A historic building with a large central archway and a pond in the foreground.

Find 3 Star Hotels in Central Iowa, IA

Check availability on Central Iowa 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for Central Iowa 3-star hotels

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a central seating area with a blue sofa and chairs, a dining area, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

1. Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
3.0 star property
West Des Moines
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"nice location"
United States
mike
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
An indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, tiled flooring, and seating area with chairs and potted plants.

2. Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
3.0 star property
Ames
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,428 reviews)
"Good location, friendly staff"
United States
Kristin
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
A building with a sign reading "WILDWOOD LODGE."

3. Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge
3.0 star property
Clive
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,228 reviews)
"Great place for family"
United States
Akacia
Wildwood Lodge
A luxurious living room with a stone fireplace, a large mirror, and two blue armchairs.

4. Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Des Moines
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,110 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Bryan
Des Lux Hotel
A La Quinta hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and a brick facade.

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

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA
3.0 star property
Ankeny
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,051 reviews)
"Nice place! Would stay again!"
United States
Paula
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA
A modern hotel with a glass facade, a covered entrance, and a landscaped area.

6. Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
3.0 star property
West Des Moines
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"Perfect stay"
Mexico
Jorge
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
An indoor swimming pool with tiled flooring, a wooden ceiling, and a seating area with chairs and umbrellas.

7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA
3.0 star property
Clive
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great place to stay for the price"
United States
Dennis
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA
A reception desk with a sign reading "AmericInn" and a clock on the wall.

8. AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
3.0 star property
Greater South Side
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,005 reviews)
"It worked for what I needed, just a place to sleep. Easy shuttle to airport and staff was friendly."
United States
Traci
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
A multi-story hotel with a classic brick facade, large windows, and a prominent Liberty Building sign.

9. Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
3.0 star property
Downtown Des Moines
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"I stayed for 2 nights. It was quiet, clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the breakfast was very nice."
United States
Valerie
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
An indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, surrounded by lounge chairs and potted plants.

10. SpringHill Suites Des Moines West

SpringHill Suites Des Moines West
3.0 star property
West Des Moines
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean, nice place to stay."
United States
Avery
SpringHill Suites Des Moines West
A modern hotel with a prominent 'La Quinta' sign, a covered entrance, and a parking lot.

11. La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines
3.0 star property
Altoona
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,317 reviews)
"Everything was clean and staff very courteous and helpful. Great hit breakfast."
United States
Crystal
La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines
A spacious lobby with a bar area, seating arrangements, and a high ceiling with recessed lighting.

12. Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown
3.5 star property
Downtown Des Moines
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Love the location of this hotel! Close to all things downtown and the shuddle is an added bonus!"
United States
Benjamin
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
An indoor swimming pool with a 30 ft depth sign, a reception area, and a 'No Lifeguard' warning sign.

13. Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
3.0 star property
West Des Moines
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,163 reviews)
"Love the Drury Inn. The property was very clean and staff was so friendly! The amenities are awesome! Kickback, pool, and great breakfast!"
United States
Ann
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a window with blinds, a framed picture on the wall, and a bedside lamp.

14. My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA
3.0 star property
Altoona
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Very clean & beds are comfortable! Will definitely stay again if in the area"
United States
becky
My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA
An outdoor patio with modern seating and a built-in fireplace.

15. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive
3.0 star property
Clive
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Great hotel ,very clean , great breakfast"
United States
Ashley
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive
An outdoor dining area with a table set for two, a city skyline in the background, and a Ferris wheel illuminated against the evening sky.

16. Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
3.5 star property
Downtown Des Moines
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,002 reviews)
"We enjoyed the cook-to-order breakfast."
United States
Dennis
Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
A spacious bar area with high ceilings, large windows, and multiple bar stools.

17. Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale,Tapestry Collection Hilton

Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale,Tapestry Collection Hilton
3.5 star property
Urbandale
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"beautiful hotel, clean rooms and helpful staff"
United States
Nancy
Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale,Tapestry Collection Hilton
An outdoor seating area with yellow chairs and a colorful sofa, a fire pit, and a wooden ceiling with hanging lights.

18. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
3.0 star property
Drake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,013 reviews)
"Full marks to the hospitality of this place . loved the stay ."
United States
FNU
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar seating, and pendant lighting.

19. Hilton Garden Inn Ames

Hilton Garden Inn Ames
3.0 star property
Ames
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (918 reviews)
"Great for one night stay"
United States
KAREN
Hilton Garden Inn Ames
A modern kitchen with a large island, wooden chairs, a bowl of fruit, and a television above the island.

20. Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive

Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
3.0 star property
West Des Moines
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Everything about this property was amazing; would definitely stay there again 👍"
United States
Dorenda
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in Central Iowa.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
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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.

Learn more about Central Iowa

Explore the family-friendly area of Central Iowa—festivals, sports teams, and sights from Center Grove Orchard to Haunting at Farrar.

See all hotels in Central Iowa
A grand building with a large dome and two smaller domes, surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.

Top Central Iowa Hotel Reviews

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

10/10 Excellent
"Great stay. Clean and quiet room. Seemed well maintained. Convienent to the ISU campus. Nice breakfast and adjacent parking."
Todd 1-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Find out more about Central Iowa

Three Star Hotel Guide for Central Iowa

There’s a reason the top 3 star hotels in Central Iowa, Iowa are so incredibly popular: They combine comforting amenities and just-for-you service with some of the best rates and discounts the area has to offer. When you book a stay at a three star hotel in Central Iowa, you’ll get access to perfect little perks like on-site restaurants and cocktail bars, well-appointed fitness centers, and spacious rooms.

Search for a cheap deal on a 3 star upscale hotel in Central Iowa for the most elegant experience, or grab a low rate on one of the cheap 3 star hotels in Central Iowa near the local attractions, if you want something a touch more unassuming. Whatever your traveling style, make sure to use the search tools at Expedia to track down prices, read more about amenities, and score a few local discounts.

From business trips to family getaways, the Central Iowa 3 star hotels offer a fantastic home base for any type of vacation.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in Central Iowa?
Based on comments shared by our customers, Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown is among the best 3-star hotels in Des Moines, Central Iowa. It offers a swimming pool and a wet bar, and is around 0.1 mi east of the center. Guests also highly recommend Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel, approximately 0.2 mi northeast of downtown. Pool sun loungers and a barbecue grill help make it a leading city stay.
How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in Central Iowa?
Find the ideal combination of affordability, quality and comfort at a 3-star hotel in Central Iowa with Expedia's handy filters. Enter your dates of travel and then tailor your search based on the rate you wish to pay per night.

  • Search for the lowest price per night right now

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in Central Iowa?
The biggest difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in Central Iowa is the standard of service and access to creature comforts. Three-star hotels are typically more budget-friendly and include the amenities and services required to ensure your comfort, such as breakfast, a gym and WiFi. You can look forward to a little more at a 4-star hotel — think upmarket décor, deluxe toiletries and extra touches like spa and wellness centers.

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