Travel | Hotels
According to the 2008 edition of the AAA's Annual Vacation Costs Survey, Iowa ranks as the fourth most affordable state for travel.
The Iowa Tourism Office will send you a free Iowa transportation map and Travel Guide, as well as provide you with accommodations, attraction and travel ideas as you plan your trip to Des Moines.
Check out their virtual Travel Guide online by clicking on the icon to your right. From the Iowa tourism website you can search the up-to-date calendar of events, look for recreational trails, camping locations and/or everything that is Iowa!
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, which will direct you to 5th Street and 5th Street will take you to Grand Avenue or Locust Avenue.
By Plane
Once you arrive at the Des Moines International Airport, be sure to stop at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau booth at the baggage claim area 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 DES online or 62C1802 over the phone at 888.736.8222.
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, which will be on your right. You will want to turn onto Locust Street from the exit ramp and head into downtown Des Moines.
Host Hotels
The Downtown Community Alliance offers various maps of the downtown area, including the Polk County Convention Complex. You'll find maps of the skywalk system, parking ramps with free weekend parking and even a five mile running route that begins two blocks from the IMT Des Moines Marathon start line thanks to Capital Striders.
Renaissance Savery Hotel - SOLD OUT!
The historic surroundings of the Renaissance Savery Hotel set 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.
Their deluxe health club has an indoor pool and track, two fitness centers, tanning bed, hair salon, steam room and sauna. The richly decorated Iowa Room Restaurant is known for its "Taste of Iowa" contemporary Midwest cuisine. 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 Finish post race party awaits you outside the front doors of the Renaissance Savery Hotel.
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
410 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.798.2151 or 515.244.2151
Marriott Downtown - SOLD OUT!
With its easily accessible location two blocks from the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sports & Fitness Expo and start/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.
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.
Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.514.4681 or 515.245.5500
Embassy Suites On The River - SOLD OUT!
Embassy Suites On The River is located three blocks from the start and finish line at Nollen Plaza. 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.
The Embassy Suites On The River is offering a rate of $149 over the course of race weekend if you book a room for two nights. If you book a room for Saturday night, you will be charged a rate of $189. You do not have to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation.
101 East Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.244.1700
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Campus - $99.95 
The Holiday Inn Downtown is only 10 blocks from the start line. They have a full service restaurant and lounge, indoor pool and free parking.
Complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown on race day is offered. Free wireless internet and an exercise facility are offered on site.
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Campus
1050 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
515.283.0151
Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation to receive the best room rate.
Sheraton West Des Moines - $89
The Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel is located off the University Avenue exit at the intersections of I-80/35 and I-235 in the heart of West Des Moines. The Sheraton is minutes from the Jordan Creek Town Center, 10 miles from the Des Moines International Airport, and 8 minutes from downtown Des Moines.
Courtesy transportation is available to and from destinations within 3 miles, as well as to and from the airport. Hotel Attractions and Services: Indoor pool, fitness center, Park Place Restaurant and Waterfall Grille Restaurant & Lounge, wireless high speed internet available, and a 24-hour Business Center.
Sheraton West Des Moines
1800 50th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
888.627.8043 or 515.223.1800
Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation to receive the best room rate.
Chase Suites - $79 Studio Suites and $139 Penthouse Suites 
Chase Suites is an All-Suite property, conveniently located in the heart of West Des Moines with easy access to major interstates I-80 and I-235. Their Studio Suites are spacious 500+ sq ft rooms, available as Single Bed or Two Queen Bed Suites and the Penthouse Suites are nearly 1,000 sq ft, two-story loft-style Suites. The Penthouse Suites have 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 2 full baths, comfortably sleeping eight people!
All of the Suites at Chase Suites offer a full kitchen (with all major appliances and dinnerware), separate living area with sofa sleepers, and two personal closets. Many of the Suites are complete with LCD Flat-Screen TV's, wood burning fireplaces and patios.
Enjoy complimentary passes to 7 Flags Fitness, complimentary hot extended breakfast and free shuttle service to and from Nollen Plaza on race day!
Chase Suites
11428 Forest Avenue
Clive, IA 50325
800.237.8811 or 515.223.7700
Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation to receive the best room rate.
Hotel Partners
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.
Pointe Travel Hotel Solutions offers internet based reservations for hotels based on their travel distance from the IMT Des Moines Marathon start/finish line. You can search for room availability and rates.
Marathon Hotel Guide offers hotel and lodging services for Marathoners and their families for over 100 marathons around the country and across the world.
