Vacation rentals in Des Moines

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Apartment in Des Moines

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 174 reviews

Luxury Hotel Condo in Downtown Des Moines

Relax in this 1920s historical Liberty Mutual building condo. Bask in the abundant light from the large windows atop this ninth floor condo in the Hyatt Place Hotel. View the sunset over the State Capital and the iconic Travelers sign. Pick out some vinyl to play on the stereo. Enjoy our collection of original artwork or read a book from our eclectic biography library. Revel in a beautiful nights sleep, and wake from your new I10 Sleep Number King size bed, to the view from the bedroom or living room of the brilliant sunrise over the State Capital or the iconic Travels Insurance sign. Make yourself a Nespresso coffee. Use the gym or take a swim. Fitness room on the lower level open 24/7. Saturdays, stroll the Farmers Market for fresh farm to table eats, to the fully equipped gourmet kitchen. Enjoy one of the two 60 inch Smart TV's with Direct TV and high speed WiFi, or put a record on the 1973 record player, and while away the day. Secured parking space located across the street and attached to the Skywalk System. I can always be reached by phone or email. I'm happy to recommend a favorite local restaurant or share my love of all new and exciting events happening in the DT Des Moines area. The condo is nestled in the heart of downtown Des Moines where you can savor an award-winning dinner, enjoy a Broadway play or concert, emerse yourself in the Public Arts, the Midwests largest Farmers Market or an I-Cub baseball game, all within walking distance, outside or in the sky walk access system. Des Moines is a city for all seasons. Its no wonder Des Moines was voted the #4 best city to visit by U.S. News Report. The Liberty Building has been a downtown landmark since 1923 and is located in a wonderful downtown neighborhood. We personally know and love our neighbors and they are very supportive of our Air BNB. They are friendly, helpful and we only ask that you please be courteous to them and their property and keep noise levels low at early and late hours. The condo is nestled in the heart of downtown Des Moines where you can savor an award-winning dinner, enjoy a Broadway play or concert, immerse yourself in the Des Moines Public Arts, the Midwest's largest Farmers Market or an I-Cub Baseball game, all within walking distance, outside or in the sky walk access system. Des Moines is a city for all seasons. It's no wonder Des Moines was voted the #4 best city to visit by U.S. News Report.

Aug 31 – Sep 7

€ 190 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Des Moines

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Designer Downtown Condo Suite - Splendid View

Your home base right in the heart of it all to explore thriving and growing downtown Des Moines. Highlights: -Projector with 84" screen and Bose sound for cinema experience -Tile shower with rainfall & handheld options -Memory foam king mattress & 1,000 thread count sheets, high-quality pillows. -Coffee (Keurig & Nespresso pods) & Tea station including complementary Starbucks coffee, paired with raw & Stevia sugar and half & half. -Office white stone desk - 100 mbps internet -Free parking

Jul 25 – Aug 1

€ 118 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews

Cozy Historic Escape

This comfortable bungalow is stylish with historic charm. The front porch is perfect for morning coffee. The main living space has original hardwood floors and classic brick fireplace with craftsman style built-ins. The house also has fenced in backyard with patio for enjoying temperate days. It is centrally and conveniently located close to Des Moines Playhouse, ~6 minutes from Wells Fargo Arena and Downtown Des Moines, ~13 minutes to Jordan Creek Town Center, and ~15 minutes to DSM Airport.

Feb 8 – 15

€ 155 per night

Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals

Stay near Des Moines's top sights

Iowa State Fairgrounds27 locals recommend
Wells Fargo Arena28 locals recommend
Blank Park Zoo47 locals recommend
Merle Hay Mall7 locals recommend
Pappajohn Sculpture Park78 locals recommend
Iowa Events Center4 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines

Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Forget The Hotel Self Check In- On-Site Parking

May 26 – Jun 2

€ 96 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Des Moines

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 567 reviews

South of Grand Delight! Greenwood/Ashworth Park

Dec 12 – 19

€ 69 per night
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Des Moines

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 312 reviews

Unique Spanish Bungalow!

Sep 21 – 28

€ 166 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

The Metal House

Sep 7 – 14

€ 171 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 322 reviews

Quiet Hideaway Retreat/1 King/2 Queen beds

Dec 26 – Jan 2

€ 139 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 592 reviews

Steps to Drake, Minutes to Downtown w Patio+Yard!

Sep 2 – 9

€ 106 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Windsor Heights

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 282 reviews

• Iconic Lustron home with 2 king beds •

Dec 6 – 13

€ 129 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 308 reviews

Cozy Home in the Heart of Des Moines

Jan 31 – Feb 7

€ 109 per night
Superhost

Home in Des Moines

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviews

Cozy Spa Home Close to Downtown

Apr 17 – 24

€ 129 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Pleasant Hill

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Cozy 2 bedroom place with outdoor oasis.

May 8 – 15

€ 110 per night
Superhost

Bungalow in Des Moines

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Cozy bungalow steps away from IA State Fairgrounds

Sep 8 – 15

€ 85 per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Des Moines

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 299 reviews

Newly Renovated Aloha Apt.

Apr 16 – 23

€ 78 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines

Total rentals

740 properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

440 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

20 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

280 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

370 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

33K reviews

Your guide to Des Moines

All About Des Moines

Des Moines is a thriving Midwestern hub where the streets are peppered with green spaces, an urban pocket in an otherwise agriculture-dominated state. Iowa’s capital is home to 76 city parks, including Greenwood Park, where you can meander through Pappajohn Sculpture Park’s outdoor gallery. There are more than 800 miles of walking, cycling, and hiking trails to explore here too. Water Works Park, directly across from Gray’s Lake in the city center, has 1,500 acres of wooded space where you can cast a line for shortnose gar or go horseback riding.

Des Moines’s arts scene includes massive public installations — such as the downtown Art Route, comprising 87 pieces extending across more than six miles — as well as numerous live entertainment venues, from small dive bars to the Riverfront Amphitheater. West Des Moines’ historic Valley Junction is a renovated railroad district with fashion boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants in red brick buildings.

Much of the food here centers around the vast farmlands surrounding the city. Des Moines’ eclectic mix of farm-to-table restaurants and food trucks put local produce in the spotlight. You can get a taste of the city staple Steak de Burgo, which has been a favorite here since the 1930s, alongside craft beers and speakeasy cocktails in the dining corridor between Grand Avenue and East Court Avenue, which spans the river.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Des Moines

Des Moines has typical Midwest weather — hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring can bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but the skies generally clear up quickly. In spring and summer, you can spend a Saturday morning perusing local produce and handmade art from hundreds of vendors at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market. Don’t let the humidity in summer keep you away from the annual Des Moines Arts Festival, which hosts over 180 national artists, held in June.

Crisp fall days are perfect for enjoying the annual Oktoberfest held in late September — two days filled with polka music, German food, beer tents, and dancing. Temperatures drop come winter, and the accompanying snow makes this the perfect time for skiers and snowboarders to secure their vacation rentals in Des Moines and hit the slopes.


Top things to do in Des Moines

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Western Gateway Park houses more than two dozen works by artists from around the world. You can wander around the 4.4-acre grounds, admiring the life-size sculptures and thoughtful landscape design. Sculpture Park Exploration Guides are available from the Des Moines Art Center to promote an interactive experience for people of all ages. The park is open from sunrise to midnight, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.

Saylorville Lake

Located on the Des Moines River just north of the city, Saylorville Lake contains over 26,000 acres of beautiful woodland, wetlands, and prairie habitats. The lake has several beaches and multiple boat launches you can take advantage of too. For a leisurely afternoon hike, stretch your legs along the Saylorville Lake Shore Trail.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Nestled behind the John Pat Dorrian Trail on the eastern bank of the Des Moines River, this seven-acre garden includes a historically significant bonsai tree collection, a tranquil water garden with more than 100 water lilies, and an 80-foot geodesic dome where you’ll find towering palms, delicate orchids, and diverse cacti in a tropical environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where should I stay in Des Moines?

    Make yourself at home in Des Moines by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 420 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, over 710 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, and over 420 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill.

  • Do house rentals in Des Moines have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 70 house rentals with a bbq area in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do bungalow rentals in Des Moines have wireless internet?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 bungalow rentals with wireless internet in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly house rentals in Des Moines?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 150 house rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Do condo rentals in Des Moines have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 condo rentals with a gym in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • How much does it cost to stay in bungalow rentals in Des Moines?

    Experience the best of Des Moines with our bungalow rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in Des Moines?

    Des Moines has more than 250 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • Do house rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 100 house rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there condo rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 10 condo rentals in Des Moines featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there Des Moines vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 20 vacation homes with pools in Des Moines, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
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  3. Iowa
  4. Polk County
  5. Des Moines