Find hotels in Central Iowa, IA from $51

Top reasons to visit Central Iowa

• Outdoor Adventures: Central Iowa is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic parks and recreational activities for all ages.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy a variety of attractions perfect for family vacations, including fairgrounds and event venues.
• Vibrant Urban Life: Explore the thriving downtown areas, rich in culture, dining, and entertainment options.
• Academic Experiences: Visit modern colleges and universities, enhancing your cultural exploration.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly options.

Find great hotels near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers a diverse selection of hotels to cater to every traveler's needs, from business-friendly accommodations to pet-friendly stays. Whether you’re looking for a modern hotel in bustling urban areas or a charming agritourism property, you'll find welcoming options that embrace a range of lifestyles, including LGBTQIA-friendly environments. Explore the best hotels in Central Iowa for a memorable and comfortable vacation experience.

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames: Tailored for business travelers and families alike, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames combines functionality with comfort. Located 11 miles from Central Iowa, this hotel is pet-friendly and offers a range of business amenities such as a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. Families will appreciate the child-friendly features, including free cribs. The hotel's pet policy allows certain pets on the premises, ensuring your furry friends can join your vacation.
• AmericInn by Wyndham Ames: With a warm and inviting atmosphere, AmericInn by Wyndham Ames is perfect for family vacations and business trips. Situated 11 miles from Central Iowa, this hotel offers a wealth of amenities, including a business center and meeting rooms for corporate guests. Families can enjoy various activities with children, like books, art supplies, and games, ensuring everyone has a fun stay. The pet-friendly policy allows you to bring your pets along for the adventure, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with their four-legged companions.
• Sonesta Essential Ames: A welcoming retreat for all, Sonesta Essential Ames is committed to inclusivity and family-friendly experiences. Located 11 miles from Central Iowa, this LGBTQIA-friendly hotel offers amenities for children, including a video game console. Pet owners will appreciate the flexible pet policy, allowing dogs and cats with certain restrictions. With a focus on creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, this hotel ensures that every guest feels at home during their stay.

Where to stay near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. Explore the thriving downtown areas of cities like Des Moines, where vibrant neighborhoods and scenic parks await. Whether you're seeking cultural attractions or tranquil landscapes, Central Iowa captures the essence of a perfect family vacation. Discover the heart of the region, where every corner invites exploration and connection with nature.

• Ames: Located 12 miles from Central Iowa, Ames is a vibrant city known for its rich educational culture and community spirit. It's home to Iowa State University, which draws visitors year-round, peaking during the summer months from June to August. Whether you're interested in shopping at its local mall or exploring the energetic campus life, Ames has something for everyone. The city also offers various sports facilities, including a stadium that hosts exciting events, making it a great spot for family outings and cultural experiences.
• Colo: Just 3 miles away from Central Iowa, Colo is a charming city perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. The best time to visit is from March to May when the weather is ideal for hiking and enjoying the local recreational areas. With picturesque lakes and a modern college university nearby, Colo provides a romantic setting for couples and families alike. Don't miss the chance to explore the local waterpark, which adds a splash of fun to your trip.
• Nevada: Situated 4 miles from Central Iowa, Nevada offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Peak visitor times are during the summer months, particularly June and July. The city boasts a vibrant arena entertainment facility and is close to a modern college university, which enhances its lively atmosphere. With various recreational areas and sports facilities, Nevada is an excellent destination for those looking to enjoy both an active and relaxed vacation. Its romantic settings make it a great choice for couples exploring the area.

Things to do near Central Iowa

Central Iowa is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and family vacations, offering a variety of recreational activities and scenic experiences. Visitors can enjoy fairgrounds and event venues, providing entertainment and educational opportunities. Attractions abound, making it a great destination for those seeking adventure and fun in a picturesque setting.

Shopping

Visit the Outlets of Des Moines, a vibrant shopping mall 27 miles from Central Iowa, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Closer to town, Northview Shopping Center, just 23 miles away, features a variety of shops in a bustling business and city atmosphere.

Recreation

Jack Trice Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for catching a game. Furman Aquatic Center provides family-friendly fun with pools and slides. For golf lovers, Veenker Memorial Golf Course presents a scenic outdoor experience, combining relaxation and sport amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

The High Trestle Trail offers breathtaking views and a unique experience as you bike or hike across its iconic bridge. For an adrenaline rush, try zip-lining at the Des Moines Adventure Park, where you can soar above the trees and tackle exciting obstacle courses.

Nightlife

For a fun night in Central Iowa, catch a romantic flick at Valle Drive In, just 27 miles away. Experience excitement at the Story City Carousel, located 15 miles from the heart of the area. For a cultural evening, visit Fred Maytag Bowl, 29 miles away, perfect for family entertainment.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Iowa

To save money on your trip to Central Iowa, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March or December to January, and aim for a stay on a Monday rather than a Saturday. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly hotel options, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and accommodations. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Iowa are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Iowa is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Iowa is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Central Iowa with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions near Central Iowa

Central Iowa offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences, perfect for a memorable vacation. Explore urban parks, visit modern colleges and universities, and attend events at the Iowa Events Center. With a variety of attractions and activities, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city life while enjoying the picturesque scenery that Central Iowa has to offer.

• Iowa State University: Explore the beautiful campus of Iowa State University, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Engage with students and faculty, and enjoy various cultural and educational events throughout the year.
• Main Street Cultural District: Immerse yourself in the heart of the community at the Main Street Cultural District, where art galleries, shops, and local eateries come together. Experience the lively city vibes and discover unique local artwork and cultural events.
• Stephens Auditorium: Attend a performance or event at the renowned Stephens Auditorium, which hosts a variety of performances ranging from concerts to theatrical productions. Its professional ambiance makes it a hub for arts and culture in Central Iowa.

Best time to go to Central Iowa

The best time to visit Central Iowa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Iowa falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Iowa falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	15.8°F (-9.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	21.9°F (-5.6000000000000005°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	37.0°F (2.8000000000000003°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	39.9°F (4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Central Iowa

When visiting Central Iowa, you have a few airport options. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is 38 miles away and offers nearby hotels such as the 4.5-star Hotel Fort Des Moines, located 4 miles from the airport. Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is 86 miles away, with excellent accommodations like the 4-star Doubletree by Hilton, just 7 miles from the airport. Lastly, Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is 61 miles away, with options like the 3.5-star Black Hawk Hotel located 3 miles from the airport. Each hotel provides convenient access to their respective airports, making travel hassle-free.