The Hotel Fort Des Moines occupies a historic 1919 building at 1000 Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, standing as one of the city's most enduring architectural landmarks. The property is located within walking distance of the Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Principal Park baseball stadium, and the vibrant East Village dining and gallery district, positioning guests at the civic and cultural heart of Iowa's capital city. The hotel's Beaux-Arts influenced exterior and carefully restored interior blend period architectural details — including original terrazzo floors, ornate plasterwork, and decorative moldings in the lobby — with contemporary guest room furnishings and updated fixtures throughout. The room portfolio encompasses standard king rooms, deluxe double rooms, and suites, all equipped with high-speed WiFi, flat-screen televisions, and modernized bathrooms suitable for both business and leisure stays. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu oriented toward a diverse hotel clientele, drawing consistent local patronage in addition to overnight guests. The hotel bar offers a selection of craft cocktails and spirits in a refined, historically-inflected setting. Room service is available during evening hours for guests preferring in-room dining. A fully equipped fitness center is available to all registered guests. The property's business center and meeting facilities attract corporate travelers attending legislative events at the Iowa State Capitol or conferences at the nearby Iowa Events Center, located less than a mile to the west. A dedicated concierge team provides current recommendations for Des Moines cultural programming, including the annual Des Moines Arts Festival, performances at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, and the city's expanding independent restaurant scene in Court Avenue and the East Village. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Des Moines Art Center are each reachable within a 15-minute walk or short rideshare ride. Des Moines International Airport is approximately 6 miles southwest, a 10- to 15-minute drive. Overnight parking is available in nearby municipal garages on 10th and Locust Streets.
Room types
- Standard King
- Deluxe Double
- Suite
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Center
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Concierge
- Business Center
- Room Service
Location
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
41.5868, -93.6218 View on map
Highlights
- Landmark 1919 building in downtown Des Moines with preserved terrazzo floors, ornate plasterwork, and period lobby details
- Walking distance to Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, East Village dining, and the Iowa Events Center
- On-site restaurant and bar with craft cocktails and locally inspired menu, popular with Des Moines residents
- Concierge team experienced in Des Moines cultural programming, arts festivals, and business itineraries
- Business center and meeting rooms suited for legislative, corporate, and conference travelers
Tips for visiting
- Request an upper-floor room on the Walnut Street side for views over the downtown Des Moines skyline
- The hotel bar is popular with local professionals on weekday evenings; arrive early to secure seating without a wait
- Municipal parking garages on 10th and Locust Streets are the most convenient overnight options and charge competitive rates
- The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market runs Saturday mornings from May through October within a short walk to the southeast
- Corporate travelers should ask about negotiated group or government rates when booking stays tied to Capitol events
Accessibility
Hotel Fort Des Moines provides ADA-compliant guest rooms with roll-in shower options available on request, and the main entrance on Walnut Street is wheelchair accessible. An elevator serves all guest floors, and the lobby, restaurant, and bar are reachable without stairs. Guests with specific mobility, visual, or hearing accommodation requirements are encouraged to contact the hotel in advance to confirm room configuration.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Hotel Fort Des Moines from Des Moines International Airport?
Des Moines International Airport is approximately 6 miles southwest of the hotel, a drive of 10 to 15 minutes by car or rideshare depending on traffic conditions.
Does Hotel Fort Des Moines offer parking?
The hotel does not operate an attached parking structure; self-parking is available in the 10th Street and Locust Street municipal garages nearby, and the front desk can provide current rates and directions.
Is the restaurant at Hotel Fort Des Moines open to the public?
Yes, the on-site restaurant and bar welcome both hotel guests and walk-in visitors, and both venues draw a local following from the downtown Des Moines business and arts community.
Is Hotel Fort Des Moines pet-friendly?
The hotel does not widely advertise a pet policy; guests traveling with animals should contact the property directly before booking to confirm current pet acceptance terms and any associated fees.