Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3.0 star property
Family-friendly stay near Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

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Photo gallery for Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Indoor pool
Lobby
Free daily continental breakfast
Bar (on property)
Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds

Reviews

5.6 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA, 50322
  • Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Drake University
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Casey's Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Accessible)

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 193 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking (1 King Bed and 2 Queen Bed)

  • 226 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Accessible, Poolside (Accessible)

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

  • 204 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • 247 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Jetted Tub, Poolside (1 Bedroom)

  • 204 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Urbandale

In Urbandale .Within 6 miles (10 km) of this Urbandale hotel, you'll find Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum. Des Moines Community Playhouse is within 6 miles (10 km) and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Drake University - 9 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • Living History Farms - 9 min drive - 6.9 miles
  • Iowa Events Center - 12 min drive - 7.4 miles
  • Casey's Center - 13 min drive - 7.6 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Family-friendly stay near Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines offers its guests a water park, a waterslide, and an indoor pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 10000 square feet (929 square meters) and includes a conference center. A children's pool, a fitness center, and a vending machine are also featured at the family-friendly Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines. Self parking is free.

This Urbandale hotel is smoke free.

  • 166 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • 10000 sq ft of conference space
  • 929 sq m of conference space
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines offers 166 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. 37-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

This Urbandale hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room crib
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water park
  • Waterslide

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Indoor pool
  • TV in common areas
  • Water park
  • Waterslide

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 37-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday:
  • Hot tub

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 20 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 30 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per day.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham).

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Ramada Tropics
Ramada Tropics Des Moines
Ramada Tropics Resort
Ramada Tropics Resort Des Moines
Tropics Resort
Des Moines Ramada
Ramada Des Moines
Ramada Hotel Des Moines
Ramada Tropics Hotel Des Moines
Ramada Tropics Resort / Conference Center Des Moines Iowa
Ramada Tropics Resort Moines Urbandale
Ramada Tropics Resort Moines
Ramada Tropics Moines Urbandale
Ramada Tropics Moines
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines Hotel

Frequently asked questions

How close is Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines to the airport?

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines is 22.5 mi (30-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

As of Aug 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines on Sep 17, 2025 start from $78.02, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines.

Does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines offer free breakfast?

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines offers free continental breakfast on weekdays between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM and weekends between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (14-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines have a pool?

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines features an indoor pool and a children's pool.

Does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines to downtown Urbandale?

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines is 1.8 mi away from Urbandale.

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

5.6
Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 575 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 92 out of 575 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 575 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 106 out of 575 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 161 out of 575 reviews

5.6/10

Cleanliness

6.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

5.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Traveled with family and small children
Great pools for kids. Hotel is older and not perfect The kids enjoyed swimming.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brandin

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Book this hotel for the pool, it was great! Location of the hotel was good.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Wissam

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I arrived there with my family, and after a long wait at the front desk, to find out that our room was not available and there is nothing they could do. Apparently, the manager and assistant manager do not work on the weekend, and the receptionist couldn't get a hold of anyone. the cleaning crew had gone for the day, and the rooms were not clean to give to us. we booked our room 3 weeks in advance and checked in online. We had to find another hotel in the area to spend the night. They cancelled our reservation and asked us to speak with our third-party vendor to get refunded. We are yet to get a refund. What a shame.. nice water park with the wrong management. I read the reviews and was expecting a delay or not a clean facility but I was surprised to not find a room all together. I didn't plan for that one. what a waste. This is very unfortunate. I wish someone will do something about it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, fun place and everything was great except our shower handle was broken and we couldn’t shower for 2 days.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Marquesha

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Deloris

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and kind especially at the front desk. What I did not like is it felt dirty-partly because the carpet was very worn, our room had a hole that s the carpet the beds were not comfortable. Also they did not clean our room while we were there and we had to get towels from the front desk.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort

Unimpressed

Needs updates. Bathroom door won't stay closed. Door frames are rusty. Desk chair was broken. Only had towels and washclothes for two people to last three days and had four people in room. Pool area only open for weekends and wasn't notified until check in. No towels in pool area to dry off.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Heather

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Nice room, uncaring morning staff.

The water park is only staffed/open on Friday and Saturday and that is not disclosed until you arrive. The room did not have a bathtub for the kids - only a shower with a shower head that sprayed water all over the floor. There was a glass wall that did not keep the bathroom from being utterly flooded. In the morning the breakfast attendant was nowhere to be found for over 30 minutes. The waffle batter dispenser was broken and the cereal dispenser was broken. When we told the front desk about the issues the desk person said “that’s not my department” and went back to playing with his phone.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Maura

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had reservations for 2 queen beds, but when I arrived I was informed that someone else checked into my room. I was assigned another room. I went into my room and found out the tv wasnt working, the bathroom door didnt shut or lock at all. There was so many children running and screaming down the halls at 1am. I believe the person that was assigned the room I got didnt like it for the same reason I did. So they probably got the room switched. My children and I were so tired I didnt want to wake them up and ask for a different room. I was very upset and disappointed, this wasn't our first time here so I thought our experience would have been the same as the last time but I was wrong.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kristine

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Never found the game room. Pool area dirty. Rooms were worn out. There was a break i and the police came. Didnt feel safe
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I’ve never had this bad of a hotel experience.

No towels. Bathroom doors don’t close or lock. No bathtubs and the showers get water all over the floor. Front desk doesn’t answer the phone ever. The room phones don’t work to call to the desk. You have to walk to the front desk and hope someone will help you every time you need something. The carpets in the rooms are wet and absolutely filthy. The sofa bed was broken. The fridge barely cooled. The hot water ran out for showers. Th wonky saving grace and reason we didn’t immediately check out was that my kids loved the water slides. Worst hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Howard

Traveled with family
With the right management it could be a great place. It had an attached pizza place and the pizza was not eatable. The crust was so hard it was like a teething biscuit. The check in was great but only 1 person to do it. It has a small water park great for like 12 snd under. But all Friday Saturday and Sunday never had towels. Rooms were clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jose

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

never again

the rooms were so dirty the walls the floor all dirty wifi and cable took hours to work unpleasant smell and then to top it off we had police break into a room downstairs and break a door and glass down
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Bethany

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Would not stay again

Very outdated, pools and hot tub were falling apart. The gym was a joke, none of the cardio machines worked and only a couple dumbbells
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

duane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Chauncey

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
No hot water. Very noisy people on the hallway. I wont be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominick

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tamesha

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was not clean at all. Had dead bug juice on the comforter and box spring
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We have been visiting this property for over 15 years. The area around the hotel has gone down considerably.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
As others have said, the property is run down and requires repairs. In saying that, when we first arrived, neither TV in our room was functioning, but maintenance came up quickly and got it going, so that is a plus. The staff was friendly but a little understaffed. Overall, it's an okay place to stay, and honestly, we would stay there again, but just know that it's an older water park hotel, so it does get a lot of use and needs a little TLC.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kayla

Doesn’t answer hotel phones - child safety / food terrible
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
The entire reason we book in Des moines was for the "waterpark" here. We arrived on Thursday and were notified that the water park was shut down. Kids were extremely disappointed. They were only allowed to swim in the small regular pool. Upon checkout we found out that they currently only open the water park on certain hours friday/sat /sun. This would have been nice to know ahead of time! Breakfast wasnt great. No protein options. Waffle mix wouldnt dispense. Otherwise it was just prepackaged processed foods. Kids enjoyed the arcade. Place was nicely updated and mostly clean.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Rusty

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No hot water bathroom didn't lock
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025