Holiday Inn Des Moines-Downtown-Mercy Campus by IHG

Hotels
•
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
6.4 (323 reviews)
1050 6th Avenue , Des Moines , US
+1 515-283-0151

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Comfortable beds (several guests reported excellent sleep)
Affordable rates for families / good value for some
Large pool and family-friendly features
Complimentary toiletries (Dove) and in-room fridge/microwave
Some friendly/helpful staff and generally clean public areas reported by some guests
Hotel bar/restaurant received positive mentions
Cons:
Condemned/closed parking garage and difficult parking/long walks to entrance
Strong mildew/old smell noted in hallways and rooms
Reports of dirty sheets, floors and insufficient cleaning
Air conditioning often inadequate or not working
Front desk and other staff sometimes rude or inattentive
Rooms and bathrooms described as outdated

Categories

Cleanliness
3.5
Multiple reviewers reported unpleasant mildew/old smell, dirty sheets and floors and inadequate cleaning of tubs/toilets; cleanliness is a clear weakness.
Service
7
Mixed reports: several guests praised friendly/helpful staff while others encountered rude or inattentive front-desk and dining staff; overall service is inconsistent but often adequate.
Location
7.5
Location was repeatedly called convenient/close to destinations by guests, though access was hampered by the condemned/closed parking garage causing long walks from parked vehicles.
Room Quality
5
Rooms are dated and bathrooms/outlets are outdated for some; positives include comfortable beds and in-room fridge/microwave, but frequent AC problems and old bedding lower quality.
Amenities
7.1
Amenities such as a large pool, in-room fridge/microwave and complimentary toiletries (Dove) were appreciated, but lack of shuttle and parking issues reduce perceived amenity value.
Value for Money
6.2
Several guests found the rate affordable and beds very comfortable for families, though others felt issues (parking, cleanliness, AC) made it worth paying more elsewhere.
Food and Beverage
7.4
Hotel bar/restaurant and food received positive comments from some guests, but service in dining was sometimes inattentive; overall F&B generally competent.
Overall Experience
7.5
Overall impressions are mixed — comfortable beds, good pool and some helpful staff weighed against persistent parking, smell, cleanliness and AC issues; net experience slightly above average for value-seeking guests.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-11-05 14:07

Property Description

Central Location near Wells Fargo Arena and Mercy Medical Center

Conveniently located steps away from popular attractions, the Holiday Inn Des Moines - Downtown - Mercy Campus offers a prime spot in central Des Moines, Iowa. The free shuttle service to the airport and local area attractions adds to the ease of exploring the city.

Amenities Galore: Free Parking, WiFi, Indoor Pool, and Fitness Center

Enjoy a stress-free stay with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property. Relax and unwind in the indoor pool or keep up with your fitness routine at the on-site fitness center - all designed to enhance your comfort during your visit.

Delightful Dining Experiences at Genevieve's Restaurant and Cityscape Lounge

Savor delicious American cuisine at Genevieve's for breakfast and lunch, or treat yourself to the Cityscape Lounge's scenic views and the Executive Chef's culinary delights for dinner. Indulge in a memorable dining experience without leaving the hotel.

Book your stay now at Holiday Inn Des Moines - Downtown - Mercy Campus for a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and culinary delights.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DSM

Location

Guest Reviews

6.4
Based on 323 reviews
Cleanliness: 3.5
Service: 7
Location: 7.5
Room Quality: 5
Amenities: 7.1
Value for Money: 6.2
Food and Beverage: 7.4
Overall Experience: 7.5
N
Nicole • couple • us
3
2026-11-02 • via Nuitee
D
Donald • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

Grab Bars in the shower? Thanks

2026-10-26 • via Nuitee
A
Alison W • couple • us
9
It worked just fine for our two night stay in DesMoines
Pros:

The location and the staff.

Cons:

It was a little challenging to be dropped off at the hotel

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
A
Andres • extended_group • us
8
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
R
Rodney • couple • us
4
We have stayed at many Holiday Inns .....by far the worst
Pros:

Terrible Parking,very rude at Checkin,,beds were old and not comfortable, no shuttle,very out dated.and photos on their page they are from years ago when we stayed there!

Cons:

Parking...cleaness...and the lady at the front desk!

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
M
Mauro • couple • es
5
Olor a humedad y muy poco habitado
Pros:

La localización

Cons:

El hotel es viejo y tiene un olor a humedad importante

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
S
Steven • solo_traveller • us
5
Had cash but didn't except it,had to use my card
Pros:

N/A

Cons:

Staff could of been more welcoming

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
J
Jill • family_with_children • us
1
2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
D
Doug • family_with_children • us
4
Won't be back.
Cons:

They are working on their parking lot, so there was no drive up to the front door. With a parent with walking limitations, this was not mentioned anywhere. If you are in need of an handicap accessible room call ahead and make sure they can meet your needs.

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
E
Esperanza • solo_traveller • us
10
I would most definitely go back for how comfortable the beds were!!
Pros:

The best part was how affordable the stay was with three kids and how big that pool was!!! I had the best sleep ever....that bed was so comfortable...even more comfortable than my bed!! I absolutely love how they had Dove body wash Dove Shampoo and Dove Conditioner like they went above and beyond most fancy hotels don't even do that!! So I give them 10 stars for all of that!!

Cons:

The only thing I honestly didn't like was that I stayed in the Summer and there was hardly any cold air conditioning working. Ugh ....

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
S
Sandy • couple • us
3
I didn’t complain to the staff about anything. I just won’t stay at this location again
Cons:

Closed parking lot
The smell was awful
Sheets were dirty
Floor was dirty
Tub and toilet could’ve been cleaned better
Would have liked it cooler.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
J
Jill • couple • us
8
The girl at front desk was rude checking us in
Pros:

Clean!

Cons:

The parking lot issue and not having a shuttle to and from the fair

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
R
Rasplicka • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

Staff at desk was friendly and helpful. Very clean inside the motel and room.

Cons:

No notice that parking was an issue, I have a problem walking far so was a challenge. Exterior front is blah, needs planters or some improved landscaping/decore.

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
C
Connie • couple • us
9
The staff was friendly and rooms were clean , would recommend.
Pros:

The room was big enough for us; it had a microwave and a refrigerator. The bed was very comfortable, and the pillows were soft. We would stay again.

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
H
Horton • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
C
Caesar • family_with_children • us
2
One night ONLY
Pros:

Staff

Cons:

Everything. From the parking to the old smell of the hallways and rooms. The bedding was old and the bathrooms were outdated.

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
A
Ashley • couple • us
1
Will not return
Pros:

It was clean

Cons:

The parking is far from the entrance
The air was out in everyone’s room all night long
No manager on site to accommodate your stay

2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
B
Bauer • extended_group • us
4
It was ok but wont stay again
Pros:

It was close to where i was going

Cons:

The air conditioner wasnt working.turnednit all the way down and it was still in the 70s. There was candy wrappers by the bed and used q-tip in the bathroom. The room also smelled like stale cigarettes.

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
L
Lilshalle • family_with_children • us
4
Cons:

While checking in the lady at the front desk was rude. The room had a strange smell. I had to go buy lysol. No one of drink machines worked properly.

2026-08-08 • via Nuitee