The Best Hotels Closest to Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for 2026

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Our top choices for Iowa State Fairgrounds hotels

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

1. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area

0.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Brittany

SAR 242 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Dec - 7 Dec

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

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Drake, 8.5 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Diane

SAR 393 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Nov - 26 Nov

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

3. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

10.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Abdifatah

SAR 286 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Dec - 7 Dec

4. Tru By Hilton Norwalk Des Moines

15.6 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Merlin

SAR 354 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Nov - 20 Nov

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

5. La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

9.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Wayne

SAR 340 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

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

6. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Southwestern Hills, 14.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Breanna

SAR 368 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

A modern restaurant with a central bar area, multiple seating options including booths and tables, and pendant lighting.

7. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® Norwalk Des Moines

15.8 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Nicholas

SAR 366 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

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

8. Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

11.7 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Larry

SAR 434 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Nov - 28 Nov

A spacious indoor area with a long wooden table, several chairs, a fireplace, and a view through large windows.

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

15 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Anahy

SAR 375 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Nov - 20 Nov

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

10. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

7.2 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Stacia

SAR 507 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Dec - 9 Dec

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

11. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

12.4 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Karen

SAR 374 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Nov - 26 Nov

A swimming pool with four lounge chairs and a view of trees through large windows.

12. Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny by IHG

12.5 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Kristi

SAR 357 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

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

13. Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines

10.3 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Kim

SAR 397 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Dec - 10 Dec

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

14. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

7.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Jeffrey

SAR 460 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

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

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

12.4 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Paula

SAR 348 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Nov - 30 Nov

An outdoor patio area with wooden beams and string lights, furnished with chairs and tables, and a stone wall backdrop.

16. Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

12.3 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Jessica

SAR 337 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Dec - 7 Dec

A spacious hotel lobby with a central bar, seating area, and a ceiling fan.

17. Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

10.1 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Tom

SAR 425 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Nov - 22 Nov

18. Home2 Suites By Hilton Altoona Des Moines

10.3 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

todd m

SAR 397 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

A living room with a sofa, a patterned armchair, a coffee table, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

19. AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

13.9 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Zachary

SAR 250 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

A building with a sign reading "WILDWOOD LODGE."

20. Wildwood Lodge

18.6 km from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Akacia

SAR 380 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Iowa State Fairgrounds

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area	2.0 star property	7.2 Good 1,000 reviews	View
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University	3.0 star property	9.4 Exceptional 1,012 reviews	View
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport	2.0 star property	8.6 Excellent 1,847 reviews	View
Tru By Hilton Norwalk Des Moines	2.5 star property	9.4 Exceptional 190 reviews	View
La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines	3.0 star property	9.0 Wonderful 1,324 reviews	View

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 theater scene.

See properties

Top Iowa State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

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

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

This is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Absolutely beautiful historic building with a grand scale and fully updated modern rooms. The design and comfort is impeccable. Large room and bathroom, but not so large that it isn’t cozy. Perfect in my opinion. The onsite dining options are fantastic for world class breakfast lunch and dinner at very reasonable prices. And the coffee is amazing. There were a couple of quirks in the room—the sound of trickling water whenever the ac turned...

David Morrow

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Altoona

10/10 Excellent

We love this hotel! We've stayed 2-3 times in the last couple of years. This last time was the best, starting with Michelle, who checked us into the hotel. She was so friendly, knowledgeable, and just great in representing the hotel. Our room was fantastic, beds were so comfortable even after a full day at Adventureland. The shower had multiple adjustments, and it had these awesome shampoo, conditioner, and body wash pumps on the wall of the shower - they smelled wonderful! The pool/whirlpool...

Anonymous traveler

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Drake

10/10 Excellent

Diane

A modern bar with wooden shelves and a long counter.

Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Serenity

A modern building with a sign that reads 'Staybridge Suites.' It features a mix of glass and brick facades, large windows, and a flat roof.

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Darin

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

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Downtown Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous traveler

Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

Des Moines

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

An outdoor patio area with wicker furniture, a fire pit, and a view of the building's exterior.

Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG

Ankeny

10/10 Excellent

The staff and front desk were amazing. We had a slight issue with our toilet in the room let the front desk know and it was fixed by the time we got back. The full kitchen came in handy since many nights we were gone late and we left early mornings before breakfast was served. I called the front desk the day we left after we got home and they were willing to go above and beyond to help find something that we thought we had left behind but we ended up finding it, but service was second to...

Leslie Ann

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with two chairs, a city view, and a bathroom with a mirror and sink.

Homewood Suites By Hilton Urbandale Des Moines

Urbandale

10/10 Excellent

Jerad

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Southwestern Hills

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines

Altoona

10/10 Excellent

Efrem

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, check out the 14 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay close to Iowa State Fairgrounds?

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers an indoor pool and free parking. It's located just a short 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Iowa State Fairgrounds. Other good options within a few miles include Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton and Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown.

How many hotels will I find near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

Expedia has 14 hotels and other accommodations 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! The majority of room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to cancel it and get a refund within 24 hours of booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to view the best options available near Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

To find more details about rescheduling or cancelling your stay near Iowa State Fairgrounds, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.

What can I see and do near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Science Center of Iowa, and State Historical Museum of Iowa 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.

Find hotels near Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines from SAR 216

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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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. Tru By Hilton Norwalk Des Moines

5. La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

6. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

7. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® Norwalk Des Moines

8. Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

10. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

11. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

12. Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny by IHG

13. Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines

14. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

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

16. Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

17. Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

18. Home2 Suites By Hilton Altoona Des Moines

19. AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

20. Wildwood Lodge

Compare popular hotels close to Iowa State Fairgrounds

Other attractions near Iowa State Fairgrounds

Iowa State Capitol Building

Top Iowa State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

10/10 Excellent

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the area like around Iowa State Fairgrounds?

What's the best hotel to stay close to Iowa State Fairgrounds?

How many hotels will I find near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

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

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Iowa State Fairgrounds?

What can I see and do near Iowa State Fairgrounds?