City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (515) 282-5251

Description: What this hotel may lack in charm, it more than makes up for in location and price, being just a short walk north of Nollen Plaza and the riverfront while costing far less than other downtown hotels. There are about 150 rooms, including suites with microwaves and refrigerators. All rooms have coffeemaker, hair dryer, clock radio, iron, and ironing board. There’s a hot breakfast buffet, a large indoor pool, and a fitness center, as well as complimentary access to a downtown gym. Free wireless Internet. Pets are welcome with a small charge. Free parking is a nice touch for exploring downtown, freeing up time you might have spent finding parking at downtown garages or meters. The airport shuttle must be reserved an hour in advance. Located in the shadow of Wells Fargo Arena, literally just off I-235 at the 3rd Street exit—make sure you’re able to make the left turn into the hotel.