Places to stay near Drake University

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Top-rated vacation rentals near Drake University

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Guest favorite
A spacious living area offers large windows with views of the city, allowing natural light to fill the room. A sectional couch and a wooden coffee table provide comfortable seating. Decorative plants adorn the space, complemented by ambient lighting along the brick wall.
Apartment in Des Moines
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 181 reviews

Downtown Loft Skyline View 2BR

Welcome to Downtown Des Moines! The perfect centrally located 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Loft condo in the middle of it all! Walk to nightlife, shopping, restaurantes and entertainment. > Cozy and Convenient - the best location downtown! > 24/7 Fitness center > City view rooftop courtyard and dog park > Direct access to skywalk system > 1x King & 1x Queen Bed > Smart TV's in bedroom & living space > Dedicated work space > High speed Wifi > Fully Equipped Kitchen > In unit free Laundry > Pet Friendly!

Top guest favorite
A vibrant living room features a curvy orange couch, complementing a playful area rug with geometric patterns. A glass window allows natural light to illuminate the space, highlighting the eclectic decor on a nearby shelf. Seating includes a striped chair and a coffee table.
Home in Des Moines
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 273 reviews

MidCentury, technicolor Ranch w/yard, w+d, parking

- Ranch home in Des Moines' friendly Beaverdale neighborhood - Steps from grocery store, ice cream shop+dining - Blocks to more dining+shops - Less than 5 minutes from Drake University - Around 10 minutes from downtown, Des Moines, Arts Center, parks - Easy access within 15 minutes to suburbs - 1000+ feet with open living, dining and kitchen, 2 beds, 1 bath, laundry and on-site parking - Outdoor front porch, back patio+fire pit - Perfect for a family or two couples ***Send your special requests!

Top guest favorite
A dining area features a large wooden table with seating for twelve. Adjacent is a cozy living space equipped with comfortable sofas, two large smart TVs, and an arcade game. An outdoor area includes a fire pit and hot tub surrounded by wooden seating.
Home in Des Moines
5 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

The Hay Loft: Hot Tub • Game Room • Fire Pit • BBQ

Centrally located to Downtown Des Moines, sits our fully remodeled, 5 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home that can sleep 14 guests. The Hay Loft offers privacy for your large group, yet it's also close to everything that Des Moines has to offer! Our amenities include: spacious hot tub, fire-pit, grill, office space and a fully stocked kitchen. Fiber internet/WiFi + smart TVs in every room. Just a couple of blocks from Drake College, and within three miles of the Iowa Event Center and Casey's Center

Guest favorite
A spacious living area features large windows, offering expansive views of the skyline. Modern furnishings include a cozy couch, two accent chairs, and a coffee table. A sleek electric fireplace is positioned beneath a wall-mounted TV, enhancing the contemporary design of the space.
Townhouse in Des Moines
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

This is the best Des Moines has to offer!

Welcome to a beautiful 3 story townhome in the heart of Des Moines. If an upscale modern home with an incredible view is your thing, you will be in heaven. Inside you’ll find a clean, bright and well decorated home with all the amenities you'll need to kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. Minutes from shopping, dining and nightlife. The bike trail is across the street where you can ride to Gray’s Lake or stroll to downtown DSM and enjoy the Farmer's Market, Civic Center and Principal Park.

Top guest favorite
A welcoming entrance features an orange door adorned with a panel of glass. The 'Welcome' sign is prominently displayed on one side, while a 'Bed & Breakfast' sign decorates the other. A doormat lies at the entrance, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Gateway House

Our 100% SMOKE-FREE Gateway House is nestled just west of beautiful Downtown Des Moines. I-235 is 90 seconds away, putting you downtown in 5 minutes, and anywhere else in 15 minutes! Ingersoll Avenue, home to dozens of locally owned restaurants and bars, is a 2–3-minute drive and a 5-10-minute walk. Our charming bungalow has everything you need to function! We proudly display artwork that accents the culture our city has to offer, and you will feel relaxed indoors and out during your stay.

Superhost
A contemporary tiny house exterior is showcased, featuring a wooden facade and a garage below. A private deck rests atop, surrounded by greenery. Large windows allow natural light, while the entrance is framed by two sleek doors, blending modern aesthetics with a welcoming appeal.
Tiny home in Des Moines
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 183 reviews

Des Moines' coolest Tiny Home! +Deck/garage

Kick back and enjoy this calm, stylish tiny house. In an awesome location near downtown, it's the perfect place for a memorable stay in Des Moines! (Fall 2025*, please note there is an active new construction project next door- which shouldn't effect your peace or experience.) You can easily walk to great bars, restaurants, grocery, etc. Peaceful and large deck to relax and unwind.. Convenient garage parking included! *Large trucks may not fit fully in garage. Tiny house experience! 🛖

Guest favorite
An open-concept living area features a cozy dining table with four chairs, complemented by a floral-patterned refrigerator. Two comfortable armchairs are positioned near a light-colored rug, while natural light illuminates the wood-tone cabinets and kitchen space in the background.
Home in Des Moines
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Effortless Landing near Airport

Welcome to the Effortless Landing! Our super clean and comfy, Boho style retreat. Private keyless entry with off street parking. Enjoy a queen bed, additional pull out queen bed in couch, local coffee, & all the amenities like fiber wifi, TV, linens, full kitchen, & laundry. Add that to the wonderful surroundings of the city of Des Moines, in a quiet, centrally located neighborhood. Conveniently located 4 minutes from the Des Moines International Airport, & 7 minutes to Downtown Des Moines!

Top guest favorite
The living space features a modern gray sectional sofa complemented by a green armchair. A coffee table rests on a patterned rug. Two floral artworks adorn the wall, while warm lighting is provided by standing lamps. Natural light enters through multiple windows.
Home in Des Moines
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 347 reviews

Cozy Historic Escape

This comfortable bungalow is stylish with historic charm. The front porch is perfect for morning coffee. The main living space has original hardwood floors and classic brick fireplace with craftsman style built-ins. The house also has fenced in backyard with patio for enjoying temperate days. It is centrally and conveniently located close to Des Moines Playhouse, ~6 minutes from Casey’s Center and Downtown Des Moines, ~13 minutes to Jordan Creek Town Center, and ~15 minutes to DSM Airport.

Top guest favorite
A private patio area is sheltered by a wooden overhang, featuring a comfortable seating arrangement. Decorative lights hang from the ceiling, and a small wind chime adds a subtle decorative touch. Lush greenery surrounds the space, offering a sense of privacy.
Guest suite in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 613 reviews

Cozy, Private Guest Suite & Backyard Oasis

Enjoy a peaceful stay in our private basement suite. You'll love the tall ceilings, natural light, and watching wildlife in our backyard! Private entrance from the back patio, & off-street parking for 1 car. Includes: 1 bedroom with queen bed, bathroom with shower/tub, full kitchen, living room with futon couch, floor mattress, and pack 'n play. Ask for pet policy before booking. If interested in a blocked date, message me (new job=less weekly availability). 10% discount for educators 🏫❤️.

Top guest favorite
A dining area is framed by an elegant archway, featuring a round table with dark wooden legs and four cushioned chairs. Natural light filters through sheer curtains, illuminating the soft tones of the walls and a decorative area rug beneath the table.
Home in Des Moines
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Peaceful Setting & Modern Style

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to your own private oasis with this charming 2 Bedroom Airbnb. The house provides present-day amenities while still honoring the original 1930s character. You’ll enjoy a new and sparkling clean kitchen, complete with all the appliances and utensils you need. The bathroom, laundry, dining room, reading nook and living room have all been beautifully updated as well, ensuring that you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Guest favorite
The exterior of the duplex features a welcoming porch with multiple seating areas, surrounded by a spacious lawn. The house showcases a combination of red and green siding, with a steep roofline and large windows that invite natural light.
Home in Des Moines
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

The Carol Anne-Charming 2bd/2ba Victorian near DT!

This Victorian-era duplex is the perfect mix of Victorian and modern for all the comforts of home. Perfect for quick or extended trips. Location can't be beat: Walking distance to Drake University. Minutes by car to downtown, hospitals, Ingersoll district and proximity to I-235 gets you anywhere in the city. Off street parking/electronic locks make check-in a easy. 2 large bedrooms w/queen beds, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, closets, and more making it ideal for multiple guests!

Guest favorite
A spacious living area features a round marble coffee table at its center, surrounded by various seating options. A pendant light hangs from the ceiling, while a staircase is visible in the background. Natural light enhances the warmth of the wooden flooring.
Home in Des Moines
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Winter Stay by Ingersoll Ave & Drake Univ

Cozy, winter-ready home one block from Ingersoll Ave and minutes from Drake University. Enjoy fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, comfortable beds, and a fully equipped kitchen for warm nights in. Walk to Ingersoll’s restaurants and coffee shops, with easy access to Downtown DSM and Drake. Self check-in and easy parking make this ideal for remote workers, business travelers, families, and extended winter stays. ✨ Weekly and monthly winter discounts available.

Popular amenities for vacation rentals near Drake University

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Iowa
  4. Polk County
  5. Des Moines
  6. Drake University