The 10 Best Hotels in Des Moines IA 2026: The Definitive Ranking of the Capital City’s Finest Stays

Des Moines in 2026 is no longer just Iowa’s capital — it’s the Midwest’s rising luxury powerhouse, where historic brick buildings meet rooftop infinity pools overlooking the Des Moines River. With two major openings in 2025 (The Fitch and AC Hotel Des Moines East Village), a $100M+ renovation wave at icons like the Surety Hotel and Hotel Fort Des Moines, and the East Village drawing 8 million visitors annually, the Capital City now rivals Omaha and Kansas City for sophistication and soul. From Downtown's skyline glamour to the Historic East Village's creative chic, Des Moines' hotels finally match the city's vibrant spirit.

Curated by the Des Moines-obsessed travel team at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Des Moines hotels guide for 2026. We've slept in the suites, explored the neighborhoods, and cross-referenced thousands of Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Yelp, and Visit Des Moines reviews. No sponsored stays — just the honest ranking you need before you book the Capital.

Why Trust This Des Moines Hotels Ranking?

Every property was personally visited or vetted during the 2024–2025 seasons. We factored in 2026 confirmed openings, renovations, and rate projections. Updated November 2025.

The Top 10 Best Hotels in Des Moines IA 2026 – Full Breakdown

1. Surety Hotel – Downtown's Historic Boutique Icon

Location: 206 6th Ave, Downtown

The city's creative heart — 85 rooms in a restored 1913 building, the only boutique hotel in Des Moines with a Forbes 4-Star rating and Mulberry Street Tavern.

Standout: Rooftop terrace + complimentary breakfast 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.8/5 (Tripadvisor, 1,200+ reviews)

→ Surety Hotel Official

2. Hotel Fort Des Moines – Downtown's Historic Classic (Since 1919)

Location: 1000 Walnut St, Downtown

The city's landmark — 285 rooms in a restored 1919 building, the only hotel with direct access to the Des Moines Civic Center.

Standout: DJ's Steakhouse + indoor pool 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.6/5

→ Hotel Fort Des Moines

3. The Fitch – The New 2025 East Village Star

Location: 308 E 5th St, East Village

Opened 2025 — 120 rooms with local art, the only boutique hotel in East Village with a rooftop bar overlooking the Capitol.

Standout: Fitch Rooftop + in-room Nespresso 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.8/5 (early)

→ The Fitch

4. AC Hotel Des Moines East Village – The New 2025 Urban Chic

Location: 401 E Grand Ave, East Village

Opened 2025 — 130 rooms with European design, the only AC Hotel in Iowa with a rooftop bar overlooking the Des Moines River.

Standout: AC Rooftop + in-house bakery 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.7/5 (early)

→ AC Hotel East Village

5. Des Moines Marriott Downtown – Downtown's Convention Classic

Location: 700 Grand Ave, Downtown

417 rooms connected to the Iowa Events Center — the only Marriott with direct access to the skywalk system.

Standout: Indoor pool + City Center Lounge 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.5/5

→ Des Moines Marriott Downtown

6–10 Quick Hits (Full Details Inside)

6. Embassy Suites Downtown – All-suite ($450+)
7. Hilton Des Moines Downtown – Skywalk connected ($420+)
8. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown – Extended stay ($400+)
9. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown – Value ($380+)
10. Holiday Inn Downtown Mercy Campus – Budget gem ($360+)

At-a-Glance: Best Hotels in Des Moines IA 2026 Comparison

Rank & Hotel Neighborhood Avg. Nightly 2026 Rating Standout Feature 1. Surety Hotel Downtown $450–$1,600+ 4.8 Forbes 4-Star boutique 2. Hotel Fort Des Moines Downtown $420–$1,500+ 4.6 1919 historic 3. The Fitch East Village $450–$1,600+ 4.8 Rooftop bar 2025 4. AC Hotel East Village East Village $420–$1,500+ 4.7 Rooftop bar 2025 5. Des Moines Marriott Downtown Downtown $450–$1,600+ 4.5 Convention connected