Opened in 2016, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown is a fantastic hotel for families, with complimentary breakfast, a swimming pool, and guestrooms for up to six family members. But our favorite part about this hotel is its location. The family-friendly property puts you within 10 minutes of the Iowa State Fair in one direction, and 10 minutes of the Des Moines International Airport in the other. It’s also an easy drive (or even a walk) to local restaurants and all that Iowa’s capital city has to offer.

The hotel has 102 guestrooms and 33 suites, spread across four floors. All guestrooms -- which are modern and chic in decor -- are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Other perks include flat-screen TVs with free HBO and oversized towels in the bathrooms.

Most guestrooms are equipped with showers only; if you need a tub, note this when making your reservation.

Connecting rooms and cribs are available; request in advance to ensure availability. Accessible rooms are also available.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms are equipped with one king or two queen beds; the latter option can accommodate up to four guests.

Suites
Have a family of five or more? Opt for the 2 Bed Suite, which has two queen beds, plus a living area with a sleeper sofa that can sleep one or two people. This room can accommodate six guests total. King suites are also available.

Pool
The hotel has a small indoor pool; it's open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Complimentary Breakfast
Complimentary hotel breakfasts are certainly evolving, and the breakfast offered at this Holiday Inn is a perfect example. Aside from the traditional eggs, bacon, and sausage you can expect to find at many hotels, this hotel offers find mini egg white omelets and mini Cinnabon pastries!

Breakfast hours are 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 7 to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Vending Machines

The hotel has vending machines with snacks and beverages -- including individually bottled beer for parents to enjoy.

All About the Extras

• Check-In/Check-Out
  Check-in time is 3 p.m.; check-out is noon.
  Wi-Fi
  Wi-Fi is complimentary to hotel guests and works well.
• Fitness Center
  The hotel has a small fitness room with cardio machines and free weights for strength training. It's accessible with your key card.
• Business Center
  You'll find computers in the hotel lobby, where you check in for flights, print attraction tickets, and the like.
• Pets
  Pets are welcome! The hotel requires a one-time, non-refundable deposit of $25, plus a $25 nightly fee. Up to two pets are permitted per guestroom.

The Best Time to Visit Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines—without a doubt—is during the Iowa State Fair, which takes place every August. Because it's such a popular time to visit, the Holiday Inn (and other area hotels) books up quickly; plan your trip well in advance.

Getting There
The Des Moines International Airport is just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Getting Around

• Parking
  You'll want a car to get around Des Moines. Parking is free.
• Shuttle
  If you don't need to go far, you can also utilize the hotel's complimentary shuttle to the airport, operating between 5 a.m. and midnight daily. It also goes to the convention center.