What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in Central Iowa?

One of the perks of reserving a motel in or near Central Iowa is budget-friendly rates. This means more pennies in your wallet to tour some leading attractions. Often set near airports and major roads, and with plenty of parking, this kind of property is a popular option among road trippers. When you stay at a 3-star hotel, you'll get more than just an inviting room to kick back in. You'll also typically have access to conveniences like business facilities and a gym.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in Central Iowa?

Start your day on a positive note with breakfast included at Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel . This popular stay also comes with pool sun loungers and a swimming pool. Alternatively, pour yourself a freshly brewed coffee and get energized at Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport . These 3-star accommodations in Central Iowa will save you time and effort in finding somewhere to eat in the morning.

Do any 3-star hotels in Central Iowa have a pool?

Slip into your swimsuit for pool time at Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport . Another 3-star pick where you can enjoy a leisurely swim in between sightseeing adventures is Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel . The warmest months of June, July and August are the perfect time to book a hotel with a pool in Central Iowa. Typically, average temperatures range from 64ºF at night to 81ºF during the day in the warmest month of July.

What 3-star hotels in Central Iowa have an on-site restaurant?

If your travels through Central Iowa include Des Moines, check out Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown . This 3-star getaway has an on-site restaurant on top of a swimming pool and hypo-allergenic bedding. AC Hotel Des Moines East Village is another in-demand option in this city. Eat without having to leave the convenience of your accommodations and make use of hypo-allergenic bedding and dry cleaning and laundry services here.

Do any 3-star hotels in Central Iowa have WiFi?

Check in to one of our 3-star hotels with WiFi in Central Iowa and enjoy the convenience of sending photos to friends or planning tours and activities. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel and Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown are two getaways where you can stay connected while touring around Des Moines. Remember that WiFi may be complimentary or offered for an extra fee, so check before you reserve.

What 3-star hotels in Central Iowa have parking?

Lock in one of our 3-star accommodations with parking in Central Iowa and eliminate the inconvenience of finding somewhere to leave your wheels. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel and Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport are two that include this feature and a whole load more. There's lots to keep you busy while vacationing in Central Iowa. Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland are just the beginning of your adventures.

Do any 3-star hotels in Central Iowa have rooms with a kitchenette?

Our 3-star properties with kitchenettes in Des Moines, Central Iowa make it a breeze to whip up home-style food in between exploring top attractions. Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown and Homewood Suites By Hilton Ankeny are two stays where you can spend less on restaurants and more on activities. The first also has hypo-allergenic bedding and a wet bar, while a terrace and hypo-allergenic bedding are among the other conveniences at the second.

Find 3 Star Hotels in Central Iowa, IA from $71

Upfront pricing
Our total price for your stay includes taxes and fees
Treat yourself
Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide with Member Prices
Learn about One Key
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Central Iowa 3 Star Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Compare Central Iowa 3 Star Hotels with updated room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Urbandale

Juan Luis Perez

$63 nightly

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, City View, Executive Level | Living area | 45-inch LED TV with cable channels, TV

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Ames

Eileen

$77 nightly

Dec 17 - Dec 18

Total with taxes and fees

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Drake

Alyca

$91 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Osceola

Todd

$87 nightly

Dec 15 - Dec 16

Total with taxes and fees

Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

West Des Moines

Nicole

$94 nightly

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

Des Lux Hotel

Downtown Des Moines

Joshlynn

$149 nightly

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

Indoor pool, open 6 AM to 11 PM, sun loungers

SpringHill Suites Des Moines West

West Des Moines

Rebecca

$92 nightly

Dec 16 - Dec 17

Total with taxes and fees

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

West Des Moines

Shane

$93 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

Room, 1 King Bed, Corner (With Sofa bed, Specialty) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

Downtown Des Moines

Dawn

$101 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Downtown Des Moines

Eddie

$135 nightly

Dec 20 - Dec 21

Total with taxes and fees

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

West Des Moines

Nicole

$100 nightly

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale,Tapestry Collection Hilton

Urbandale

Michelle or Ken

$130 nightly

Dec 11 - Dec 12

Total with taxes and fees

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Downtown Des Moines

Jessica

$127 nightly

Dec 11 - Dec 12

Total with taxes and fees

Wildwood Lodge

Clive

Michael

$108 nightly

Dec 12 - Dec 13

Total with taxes and fees

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

Ankeny

Mindy

$76 nightly

Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Downtown Des Moines

Emily

$135 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

Altoona

LaDonna

$81 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

Altoona

Kenneth

$84 nightly

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

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

Clive

Roger

$80 nightly

Dec 11 - Dec 12

Total with taxes and fees

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive

Clive

Kirsten

$64 nightly

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Total with taxes and fees

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

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

1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA

$139 nightly

$155 total

Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,063 reviews)

Still don't see what you're looking for?

See all properties in Central Iowa.

You can also use these popular filters to refine your search.

Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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

Delve into rural America in the heart of Iowa, where rolling farmland, the state capital and a wealth of cultural attractions await.

See all hotels in Central Iowa

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park showing outdoor art and a garden

Top Central Iowa Hotel Reviews

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

10/10 Excellent

"It was great place.was an amazing place will do it again an the price was very reasonable all in all it was an amazing time "

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 from $138

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.

Find 3 Star Hotels in Central Iowa, IA from $71

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Central Iowa 3 Star Hotels

Compare Central Iowa 3 Star Hotels with updated room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

Des Lux Hotel

SpringHill Suites Des Moines West

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale,Tapestry Collection Hilton

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Wildwood Lodge

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

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

My Place Hotel - Altoona/Des Moines, IA

La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

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

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Learn more about Central Iowa

Top Central Iowa Hotel Reviews

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Find out more about Central Iowa

Three Star Hotel Guide for Central Iowa

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia