Holiday Inn and Suites Des Moines Northwest is a full-service chain hotel at 4800 Merle Hay Road in Urbandale, Iowa, situated in the northwestern Des Moines metropolitan area along one of the busiest commercial corridors in the greater Des Moines region. The property belongs to IHG's Holiday Inn brand and delivers the dependable, full-amenity experience the brand is recognized for — standard rooms and suite configurations equipped with reliable WiFi, climate control, flat-screen televisions, and work desk space suited to both leisure and corporate travelers. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily, and a hotel bar provides an evening gathering point. Guest amenities include an indoor pool operating year-round, a fitness center equipped with cardio and resistance training equipment, and free surface parking with no overnight fee. The hotel's Merle Hay Road address places it directly adjacent to Merle Hay Mall, one of the larger enclosed shopping malls in the Des Moines metro, offering convenient shopping and casual dining within walking distance. Interstate 35/80 is approximately 2 miles south, providing quick freeway connection to downtown Des Moines, the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Principal Park, and the Iowa Events Center — each reachable in 15 to 25 minutes. Living History Farms, an acclaimed outdoor museum covering 500 acres of 19th-century Iowa agricultural history in neighboring Urbandale, is approximately 3 miles from the hotel and represents one of the most distinctive family travel experiences in Iowa. The Des Moines area's northwestern suburbs, including Johnston and Urbandale, contain significant business campuses in insurance, financial services, agriculture, and technology, making this hotel a practical choice for weekday corporate travelers who benefit from free parking, reliable WiFi, and competitive IHG One Rewards rate structures. Guests attending conventions or events at Downtown Des Moines venues can reach the Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena in approximately 20 minutes via the I-235 connector. Des Moines International Airport is approximately 12 miles south, a 20-minute drive.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Suite
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Fitness Center
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
Location
4800 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
41.6324, -93.7699 View on map
Highlights
- Full-service Holiday Inn directly adjacent to Merle Hay Mall in the northwestern Des Moines metro corridor
- Indoor pool and fitness center available year-round, with on-site restaurant, bar, and free parking
- Freeway-convenient location with 15- to 25-minute access to downtown Des Moines and major event venues
- 3 miles from Living History Farms in Urbandale — one of Iowa's leading family cultural attractions
- IHG One Rewards point-earning property suited for corporate travelers visiting Urbandale and Johnston business campuses
Tips for visiting
- Book early for Iowa State Fair week in August, when the greater Des Moines area experiences peak hotel demand
- Merle Hay Mall, adjacent to the hotel, is open daily and provides shopping and casual dining within walking distance
- Living History Farms in Urbandale, 3 miles south, is best visited in the morning before afternoon crowds; allow 3 to 4 hours
- IHG One Rewards members should book directly through the IHG app or website to earn points and access member rates
- The I-35/80 interchange 2 miles south provides fast freeway access to Des Moines attractions and the airport
Accessibility
Holiday Inn and Suites Des Moines Northwest provides ADA-compliant guest rooms with accessible bathroom configurations and roll-in showers available on request. The main entrance, lobby, restaurant, and pool area are wheelchair accessible, and an elevator serves all guest floors. ADA-designated parking spaces are available in the surface lot adjacent to the main entrance. Guests with specific accessibility requirements should confirm room arrangements when booking through IHG's reservation system.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Holiday Inn and Suites Des Moines Northwest have a pool?
Yes, the hotel features an indoor pool available to all registered guests year-round, along with a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and complimentary parking.
How far is the hotel from downtown Des Moines?
The hotel is in Urbandale, approximately 10 to 12 miles northwest of downtown Des Moines. Driving time to the Iowa Events Center and central downtown is typically 15 to 25 minutes via Interstate 35/80 and I-235.
Is parking free at this hotel?
Yes, free surface parking is available to all registered guests throughout their stay with no overnight fee, which is an advantage compared to downtown Des Moines properties that typically charge for parking.
Is the hotel convenient for visiting Living History Farms?
Yes, Living History Farms in Urbandale is approximately 3 miles from the hotel, a 5- to 7-minute drive. The open-air museum covers 500 acres of Iowa agricultural history and is one of the most distinctive family cultural attractions in the state.