Find hotels in Drake, Des Moines from $56

Top reasons to visit Drake

• Drake University: Explore the scenic campus and engage in various events, showcasing a vibrant academic atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun experience for families.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture through various events and community activities.
• Entertainment Venues: Visit the local arena for exciting sporting events and entertainment options.
• Charming Neighborhood: Stroll through friendly streets, offering a welcoming community spirit and recreational spots.

Find great hotels near Drake

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Whether you're seeking a comfortable hotel or a cozy motel, the area offers pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming options that cater to both leisure and business travelers. With easy access to campus and top local attractions, you'll find the perfect place to relax and enjoy your visit.

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: This hotel offers a comfortable stay tailored for business and family travelers alike, situated 4 miles from Drake. With a strong focus on business amenities, it features a Conference Space, Business Center, and Meeting Rooms, making it ideal for corporate trips. Families will appreciate the child-friendly services, including free cribs. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere and convenient location near the airport ensure a hassle-free experience for both leisure and business guests.
• Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines: Located 3 miles from Drake, this pet-friendly hotel is perfect for families and business travelers. It boasts multiple Meeting Rooms and a 24-hour Business Center, catering to those on work trips while offering a family-friendly environment. Pets are welcome with certain restrictions, making it a great choice for travelers who want to bring their furry companions. The hotel combines comfort and convenience, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
• Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown: Just 2 miles away from Drake, this 3-star hotel blends modern convenience with a pet-friendly policy, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Equipped with multiple Meeting Rooms and a 24-hour Business Center, it’s well-suited for working professionals. The hotel’s pet policy allows for furry friends to join the adventure, with specific fees and guidelines in place. Guests appreciate the contemporary design and comfort, making it a favored choice for a relaxing stay in downtown Des Moines.

Where to stay near Drake

Exploring the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and vibrant community spirit. Stroll through the picturesque Drake University campus, where scenic pathways and engaging events abound. The surrounding area features charming streets filled with friendly faces and recreational spots perfect for relaxation. With its convenient location, Drake serves as an excellent base for discovering the rich atmosphere and attractions of Des Moines and nearby regions.

• Des Moines: As the capital and largest city of Iowa, Des Moines offers a vibrant metropolitan experience. Located right next to Drake University, it attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons in the summer months from June to August. Known for its family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities, Des Moines features a variety of attractions. You can explore shopping malls, enjoy events at the fairgrounds, or visit local landmarks such as lakes and sports stadiums. The city also hosts multiple conferences and events, making it a hub for both leisure and business travelers.
• Urbandale: Just 3 miles from Drake, Urbandale is a charming city that appeals to families and business visitors alike. The city sees a steady stream of travelers, particularly during peak times in April and the summer months from June to July. Urbandale boasts a variety of shopping centers and fairground events that cater to diverse interests. Visitors can also enjoy local landmarks such as lakes and sports stadiums, making it a great spot for recreation and relaxation. Its close proximity to Des Moines allows for easy exploration of the metropolitan area while enjoying the slower pace of a suburban setting.
• Downtown Des Moines: Located just 2 miles from Drake, Downtown Des Moines is a bustling neighborhood that’s perfect for those seeking entertainment and culture. With peak visitor numbers in March to April and July, it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and business opportunities. Downtown features an array of entertainment facilities, including arenas and fairgrounds, alongside local landmarks like sports stadiums and event venues. This area is ideal for families and those looking to experience the city’s nightlife, dining, and cultural events, making it a must-visit during your stay.

Things to do in and around Drake

Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a delightful mix of family-friendly and cultural activities. Visitors can explore educational institutions, enjoy events at the arena entertainment facility, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby fairground. This city-themed destination is perfect for those seeking a blend of entertainment and local charm, making it an ideal vacation spot for tourists looking to discover the unique offerings of the area.

Shopping

Discover Merle Hay Mall, only 3 miles from Drake, offering a mix of entertainment and shopping options. Visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, just 2 miles away, for local goods and a vibrant atmosphere. For more shopping, Valley West Mall is 5 miles from Drake, featuring a variety of stores and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At Principal Park, enjoy the thrill of live sports events in a vibrant atmosphere. Val Air Ballroom hosts memorable concerts, offering a lively entertainment experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, Waveland Municipal Golf Course provides a beautiful setting for a round of golf, perfect for relaxation and recreation just a mile from Drake.

Adventure

Experience fun at Air Lanes Bowling Center, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends while bowling a few frames, located 4 miles from Drake. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Greenbelt Trail offers a scenic 5-mile hike surrounded by nature, perfect for adventure seekers.

Get your adrenaline pumping at Pole Position Raceway, an exhilarating karting venue 8 miles from Drake that promises thrilling races and high-speed fun. Whether you're racing against friends or family, it's an unforgettable adventure experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Drake by visiting Hoyt Sherman Place for a captivating theater performance, or enjoy a show at Lauridsen Amphitheater, known for its beautiful outdoor setting. Don't miss the Des Moines Community Playhouse for family-friendly entertainment and cultural experiences.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Drake

To save money on your trip to Drake, consider visiting between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices from lowest to highest and applying filters for eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flight, and activities for additional savings through Expedia packages, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings. Also, don't forget to explore free local attractions and utilize affordable public transport for getting around.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Drake are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, 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 Drake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Drake is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences with ease. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it simple to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you check the “Eco-certified” filter, you’ll be shown a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Drake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
• 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 in and around Drake

Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a vibrant blend of city life, family-friendly activities, and cultural experiences. Explore event venues, modern college attractions like Drake University, and the local arena for entertainment. Enjoy nearby sights and the excitement of Drake University athletics, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a rich outdoor and cultural experience.

• Drake University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Drake University, a modern college campus known for its beautiful architecture and engaging community. Stroll through its grounds, enjoy student-led events, and immerse yourself in the city vibes that surround this educational hub.
• Wells Fargo Arena: Located 2 miles from Drake, Wells Fargo Arena is a premier entertainment venue perfect for family outings. Attend exciting sports events, concerts, and shows, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere that makes it a local favorite for entertainment.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Just 6 miles from Drake, the Iowa State Fairgrounds offers a fantastic outdoor experience for families. Explore the fairgrounds during events, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious fair food, all while soaking up the community spirit.

The nearest major airports for your trip to Drake

If you're planning a visit to Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, the primary airport to consider is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), situated 5 miles away. Nearby hotel options include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 4.5-star hotel located 4 miles from the airport, offering convenient access to transportation services. Another option is the Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, also part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, both rated 4.5 stars and located 9 miles from DSM. Each of these hotels provides easy access to the airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience.