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From71US$ /night
Check-in
04Dec2025Select date
Check-out
05Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
-
Near Lions Park
Perfect
5.2
5.3
/10
2.5
2.1
/5

Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr, a 3-star family resort, features an 18000-square-foot indoor water park with complimentary passes for overnight stays, a 10000-square-foot conference center, and a 24-hour front desk with ATM services.

Modern Room Configurations

166 air-conditioned rooms at Ramada offer refrigerators and flat-screen TVs. Select accommodations include poolside suites or upgraded units with jetted hot tubs, while some rooms feature seating areas.

Resort Dining Options

Castaways Bar and Grill serves casual meals in a resort setting, complemented by a tiki bar and poolside eatery for beverages and light bites.

Waterpark Business Center

The water park features two 160-foot waterslides, a 40-foot pirate ship in a zero-depth entry pool, lap pool, and adults-only hot tub. Six meeting rooms accommodate up to 350 banquet guests.

Strategic City Location

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conference Center Des Moines sits within a 10-minute drive of Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, with Des Moines International Airport 12.5 miles away.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Des Moines Art Center for stunning contemporary works.
  • Grab a Diner's Delight sandwich at Jethro's BBQ for lunch.
  • Explore the Iowa State Capitol for its beautiful architecture.
  • Stroll through the Historic East Village for unique boutiques.
  • Don't miss the farmers' market at Capital Square on Saturdays.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
1 Queen Bed Accessible Room Poolside Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
1 Double bed
Coffee machine
Heating
2 Queen Beds Poolside Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
King Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Check out the full range of transport modes

City Centre
Urbandale 2.9 km
Airports
Des Moines International (DSM) 16.4 km
Boone Municipal (BNW) 60.8 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Bowling
  • Golf course

Services

  • Laundry
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool
  • Water slides
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Plunge pool
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Aqua park
  • Live entertainment
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr, guests can indulge in a delightful array of dining experiences that blend cheerful atmospheres with comforting American fare. From casual bites to hearty meals, the resort's onsite options cater to families and travelers alike in a relaxed setting.
Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr Urbandale Restaurant photo

Boss' Pizzeria and Chicken Sports Bar

American
Ambiance
Family-friendly sports bar atmosphere, perfect for a fun, casual dining experience.
Key Offerings
Relish mouthwatering pizzas and crispy fried chicken while catching the latest game on large screens. Suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 07:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Castaways Bar and Grill

American casual dining
Ambiance
Inviting poolside eatery with a tropical vibe, ideal for a laid-back meal after a day of activities.
Key Offerings
Guests can enjoy light bites and refreshing beverages, making it a perfect spot for unwinding by the water.
Reservation
No
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; exact hours may vary.

Location

5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
Map view
5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
Nearby
Trestle to Trestle Trail
1.0 km
American Reading Academy
1.1 km
Restaurants
Bandit Burrito
1.2 km
5340 Merle Hay Rd
Sonic Drive-In
1.2 km
5350 Merle Hay Road

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
5.2
5.2/10 based on 393 reviews
Steven
United States, December  2024
5.0/10

I had a challenging experience during my stay, primarily due to the poor service and outdated facilities. Although the hotel offers a pool area and has some friendly staff members, the rooms felt neglected and the dining options were limited. Overall, I was left frustrated by the lack of responsiveness and cleanliness.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms were in disrepair with stained furniture and issues like broken tables and ill-fitting bed sheets. I rated them a 3 for cleanliness.
Service
5.0
The service was lacking, particularly at the front desk where staff seemed disinterested and unresponsive to my requests for assistance. I give it a rating of 4.
Location
5.0
The location was decent, but I was disappointed by the maintenance of the facilities, notably the pool area which was dirty and poorly managed. I'd rate it a 5.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were quite limited, and the breakfast experience was subpar, with minimal offerings that left much to be desired. Rating: 4.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities, including the pool area, were outdated and needed significant renovations to meet guest expectations. It deserves a 3.
Jennifer
United States, December  2024
5.0/10

The hotel has some family-friendly features, especially with the waterpark that many kids enjoyed, but overall cleanliness and service leave a lot to be desired. The check-in was not organized, and there were issues with the dining experience that impacted our stay. While the location might cater to families, the facilities seem to be aging and require attention.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms had a distinct mildew smell and seemed unclean, with worn furniture and visible damage. Not ideal for a comfortable stay.
Service
5.0
Service was lacking, especially at the restaurant where our concerns were ignored, and my daughter's safety was not monitored adequately.
Location
5.0
The hotel is in a convenient location for families, but the surrounding area and pool facilities need maintenance and improvements.
Dining
5.0
Dining was disappointing, with reheated food that was not freshly prepared, leaving us unsatisfied during our stay.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities, particularly the waterpark, showed signs of disrepair and didn't meet safety standards that families expect.
Mark
United States, December  2024
5.6/10

Our stay had its ups and downs. The water park was a major hit with the kids, and the food at the restaurant was quite good. However, the experience was marred by some cleanliness issues and noise disturbances from unattended dogs. While we appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere, the overall maintenance really needs attention.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms were clean but felt damp due to humidity from the pool area, which wasn't ideal. We encountered some bugs that definitely affected our comfort.
Service
5.0
The response to our concerns wasn't very satisfactory. Staff seemed overwhelmed and it felt like they were more concerned with talking to each other rather than attending to guest issues.
Location
6.0
The hotel's location is family-friendly, especially for smaller children, but can get quite loud, especially with local crowds.
Dining
7.0
Dining options were decent, and the food in the restaurant was quite enjoyable, but it was still an extra expense.
Facilities
6.0
The water park is a fun feature, but the overall cleanliness in the pool area needs significant improvement.
Fred
United States, December  2024
5.2/10

The hotel has a fun water park that kids enjoy, and the staff were generally responsive and friendly. However, the condition of the hotel leaves much to be desired, especially when it comes to the aging furnishings and dining experience. Many areas are in need of maintenance and upgrades, which impacts the overall value considering the prices charged during the weekend.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms are quite outdated with worn furnishings, and safety is a concern due to exposed outlets and a lack of childproof features. Overall, the size and feel left a lot to be desired.
Service
6.0
While the staff were responsive and friendly, the dining service felt understaffed, and it took a while to get basic needs met during breakfast.
Location
5.0
The location is decent, but many parts of the hotel, especially the pool area, were under construction and not fully accessible.
Dining
5.0
The breakfast buffet was functional but lacked variety and quality, which was disappointing compared to similar hotels.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities, specifically the pool area, were decent but the temperature of the water was too cold for comfort, and some arcade games were broken.
Laura
United States, October  2024
5.0/10

The hotel has a fun indoor waterpark that kids really enjoyed, but the overall upkeep of the facility is lacking. The rooms felt cramped and outdated, which made our stay less comfortable than we had hoped. Dining at the hotel left much to be desired, with disappointing food quality and service during breakfast. Overall, while there are fun aspects for families, the lack of attention to cleanliness and maintenance was a definite downside.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms were tiny and outdated, making it challenging to stay comfortably with kids. We found several safety hazards like exposed outlets and poorly designed bathrooms, which were very concerning.
Service
5.0
The service was disappointing, with staff being hard to find when we needed assistance. The breakfast experience was particularly frustrating due to the lack of attentive service.
Location
5.0
The hotel's location is convenient for heading to local attractions, but the environment seems to be deteriorating and many areas require maintenance.
Dining
5.0
Dining at the hotel was quite underwhelming. The breakfast buffet offered limited options and the quality was poor, making other local dining options seem much more appealing.
Facilities
5.0
While the indoor waterpark has a lot of potential for fun, the pool quality and cleanliness need significant improvement to be enjoyable.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
All visitors are offered a continental breakfast for a fee. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2009
Number of rooms:
242
Former name
Holiday Inn Merle Hay
FAQs
About Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Private parking is available on-site for free, with no reservation needed.
How far is Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr from Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is 20 km from Des Moines International Airport.
What dining options does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr offer?
The hotel features an on-site full-service restaurant and tiki bar, Castaways Bar and Grill.
What amenities does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr provide for guests?
Guests can enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, game room, and an 1672.3 m² indoor water park.
What room amenities can guests expect at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
All rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and some include a seating area.
What are the recreation options available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Guests can enjoy an indoor water park, water slides, and a children's pool.
Which notable attractions are near Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Nearby attractions include Buccaneer Arena (approximately 8 km) and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum (about 7 km).
Does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr offer business services?
The hotel provides meeting and event facilities totaling 929.0 m².
How far is the nearest restaurant from Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Wendy's is located 0.5 km from the hotel.

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04Dec2025Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr Urbandale Exterior photo

Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr

5.2
Guest rating393 reviews
2.9 km from center
64 US$
71 US$
per night
Mobile-only price