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
Excellent service checking in and clean rooms.
JC
Jennifer Crone
Oct 25, 2025
4.0
I liked the hotel. BUT, the parking! Entire lot was closed. They had a small lot across the street but it was full when I was there. Parked in the Mercy employee lot next door and didn't have any issues. Then you have to drag your bags across the street and all the way through the closed parking lot. They did run a free shuttle to the Casey's center which was nice.
MW
Miguel Wynn
Oct 24, 2025
1.0
Absolutely insane. I booked online. Later i had to change my reservation, so i called, and i asked the guy for a veterans discount. He gave me a rate of $125 per night with the discount. He told me that i would have to show proof that i am a veteran… no problem. We drove 6 hours to get there and they told me they wouldnt honor the discount because im not on official military duty. I argued that it wasnt my fault that the guy clicked government rate and sent me a confirmation, which would be considered a legally binding contract. They argued tooth and nail. I asked them what would happen if i came in and they told me a room was $1000, point being, they cant just make up a price when we already agreed on a price, and i have it in writing. No luck. So they told me that if i wanted to stay, i would have to pay $205 plus tax and whatever. So i booked it, figuring id argue it later and get my money back. We got to our room and it smelled sooooo bad like old nasty stale smoke. Our friend who had the same room as us a few floors up had to change rooms because her kids were coughing due to the smell of old stale smoke. Weird, her rate was only $165 with no discounts. After about an hour, i started having a sore throat due to the gross smoke… plus, the toilet was constantly running, and it wasnt exactly quiet. So, we checked out. Yeah, i just ate the $205 plus tax and fees, and have to pay $150 extra for another room somewhere else.
Absolutely would not recommend this place. Bait and switch. Scammers.
KM
Kate Martinez
Oct 15, 2025
3.0
1 person working the front after an event like a Paul McCartney concert is ridiculous. She was busy, stressed and had an attitude. Very rude. I was only staying on the first floor, 1 floor up from the lobby and I had to wait 20 minutes for the elevator because there are no inside stairs to walk up and everyone staying there was at the Paul McCartney concert. Stupid and sounds like it is against code. Bar not open after an event like a concert is insane. The hotel was clean and rooms nice I will give them that. Nice location but rude staff. Shame on management for doing that to the staff as well. No wonder why she was rude she wasn’t staffed!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Des Moines Dtwn - Mercy Area by IHG
What is the check-in and check-out time at Holiday Inn Des Moines Dtwn - Mercy Area by IHG?
Check-in time is at 3:00 PM and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.
Does the hotel offer free parking for guests?
Yes, free on-site covered parking is available for guests.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
No, pets including cats and dogs are not allowed at the hotel.
Is breakfast available at the hotel?
Yes, breakfast is available for guests at the hotel.
What type of fitness facilities are available?
The hotel features a free fitness center with elliptical machines, free weights, and treadmills.
Does the hotel have accommodations suitable for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, the hotel is mobility accessible and has an elevator.
Is Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel and is it free?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel.
Can guests store their baggage at the hotel?
Yes, baggage storage is available for guests.
Are there any nearby event venues or arenas near the hotel?
Yes, the hotel is located two short blocks from the Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena, making it convenient for event attendees.
Is there a shuttle service available for concerts or special events?
Yes, the hotel often offers a shuttle during concerts and special events. Please contact the hotel directly for shuttle information.
What nearby dining options are available around the hotel?
Nearby dining options include Genevieve's Grill and many outdoor dining places in Downtown Des Moines and East Village within walking distance of the hotel.
Are there any nearby healthcare facilities close to the hotel?
Yes, the hotel is close to Mercy Hospital and several medical centers including Mercy Medical Center and MercyOne Iowa Heart Center Des Moines.
How can guests use public transit or reach the hotel using nearby landmarks?
Guests can use nearby transit access close to Downtown Des Moines landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol and Des Moines Civic Center to find their way to the hotel conveniently.