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The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

Family-friendly stay near Drake University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a wooden floor.
A two-story house with a front porch, a tree, and a wooden planter with leaves.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a ceiling fan, and large windows with blinds.
A dining area with a table set for four, a brown armchair, and a bookshelf with various items.
A covered patio with chairs, a tree, and a view of a suburban street.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathrooms3000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Windsor Heights, IA
  • Place, Buccaneer Arena
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Windsor Heights

In Windsor Heights .You'll find Buccaneer Arena and Merle Hay Mall within 2 miles (3 km) of this vacation home. Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Val Air Ballroom are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Vacation Homes in Des MoinesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Buccaneer Arena - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Drake University - 7 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Iowa Events Center - 8 min drive - 6.5 miles
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 11 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds - 15 min drive - 10.8 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Casey’s - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Simon's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Centerfield Sports Bar - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

Welcome to The Love Shack — your go-to getaway in the heart of Windsor Heights, one of Des Moines’ safest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re gathering family, celebrating with friends, or just needing a change of scene, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat was made for connection, comfort, and a little bit of fun.

Step inside and feel the good vibes right away. There’s room for everyone — two cozy living rooms, plush king and queen beds, and plenty of spots to curl up or stretch out. You’ll find all the comforts of home (and then some): fast Wi-Fi, central heating and A/C, a washer and dryer, hairdryer, iron, and everything you need for an easy, effortless stay.

Each bathroom feels like a mini spa moment — from a deep jetted tub that’s perfect for bubble baths to bright walk-in showers that’ll start your day right.

Out back, the magic continues. Fire up the BBQ under the pergola, sip something cold, and enjoy the lush garden filled with native plants. Or head downstairs for some laughs — the dartboard, kitchenette, and costume closet make it the perfect hangout zone for game nights and silly photo ops.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, you’ll have quick access to the best restaurants, breweries, and local gems — but you might find yourself loving your time at home just as much.

Whether it’s family time, a reunion, or a weekend escape, The Love Shack is where everyone can relax, reconnect, and feel right at home. Come for the comfort, stay for the memories — and fall in love with Des Moines all over again. 💖

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Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please put all used towels in the bathtubs. Please do not start any laundry - our cleaners will take care of that!
Please place all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and run it before you leave. Thank you for assisting us in keeping The Love Shack clean and tidy!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

📄 Guest must sign a House Rules Form. 💳 $250 refundable credit card hold. 🎂 Minimum booking age is 21+.
🕒 Form due within 48 hrs of booking (or before check-in info is sent for last-minute stays).
🚭 No smoking/vaping. 🐾 Max 2 pets ($50/pet/stay). 🎉 No parties/events. 🌙 Quiet Hours: 11PM–6AM.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs less than 50 lbs per pet Pet friendly

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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 is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

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Frequently asked questions

How close is The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown to the airport?

This vacation home is 9 mi (25-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 The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

As of Sep 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown on Sep 14, 2026 start from $506, including 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 The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (20-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown to downtown Windsor Heights?

This vacation home is 0.7 mi away from Windsor Heights.

The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sheri C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, centrally located, cool AC, all the space we needed and more! Easy communication with the hosts and even got to see an owl in the backyard trees. Would definitely choose this property again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect spot for our family celebrating a graduation. Host was SO Accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maddie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay! Tiffany was super responsive to questions. Super roomy and cute — and the most comfortable couch I have ever sat on.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Molly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect space for families, soft beds and very cozy! Can’t wait to come back in the summer and enjoy the back yard.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Missy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The Love Shack was a wonderful place for our family to gather for the weekend and wedding plan! The home was spotless, all the beds were comfy and it had everything you needed for a nice stay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

MIKE G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean home exactly as promoted with exceptionally accommodating hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Samantha F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was clean and adequate space for all of us to hang out together and eat together. Well stocked kitchen. A good central location for all the activities in Des Moines area. We'll definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

LaShonna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautiful! The set-up is nice! Has a cozy feel!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had amazing time! This property was clean and very cozy! We loved taking naps on the couches, the coffee station, and the costume closet. It was the perfect experience for our group- a cast of actors in a touring play in Des Moines for the week.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sonya S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So much room! We had a party of 7 so the 5 good size bedrooms and 3 bathrooms were perfect. Great well stocked kitchen with plenty of pots, pans, small appliances, spices etc. Large dining area with plenty of seating for a large group. The downstairs was perfect for the young adults. Plenty of comfy seating with a large screen TV and a large kitchen area. Beautiful outdoor space to enjoy and watch the wildlife. We even saw a deer! The host was so easy to contact with any questions. We would definitely stay there again if staying in the Des Moines area.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kaity S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts were very responsive to questions. Everyone had a great time! The kids really enjoyed the costume closet and the “swimming pool” (big bathtub)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

bonnie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The kitchen had everything we could possibly need. It was a comfortable place for friends to gather, and we had fun with the costume closet.The hosts were very accommodating to whatever we might need. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable, felt right at home. Kitchen and all rooms very well furnished! TIFF was attentive & helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was the perfect house for a larger group. The house had a little of everything we needed, and we loved all the details they thought of. I would highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Richard T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay very much. The location was central to everything we did. The house was very clean and bigger than we thought it would be. Kitchen utensils and cookware were provided and we really enjoyed the game area! I would highly recommend this rental. Will definitely be booking this location for our next visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lots of room in house. Large dining room for meals. Kitchen had everything you could need for meals. Outdoor areanice and relaxing. Bbq grill.Enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Aaron C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Central

Great house for our family to stay and gather between weddings events! Easy to get to and had lots of space to hang out.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was great. It fit the whole family. We were close to other relatives and things to do. The welcome email and Vrbo had different check in and check out times so I would recommend fixing that but it didn't effect our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Courtney M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well stocked kitchen! Even well stocked bathrooms for ladies! Queen sized beds in all the bedrooms. Comfy couch. Games in the basement. Full sized dining table. Easily will be back next year if we have a small group competing at the CrossFit competition again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bret w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was set up well for a large family gathering. We had many crock pots plugged in and going at once plus other cooking with no issues. Plenty of room to spread out for gages and crafts. Our host was amazing assisting with anything with needed. Would recommend for large gathering
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home!

We enjoyed our stay at the "Love Shack". My family and I traveled to Des Moines for a fastpitch softball tournament. We enjoyed our stay. The tournament was hot but the air conditioner was cold and felt great when we arrived. Everything was exactly as described. The dow stairs area was a very cool place to hang out. We would definitely stay here again if we are ever back in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gail F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Babes loved EVERYTHING about the Love Shack. Tiffany is an amazing host and very easy to communicate with - so responsive to requests and questions! I think she is quite possibly the best VRBO host I’ve worked with. The property is inviting and just joyful. The neighborhood is lovely and safe! Next door neighbors even offered us candy and goodies! How fun is that?! Close to everything we wanted to see! Definitely would recommend. And Des Moines is a fantastic city!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rob A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun place to stay close to Drake and Downtown

This house is ridiculous, but in a good and fun way. We were in town with family to celebrate our daughter's graduation from Drake and this house was an excellent fit for our group. We only had seven people, but there is easily room to sleep 10 comfortably. We didn't use the kitchen, but the dining room table was great for a game of Five Crowns and we played a few games of darts in the game room downstairs.Location wise, it was a quick and easy drive from the house to both Drake and downtown Des Moines. West Des Moines was easy to get to as well.Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again if we are back with a large group.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the Love Shack! The house was perfect for our group. There were plenty of rooms to split up & play games, chit chat or watch tv. My great niece LOVED the dress up closet! The other young adults enjoyed the basement. Although the sectional fills the family room, it was quite comfy. The bedrooms are better than most VRBOs. Comfy beds & fairly roomy. I wish the kitchen was bigger for our group but we made it work. We even used the grill, which was nice. The neighborhood is older, but very quiet. It is very convenient to get to almost anywhere in Des Moines. There are quite a few steps, so this would not be the house for someone with mobility issues. Tiff, the host, was fantastic! She answered all of my questions and fast! Check in/out was a breeze! We definitely would consider staying her again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ron H.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026

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