Des Moines Hotel Guide - Drake University hotels in Des Moines, United States of America.

Top reasons to visit Drake University

• Engaging Sports Events: Experience thrilling basketball games and other sports events that capture the local spirit.
• Vibrant Festivals: Enjoy lively festivals that showcase the culture and community of Des Moines.
• Rich Cultural Attractions: Explore event venues and entertainment arenas for a taste of local arts and performances.
• Charming Neighbourhoods: Discover welcoming neighbourhoods that blend leisure and community engagement.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Choose from a variety of hotels and motels that cater to all travellers' needs.

Find great hotels near Drake University

For those visiting Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, a variety of accommodation options await, from comfortable hotels to charming motels. Many establishments cater to business travellers and offer pet-friendly services, ensuring a welcoming environment for all, including the LGBTQIA community. Key amenities such as accessible parking, lifts, and additional features enhance your stay, making it easy to enjoy the vibrant local scene while having all the comforts of home at your fingertips.

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Positioned a mere 6.4km from Drake University, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is an ideal haven for family and business travellers alike. The hotel boasts a range of amenities tailored for business needs, including meeting rooms, a business centre, and conference space. Families with children will appreciate the thoughtful amenities, such as free cribs and a welcoming atmosphere. This hotel combines convenience with comfort, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a functional stay close to the university.
• Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines: Located 4.8km from Drake University, Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines caters perfectly to families, business travellers, and pet owners. This property offers multiple meeting rooms, a 24-hour business centre, and ample conference space, ensuring all your business needs are met. The hotel is also family-friendly, providing cribs for a fee and a safe environment for children. Additionally, with a pet-friendly policy that allows certain pets, it accommodates those travelling with furry companions, making it a versatile choice for various travellers.
• Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown: Situated just 3.2km from Drake University, Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown presents a modern and welcoming atmosphere for business and pet-friendly travellers. The hotel features multiple meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre, catering to the needs of corporate guests. Its pet-friendly policies allow for dogs on-site, ensuring a comfortable stay for pet owners. With stylish accommodations and a convenient location, this hotel is a fantastic option for those looking to balance work and leisure during their visit to Des Moines.

Where to stay near Drake University

Your vacation to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, promises a delightful blend of vibrant city life and charming neighbourhoods. Explore the family-friendly atmosphere and business-friendly locales that surround the university. The central location offers easy access to recreational spots and community events, making it ideal for both relaxation and engagement. Immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of this college area, where friendly people and a secluded ambiance await your discovery.

• Des Moines: As a vibrant metropolis, Des Moines is the heart of Iowa and the home of Drake University. This city boasts a steady influx of visitors year-round, with peak travel in the summer months. Des Moines offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and vibrant business opportunities. You can explore local shopping malls and enjoy lively events at the fairgrounds. Notable attractions nearby include lakes for serene strolls and sports stadiums hosting exciting events, making it a well-rounded destination for any traveller.
• Urbandale: Located a mere 4.8km from Drake University, Urbandale is a charming city perfect for families and business travellers alike. With visitor numbers peaking in the spring and summer, this city offers a friendly atmosphere and a variety of shopping centres. Urbandale is known for its accessible fairgrounds and engaging events. Local highlights include lakes and event venues that cater to various interests, ensuring a pleasant experience for all who visit.
• Downtown Des Moines: Just 3.2km from Drake University, Downtown Des Moines is a bustling neighbourhood that draws visitors for its entertainment and business scenes. With a steady flow of travellers, especially in the spring and summer, this area is alive with activities. Explore the arena entertainment facilities, vibrant fairgrounds, and numerous events that take place throughout the year. Nearby landmarks, including sports facilities and conference venues, add to the allure of this dynamic urban space.

Things to do near Drake University

Drake University offers a variety of enjoyable activities and attractions for visitors, including engaging sports events, vibrant festivals, and exciting basketball games. Additionally, the surrounding area provides excellent sightseeing opportunities that showcase the local culture and scenery, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking both leisure and exploration.

Shopping

For shopping near Drake University, visit Merle Hay Mall, just 4.8km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Downtown Farmers' Market, located 3.2km away, is perfect for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Valley West Mall is about 8.0km away, providing a similar experience.

Recreation

At Principal Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a game. Val Air Ballroom offers an entertaining music experience, perfect for a lively night out. For a tranquil outdoor escape, Waveland Municipal Golf Course provides scenic views and a refreshing round of golf, just 1.6km away.

Adventure

At Air Lanes Bowling Center, 6.4km from Drake University, enjoy thrilling bowling nights with friends. The Greenbelt Trail, located 8.0km away, offers scenic hiking adventures amidst nature. For an adrenaline rush, visit Pole Position Raceway, 12.9km from the university, where you can race go-karts in an exciting setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Drake University by visiting Hoyt Sherman Place and Des Moines Community Playhouse, both offering cultural performances just 1.6km away. For an outdoor experience, enjoy the Lauridsen Amphitheater, located two miles away, where you can soak in family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Drake University

To save money on your visit to Drake University, consider travelling during the off-peak months of November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday, the cheapest day. Use Expedia to compare prices and refine your preferences, filtering for eco-certified hotels to find sustainable options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for better deals. Additionally, explore free activities in the area, and take advantage of public transport to save on travel costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Drake University 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 University is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Drake University is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Drake University with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Drake University

Within and around Drake University, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including event venues, entertainment arenas, and fairgrounds. These points of interest offer a rich cultural experience and are perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're attending a conference or enjoying a local show, there's something to suit every traveller's preference in this vibrant area of Des Moines.

• Wells Fargo Arena: Located only 3.2km from Drake University, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, from concerts to sporting matches. The lively atmosphere is perfect for an exciting night out.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Situated 9.7km away, the fairgrounds come alive with outdoor festivities and family-oriented activities. Experience the charm of local culture, food, and entertainment, especially during the famed Iowa State Fair.
• Iowa Events Center: Just 3.2km from Drake, this versatile venue is ideal for conferences and business events. Its modern facilities and professional environment make it a hub for networking and corporate gatherings.

Best time to go to Drake University

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

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Drake University

Flying into Des Moines, Iowa, offers convenient access to Drake University, located approximately 8.0km away from Des Moines International Airport (DSM). For comfortable accommodation nearby, consider the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is a 4.5-star hotel situated 6.4km from the airport. Another excellent option is the Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, along with the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, also part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, both located 14.5km from DSM. Transportation services are readily available for easy access between these hotels and the airport, ensuring a smooth journey for your visit.