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From71US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
08Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

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

Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr is a family-friendly, 3-star resort featuring an 18000-square-foot indoor water park, along with a full-service restaurant and conference facilities. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations and a range of recreational amenities, including a hot tub and several water slides.

Rooms & Amenities

Guestrooms at Ramada include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Suites offer additional amenities such as jetted hot tubs and pool views. Guests can upgrade to poolside suites for a more relaxing experience.

Dining & Leisure

Dining options include Castaways Bar and Grill, where guests can enjoy casual meals in a festive atmosphere. The on-site tiki bar provides light bites and refreshing drinks by the pool.

Business & Services

The resort features six meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests, ideal for conferences and events. A 24-hour front desk assists with any guest needs, ensuring a convenient stay.

Location & Transportation

The Ramada is located close to several attractions, including the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Buccaneer Arena, both within a 10-minute drive. Nearby transport options include bus services for easy local travel.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Des Moines Art Center for free local and national art.
  • Explore the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for stunning flora.
  • Don't miss the iconic Iowa State Capitol with its golden dome.
  • Try a Maid-Rite sandwich at a local diner for a true Iowa meal.
  • Stroll through the Historic East Village for unique shops and cafes.
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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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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

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center, featuring an inviting blend of American cuisine amidst a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can choose from relaxed poolside dining to hearty meals at the sports bar, ensuring a satisfying bite any time of day.
Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr Urbandale Restaurant photo

Boss' Pizzeria and Chicken Sports Bar

American
Ambiance
Casual and family-friendly sports bar atmosphere to enjoy engaging conversations and fun moments.
Key Offerings
Relish in a variety of pizza selections and hearty chicken dishes, perfect for sharing with loved ones. This venue is ideal for catching a game while savoring comfort food.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Castaways Bar and Grill

American
Ambiance
Relaxed and inviting poolside setting, making it a great spot for leisurely meals and casual gatherings.
Key Offerings
Savor light bites and refreshing beverages in the sun-drenched atmosphere, with a menu featuring grilled favorites and tropical drinks that complement the resort's easygoing vibe.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours 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
Explore Urbandale
Explore Urbandale
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
American Reading Academy
10 minutes' walk
A local gem focusing on literacy, offering programs and events throughout the year aimed at community engagement.
Lions Park
25 minutes' walk
A family-friendly park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and ample green space, great for a relaxed afternoon.
Terra Lake
30 minutes' walk
Scenic lake with walking trails, fishing spots, and natural beauty, perfect for a serene outdoor experience.
Merle Hay Mall
Merle Hay Mall
25 minutes' walk
A shopping destination featuring various stores and dining options, ideal for family outings or solo leisure activities.
Trestle to Trestle Trail
15 minutes' walk
An excellent biking and walking trail great for outdoor enthusiasts, with picturesque views and accessible paths.
Lazer X
25 minutes' walk
An exhilarating laser tag arena, perfect for thrill-seekers looking for fun competition with friends or family.
Nearby Spas
5 minutes' drive
Relax at local wellness center offering massages and spa treatments; ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating experience.
Bandit Burrito
Bandit Burrito
15 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a focus on burritos and tacos, featuring fresh ingredients and customizable options.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
15 minutes' walk
Classic American fast food with a twist, famous for its drive-in service and signature milkshakes.
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
25 minutes' walk
A unique cinema experience combining dining with catching the latest films, offering a full menu and craft beer.
Local Live Music Venues
5 minutes' drive
Various venues host live music events; check local listings for performances with genres spanning all tastes.
Comedy Shows
10 minutes' drive
Enjoy a night of laughter at nearby comedy clubs featuring local and touring acts suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Urbandale35 min  ·  2.9 km
Airports
Des Moines International (DSM)25 min  ·  16.4 km
Boone Municipal (BNW)92 min  ·  60.8 km

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
Russell
United States, January  2025
5.4/10

My recent stay at this hotel was quite an experience. The water park is a major draw, especially for families with young kids, but I found the room situation very disappointing, as there were issues with mold and odors affecting our comfort. While some staff members were attentive and helpful, there were also significant gaps in service that made our stay frustrating. Overall, it's a fun place for kids but it needs quite a bit of improvement to really shine.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms had a damp smell, and some were reported to have mold, which was quite off-putting.
Service
5.0
The service was hit or miss, with some staff being helpful, while others seemed distracted and untrained.
Location
7.0
The hotel is conveniently located near the freeway and has easy access to restaurants, making it fairly convenient.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were okay, but the breakfast was limited and not the best quality for the price.
Facilities
6.0
The water park was a lot of fun for the kids, but the cleanliness of the pool area could be improved.
Kelly
United States, November  2024
5.4/10

My recent stay at this hotel was a mixed bag. The pool area was a hit with the kids, but the overall cleanliness left much to be desired. While I appreciated the friendly staff, the dining options were limited and needed more variety. The hotel's location was decent, but the facilities are in dire need of an upgrade.

Rooms
5.0
Unfortunately, the room I was in wasn't the cleanest-there were some bugs that really grossed me out, and the furniture felt worn down.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly and attended to our needs, but I did notice some could be more attentive to details.
Location
6.0
The hotel's location was fine, but the surrounding area didn't give off the best vibe, especially with the state of the sidewalks and overall appearance.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was quite limited as the restaurant hours were restrictive, leaving us without adequate options during the day.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities, especially the waterpark, are in need of an overhaul. Some of the attractions were out of order, and overall upkeep is lacking.
Keith
United States, November  2024
5.0/10

Our stay at the hotel was quite disappointing overall. While the water park provided a fun time for the kids, the rooms had issues like lingering odors, and the restaurant was closed during our visit. The customer service left much to be desired, especially regarding the rude management we encountered. Though the location was good, the noise levels made it challenging to enjoy our stay.

Rooms
5.0
The room initially assigned to us had a strange smell and poor air conditioning. After a switch to a smaller room, we did notice better air quality, but the layout and design were lacking.
Service
5.0
The service was frustrating, particularly with the management who handled our complaints poorly. While some staff members were chill, the lack of responsiveness from others was disheartening.
Location
6.0
The hotel's location was decent, but the noise from outside, especially from nearby hangouts, was disruptive during our stay.
Dining
5.0
The dining options were limited as the restaurant was closed during our stay. The breakfast buffet that was available lacked variety and freshness.
Facilities
7.0
The pool area was a highlight for the kids, but the cold temperatures made it less enjoyable for adults. The water slides were fun but could have used better supervision.
Fun water park
Poor management
Steve
United States, November  2024
5.0/10

Our stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The indoor water park was a highlight, keeping the kids entertained, but the overall experience was marred by issues in the room and dining. While the location was decent, the dining options left much to be desired and cleanliness was a significant concern. I wouldn't say it offered great value for money considering the drawbacks we encountered.

Rooms
5.0
The room we stayed in was outdated and had cleanliness issues, including mold and bugs, which made it uncomfortable.
Service
5.0
The service was inconsistent; while some staff members tried to be accommodating, there were significant lapses in communication that complicated our stay.
Location
6.0
The hotel itself is conveniently located near family-friendly attractions, but it's definitely showing signs of wear.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were limited and the food quality was lacking, with several items being stale or unavailable.
Facilities
5.0
The indoor water park provided some fun for the kids, but cleanliness and maintenance were below standard.
Tim
United States, September  2024
6.4/10

Our stay at the hotel was quite mixed. The water park's appeal was great for the kids, and there were many family-friendly activities. However, we were disappointed by the cleanliness of the rooms and the overall service, which seemed overwhelmed. The dining options were okay, but definitely overpriced. For what we paid during our stay, I expected a bit more consistency in quality.

Rooms
Upon arrival, the first room had a strong musty odor, which was unpleasant, and even after moving to a second room, it still wasn't clean enough for my family. Rating: 3/10
Service
Although the staff were trying hard, they seemed stretched thin and couldn't keep up with the service demands, especially in the dining area. Rating: 5/10
Location
The hotel is located in a decent area but had some facilities showing disrepair that made me wary about safety for the kids. Rating: 6/10
Dining
The dining options were limited and felt overpriced for the quality provided. Breakfast offerings appeared underwhelming. Rating: 5/10
Facilities
The water park was a highlight and provided a lot of entertainment for the children, but other areas felt neglected and messy. Rating: 7/10
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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.
How far is Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr from Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is located 20 km from Des Moines International Airport.
What recreational amenities are available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Guests can enjoy an 1672.3 m² indoor water park, multiple pools, and a fitness center.
What dining options are available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, Castaways Bar and Grill, and a poolside snack bar.
Is parking available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Complimentary private parking is available on-site without reservation.
What room amenities can guests expect at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
How far is Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr from local attractions like Buccaneer Arena?
The hotel is approximately 8 km from Buccaneer Arena and 7 km from Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.
Does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr offer business services?
The hotel features 929.0 m² of event space and six meeting rooms accommodating up to 350 guests.
Is complimentary breakfast provided at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Yes, complimentary breakfast options are available, including breakfast pizza.
What family-friendly features does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr include?
The hotel offers children's pools, a game room, and complimentary water park passes with overnight stays.
What safety features are present at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, smoke detectors, and a security system.

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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
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