Merle Hay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Adventureland

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Adventureland
Principal Park

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

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.

Iowa State Capitol Building
Living History Farms

Living History Farms

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Living History Farms
Des Moines Botanical Center which includes a garden and interior views

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.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Art Center featuring art and interior views

Des Moines Art Center

Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.

Des Moines Art Center

Our pick of the best Merle Hay Hotel Deals

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$114 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
AU$114
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The check in was so easy and quick. I'm a female solo traveler and the place felt very safe. The parking is a little bit far from the door, but still plenty of space. The rooms were very neat, the shower was great and the breakfast looked good. I love that they left me a water bottle in the room ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
The price is AU$136 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$136
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.6/10 (567 reviews)
Just manage expectations and it’ll be fine!
"We booked to stay during the state fair with our 3 year old. The hotel is older, for sure. Certainly not a luxury establishment. That said, though, our rooms were clean. The AC worked very well in our room, almost freezing us out the first night until we adjusted it. Our room opened to the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$243 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$243
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Very cool restored historic hotel."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$139 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$139
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,586 reviews)
"This property was well-maintained and immaculate. The rooms were spotless and the service was excellent. The only issue I encountered was a musty odor in the hallways that gave the building an “old” smell. Overall, however, my stay was excellent and I would gladly return if I’m in the area ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$108 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
AU$108
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (536 reviews)
"The outside needs paint! Handrails were rusty and need repainted. Ice machine was out of order! Room was very clean and in excellent condition."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$235 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$235
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"We were pleasantly surprised at how nice and comfy this Holiday Inn was! It was nice to know we were coming back to our room at the emd of each long day."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
See all 779 properties in Merle Hay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay

Default Image

Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaverdale
Default Image

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.

Waveland Park
Default Image

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.

Lovington
Default Image

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.

Waterbury
Default Image

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
Default Image

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.

North of Grand

Merle Hay Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: