Merle Hay Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Our pick of the best Merle Hay Hotel Deals
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Horrible experience me and my daughter got sick from mold
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
This hotel is so gorgeous!! I love the statues, how historical it is, the thought put into decorating everywhere. The room was gorgeous and the bed was super comfortable! The speakeasy in the hotel is also a really cool thing. The drinks were good, they had non-alcoholic cocktails for sober friends, ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
clean room and great service
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Breakfast was amazing and staff were very welcome and friendly! Hope to stay here more often in the future!
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Ambience is fun and eclectic, staff are helpful and nice, continental breakfast has a lot of variety, beds are comfortable, pillows soft and supportive, and the shower is wonderful. To top it off, the bathroom is had the most counter space I've ever had at a hotel and I LOVED it!!!
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
Pool was out of order, went to breakfast 1 hour+ before it ended and most food was gone and no plates. We waited but no refills came out. Contacted the staff and they were unwilling to offer any compensation. Other than made me become a member to give me 1000 points (LOL). Won’t be back.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Lovington
Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
