Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown is an all-suite hotel at 101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, on the Des Moines River at the western edge of the Historic East Village. Its contemporary atrium layout, separate living and sleeping areas, included breakfast, and indoor pool suit family weekends and business stays. Travelers choose it for walkable access to downtown offices, East Village restaurants, and the riverfront rather than a resort-style retreat.
What to Expect at Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
The defining feature is the two-room suite: a bedroom separated from a living room, with a sofa bed providing additional sleeping space. Standard configurations include king or two-bed options; accessible suites offer different layouts and features. A refrigerator, microwave, and wet bar make leftovers and children’s snacks practical, although these are not full apartment kitchens. River-facing accommodation is worth considering for the setting; select the specific view category rather than assuming every suite overlooks the water.
Public spaces center on a tall interior atrium, giving the hotel a distinctly different feel from a narrow-corridor business property. Liberty’s—An Iowa Grill provides an on-site American dining option, while the included made-to-order breakfast and evening reception are central Embassy Suites benefits. Reception beverages are subject to age requirements and hotel terms. The indoor pool and fitness center are useful between outings; this is not a spa hotel, and families should not expect a water park or supervised children’s club.
- Separate living rooms: Two-room suites allow different bedtimes and provide space beyond the bedroom.
- Made-to-order breakfast: Breakfast is included for registered guests, with cooked-to-order options alongside the morning buffet.
- Evening reception: A scheduled social period offers drinks and light refreshments under the hotel’s participation rules.
- Indoor swimming pool: An all-weather amenity for families and guests visiting during Iowa’s colder months.
- Riverfront location: The Locust Street bridge connects the East Village side of downtown with the western riverbank.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic East Village; east bank of the Des Moines River |
| Operating Hours | Overnight accommodation with 24-hour front-desk service; check-in from 4 p.m., checkout by 11 a.m. Confirm amenity schedules directly. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; paid accommodation with date-dependent rates. Breakfast and evening reception included for registered guests. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown DART bus stops around East Grand Avenue; paid hotel parking and metered East Village street parking. Confirm current parking arrangements and charges. |
| Official Website & Phone | Official Hilton website; +1 515-244-1700 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book early for Iowa State Fair dates, major downtown conventions, and arena events; compare the final total, including taxes and parking, rather than the headline room rate. Arrive near check-in time if you want to settle in before dinner, and reach breakfast early when tournament families or conference groups are staying. Check cancellation deadlines and incidental-deposit requirements before booking. For buses, use the official DART journey planner for current downtown stops and routes. Do not assume a downtown circulator or airport shuttle is operating.
The hotel has an accessible entrance, elevators, and accessible accommodation; reserve the required room features directly, including whether you need a roll-in shower or an accessible tub. Elevators make upper-floor suites manageable with strollers. Outside, bridge approaches and street crossings require more care in snow or ice. Walk approximately 5–10 minutes north to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, cross Locust Street bridge to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, or continue east into the East Grand Avenue shopping and dining corridor, roughly 5–15 minutes away depending on your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I check in, and when is the best time to stay?
Standard check-in begins at 4 p.m., with checkout by 11 a.m.; early access depends on room availability. Spring through fall is convenient for riverfront walks, while the indoor pool makes winter stays practical.
How much does a stay cost, and should I reserve ahead?
This is a $$$ hotel with rates that change by date, suite type, and event demand. Reserve through Hilton for current totals and package terms; parking should be checked separately from the included breakfast.
How many nights should I budget?
One night works for a downtown event or short business trip. Two or three nights allow time for the East Village, riverfront, and Iowa State Capitol without rushing.
Is the hotel suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Separate living areas, sofa beds, breakfast, and an indoor pool are practical family features. Accessible suites and elevators are available; confirm bathroom configuration and bed-clearance needs with the hotel before reserving.
When planning your Des Moines travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Des Moines, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive, Walnut Woods State Park, Des Moines Art Center, and Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel (0.1 km away).
