Travel & Hotels
If you are traveling to Des Moines for the IMT Des Moines Marathon the information below may be of assistance as you plan your trip. Be sure to identify yourself with the IMT Des Moines Marathon to receive discounts ad special offers from race weekend affiliates.
Scroll down to find host hotel listings and reservation information.
Have a comment or question? You may want to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page first. Please feel free to Contact Us if you are not finding the specific event information that you are looking for.
Getting Here
 The Iowa Tourism Office has free Iowa transportation maps and travel guides. The virtual 2012 Iowa Travel Guide provide you with accommodations, attraction and travel ideas that can enhance the IMT Des Moines Marathon experience for you and the entire family.
Links of Interest
State of Iowa
Iowa Department of Transportation
City of Des Moines
Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
By Automobile
From Interstate I-80 or I-35 into Des Moines, Iowa go east or west (depending on which direction you are coming from) on Interstate I-235 (freeway) to downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Take exit 8A, Wells Fargo Arena exit, which will direct you to 3rd Street Downtown. 3rd Street will take you to Hy-Vee Hall, located in the Iowa Events Center, for the Scheels Sports & Fitness Expo.
The same directions on race day will take you the to heart of race activities at Nollen Plaza for the start and finish area of the IMT Des Moines Marathon races. You will find more parking options available on race morning if you take the 5th Street exit towards downtown from exit 8A.
By Plane
Once you arrive at the Des Moines International Airport, be sure to stop at the Welcome Center/Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau booth for information on the Des Moines area and how to get around.
If you need to rent a vehicle, you can save 10% by renting with Enterprise if you provide promotional code 62C1802 over the phone at 888.736.8222. You can also rent from Enterprise online, simply register under a business class, enter code 62C1802 and then DES for your pin code when prompted.
Take Fleur Drive and head north (left out of the airport) towards downtown. Merge onto the Grand Avenue exit after you pass Gray's Lake Park on your right. Merge right onto Locust Street from the exit ramp, which will naturally lead you into downtown Des Moines beginning with 17th Street. The streets will get smaller as you continue to head through downtown. Most of the downtown host hotels are between 10th Street and 4th Street.
Host Hotels
The Downtown Community Alliance offers various maps of the downtown area including Hy-Vee Hall. You'll find maps of the skywalk system, parking ramps with free weekend parking and even a Capital Striders five mile running route that begins two blocks from the IMT Des Moines Marathon start line at Nollen Plaza.
For additional information on where to stay, where to eat and what to do while you are in Des Moines visit the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Rooms are reserved for IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation.
Renaissance Savery Hotel - $127.00
The historic surroundings of the Renaissance Savery Hotelset the tone for a memorable stay. With a tradition of fine hospitality and savvy service, this Georgian style landmark in the heart of Des Moines has hosted many Presidents. It features an opulent lobby and 224 stunning guest rooms and suites offering new bedding and high speed Internet access.
The deluxe health club has an indoor pool and track, two fitness centers, tanning bed, hair salon, steam room and sauna. The newly added BŎS restaurant features contemporary midwest cuisine focusing on local products. Serving as IMT Des Moines Marathon Headquarters, their responsive staff is ready to cater to your needs.
You will receive two complimentary tickets for a “Grab and Go” bag on race morning complete with bagel, fruit, juice and coffee in the lobby. A 3:00 p.m. checkout on race day is also offered. Best of all, the Start Line and Michelob ULTRA Run To The ULTRA post race party awaits you outside the front doors of the Renaissance Savery Hotel.
Click here for online reservation service.
Renaissance Savery
410 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.798.2151 or 515.244.2151
Marriott Downtown - $123.00
With its easily accessible location just a few blocks from the start and finish line festivities, the Marriott Downtown offers you more than a convenient address. You'll find exceptional service paired with the amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Here, spacious guest rooms are designed to meet your needs.
Special for guests staying at the Marriott with the IMT Des Moines Marathon include a sundry shop stocked with fruit, energy bars, band aids and various items you may have forgotten to pack. Last minute fitness concerns can be addressed by way of an exercise room and pool. Showers and locker rooms are offered to you after the race.
Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.514.4681 or 515.245.5500
Holiday Inn Downtown - $104.95 
The Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Campus is only ten blocks from the start line. They have a full service restaurant and lounge, indoor pool, fitness center, free wireless internet and free parking.
Complimentary shuttle service to and from Nollen Plaza on race day is offered, as well as airport shuttle service and you'll see why the newly updated Holiday Inn Downtown is the best choice for Des Moines travelers.
The Holiday Inn Downtown is located directly off of I-235 making it especially convenient for athletes traveling to Des Moines by automobile.
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Campus
1050 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
515.283.0151
Embassy Suites On The River - $155.00
With over $10 million in 2010/11 renovations, the Embassy Suites Des Moines - On the River boasts a modern contemporary environment perfect for IMT Des Moines Marathon travelers. Their premier all suite hotel is wonderfully situated in the downtown Des Moines area and has the privilege of being the closest hotel to the Iowa State Capitol campus, the trendy eateries & shopping of the Historic East Village, and the nightlife of the Court Avenue Entertainment District.
Anyone visiting the area for the first time or to enjoy a family getaway will find the perfect accommodations at this Des Moines hotel. Embassy Suites On The River is located three blocks from the start and finish line at Nollen Plaza. All races run by the front door of the hotel...you can't miss it.
Complimentary amenities are offered with guest rooms that include a cooked to order breakfast buffet, two hour evening reception featuring an open bar from 5:50 to 7:30 p.m. and Des Moines International Airport transportation.
Embassy Suites On The River
101 East Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.244.1700
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown - $129.00
The Hyatt Place features a select range of services aimed at providing casual hospitality in a well designed, high tech and contemporary environment. Signature features of Hyatt Place include The Gallery, which offers a coffee and wine bar, a 24 hours a day, seven days a week guest kitchen with freshly prepared snacks and entrees, and daily complimentary continental breakfast.
At Hyatt Place, freshly prepared snacks & entrees are available 24/7 so you can satisfy your craving anytime, day or night. Just place your order with a Gallery Host or use a cashless touch screen menu that allows you to swipe your room key card to charge your order to your Guest Folio. In no time, your order will be ready for pick up in the Guest Kitchen, or a Gallery Host will deliver it to you.
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
418 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Hotel Fort Des Moines - $109.00
The Hotel Fort Des Moines has been catering to the needs and wishes of travelers for over 90 years. Enjoy the comfort of this landmark hotel with 235 guest rooms that provide all the amenities.
Located just seven blocks from Nollen Plaza, the hotel is ideally situated in the heart of downtown along the popular 10th Street Corridor. It is steps away from restaurants, entertainment venues and the new $40 million dollar Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Be sure to visit Raccoon River Brewing Company - a casual pub and billiards hall, as well as Django - for a lively French restaurant and bar experience.
As an added convenience, enjoy complimentary wireless internet and shuttle service to the race and Des Moines International Airport.
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
800.532.14669 or 515.243.1161
Fairfield Inn - $99.00
This brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott has a distinctly modern look with bright colors and contemporary artwork. Their unique hotel is conveniently located next door to the Radisson Hotel just south of the Des Moines Airport on Fleur Drive. Spacious guest rooms are equipped with complimentary wireless internet and 37" flat screen TVs.
With Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse right next door, room service is available for those who want a quiet night in their room. The hotel also features a Market Place with both hot and cold food options and a continental breakfast that starts at 5:30am and is packed with wholesome foods like fresh fruit, bagels and Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches.
The Fairfield is offering two early morning shuttles for runners to Nollen Plaza on race day and a late checkout of 3 p.m.
Fairfield Inn and Suites Des Moines Airport
6880 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515.309.4444
866.411.2682
Radisson Hotel - Des Moines Airport - $99.00
The Radisson Hotel provides luxurious hospitality combined with old-fashioned service and relationships that will promise a memorable experience. Less than ten minutes from downtown and next door to the Des Moines International Airport, this hotel offers the perfect location for any traveler. Guest rooms feature complimentary wireless internet and Sleep Number beds, exclusive to the Radisson brand.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, adjacent to the hotel, offers a wide variety of entrees in distinctively nostalgic atmosphere. Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast or hot breakfast buffet starts at 6 a.m., perfect for early risers. On the night of Saturday October 16th Johnny’s will be featuring a special IMT Des Moines Marathon entrée to help athletes prepare for race morning.
The Radisson Hotel is offering two early morning shuttles for runners to Nollen Plaza on race day and a late checkout of 3 p.m.
Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
6800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515.285.7777
800.557.7048
Wildwood Lodge - $84.00
The rustic beauty of the northern wilderness is captured in this beautiful West Des Moines hotel, reflecting an era when lake-side camps refreshed the weary soul. The property features an atrium style lobby and spacious guest rooms along with whirlpool suites, all with free wireless internet to provide the traveler with a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the University Ave. ext of Interstate 80/35, the Wildwood Lodge is just minutes from downtown.
A complimentary deluxe continental breakfast featuring hot items, breads, hot and cold cereals, fresh fruits, coffee and juices is available to each guest.
The Wildwood Lodge is offering a late checkout of 2 p.m. to the IMT Des Moines Marathon athlete. Please call the hotel directly to get the special discounted rate.
Wildwood Lodge
11431 Forest Avenue
Clive, IA 50325
515.222.9876
800.728.1223
Chase Suite Hotel - $79
Chase Suite Hotel offers a list of amenities unmatched in comfort and accommodations. Conveniently located in West Des Moines directly off the University Exit from Interstate 80/35, they are 10 miles west of the downtown area. Chase Suite Hotel is only minutes away from 2 shopping malls and offers numerous restaurants and forms of entertainment in the area.
Chase Suite Hotel has 112 Studio and Penthouse suites with a combination of bed types. All suites have a full size sofa sleeper and have a fully equipped kitchen. They offer a complimentary breakfast buffet served each morning featuring hot cooked items, cereals, muffins, bagels, yogurt, fresh fruits, coffee, and juices. There is an outdoor heated pool and spa, and complimentary access to 7 Flaggs Fitness Center.
Chase Suite Hotel
11428 Forest Ave
Clive, IA 50325
515.2237700
Stony Creek Inn - $89
With its convenient location just off I-80/35, the newly remodeled Stoney Creek Inn Des Moines hotel puts you only minutes away from local parks, sports complexes, concert venues and the Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo and easy access to the downtown area.
When your day is over, relax by the fireplace in one of our Northwood’s-themed Des Moines hotel rooms, or take a dip in Iowa's only year-round indoor/outdoor heated swim-through pool. Like our previous guests, you'll love the lodge environment of this Des Moines hotel's unique "Northwoods" decor.
Rate includes breakfast, parking, internet, and airport shuttle.
Stony Creek Inn
5291 Stoney Creek Ct.
Johnston, IA. 50131
515.334.9000
   
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