Name: Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport
Address: 1810 Army Post Road, Watrous South, Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America, Des Moines, Polk County, US
Price range: $61–$545 per night
Rating: 6.58

What guests think

Travellers describe Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport as convenient for early flights with a free shuttle and friendly staff, but many report inconsistent cleanliness, dated spaces under renovation, and assorted maintenance issues that detract from overall comfort and impression.

Guests frequently mention thin walls and pool or aircraft noise, squeaky metal bed frames, weak water pressure, and occasional HVAC or TV problems. Breakfast feedback is mixed, often citing cold items or limited selection, and the on-site restaurant/bar is frequently closed or not as advertised. Best suited for short, no-frills stopovers when expectations are modest.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Large indoor pool is a draw but can be cold and short on towels; the free airport shuttle is handy yet sometimes delayed when staffing is thin. Ongoing construction and a closed or non-existent restaurant/bar are recurring frustrations.

Related guest reviews

4

Tyler

Feb 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool was freezing cold, there were no towels all weekend. We actually had to go buy our own towels. The garbages were always full. We never had housekeeping clean our room.

6

Brenda

Dec 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Average stay. Description of the amenities not accurate. Stated there was a restaurant on site and a bar. Neither existed! Electrical in room was not up to par. Desk panel electrical ports had no power, had to find other outlets to charge phones and laptop. Bathroom could use a little TLC. Toilet paper holder barely holding on to wall. Staff was friendly and room was clean.

6

Brenda

Mar 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I asked if a hottub and swimming pool multiple times. Was assured there was. NO HOT TUB IN SWIMMING AREA.

10

Tasha

May 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The night receptionist was so nice to my son and let him play the piano. The room and pool were very nice. The shuttle service and short term parking were a huge plus! We would definitely stay again.

4

Karri

Sep 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Construction made this property untidy. Rooms were okay but the hallway hadn’t been vacuumed and it looked like construction materials had been transported through it. We had to wipe our feet to not track into the room.

8

Erin

Jun 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was no bar by pool or hot tub like pics show. Other than that was good.

6

Bradley

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The place was going under construction when we were there. There was a few issues with the place, but I understood that the place was in transition. We did not experience any issues with our room specifically.

2

Kelsey

Nov 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel was absolutely dirty and all the areas were under construction which was not stated at all on the website! We ended up leaving to stay somewhere else!!

2

Rachael

May 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There system went down which is fine but the place it’s self looks like something out of American horror story. The room was clean but the ac rattled the whole room. The walls were so thin that I could hear the top 90’s country station my neighbor played all night. In the morning no one was at the counter and they offer shuttle service to airport. They weren’t available so I ended up Ubering. Overall worst night sleep also the Mexican restaurant is odd and the bar pictures you see that bar doesn’t exist they tell you to go to the weird Mexican restaurant that only serves a buffet.

10

Richard

Aug 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

AWESOME POOL! Not your usual tiny hotel pool. The pool room is as big as an auditorium. Overall very good value.

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Cleanliness

Many reviews cite dirty rooms and bathrooms, stains, odors, mold, and trash in common areas and outside. A minority mention acceptable cleanliness.

Related guest reviews

2

Josh

Jul 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Do not stay here. The room was not as pictured and smelled terribly of mold and mildew. Room felt like a bedroom in a nasty basement. Common areas we not air conditioned and felt miserable with 90 degree temps. Place was not clean and had terrible smell.

4

Adam

Jul 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Sorry room. Smelled like old bleach. Hair on floor and towels had old stains on them

2

Ieisha

Jul 5, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

The rooms were dirty. I do not recommend.

4

Medina

Apr 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Outdated and bathroom was not clean

4

Christine

Sep 14, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

They will never get my business again!! I killed 2 spiders in the bathroom! There was blood on the sheets! Mold in the vent. Very dirty vents. But they were kind to get us to the airport. This is not my blood on the shhet. The spiders were killed too fast for me to photocrsph

2

heidi

Jul 25, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The pictures on Expedia are not accurate at all. The hotel and rooms don’t look anything like the pictures. I don’t think AC runs through the hallways of this hotel because it was very muggy as we walked through them it smelled like a basement. The rooms seemed to have working AC but the bed linens had stains on the pillows and sheets. The bathroom shower had stains in the tub area. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel if you were looking for a clean place to stay. We didn’t want to stay so we checked into a different hotel the same day. We were offered another room but the whole hotel wasn’t a good feeling at all.

4

Christopher

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Tv is broken. Room lacks outlets. Bathroom has mold and is dirty. Parking lot has trash laying around. Over all this hotel is overpriced and i will not stay here again. Nor will i recommend to family or friends. If i wasn't so tired i would have attempted to check out and find a better place to stay. Will be contacting manager to ask for a refund or some funds back

4

Margarita

Oct 30, 2023

·

Overall cleanliness and basic maintenance of the hotel was below poor— it seemed like no one had done it in months, not to mention deep cleaning. The bathtub faucet and knob were smeared with white caulking, and one side had paint peeling off. The vents had layers of dust mixed with some kind of debris, wall corners had black residue mixed with dust, carpet smelled horrible, our bedroom door wouldn’t work unless you forced it up, bedroom was very dark— almost dungeon like. Do not recommend this place at all— highly disgusted

4

Cortney

Sep 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Waited 15 minutes to check in because there were multiple people in line and one person at desk. Get to our room and right away we were revolted. Before we got to our room we stepped in a puddle in the hallway because of a ceiling leak. The room ceiling looked like it needed repair, bed and floor had stains all over, brand new socks turned almost black just from walking on carpet. The bedside table lamp had a GREEN light bulb. We planned on giving our toddler a bath in the tub but it just looked absolutely disgusting with mildew and grime. There was a dead bug in the ac unit. I was tolerating it all until I noticed the black socks then demanded a refund. I was going to call the desk but there was no directory or speed dials on the pin pad. I will say the front desk staff was accommodating by ‘upgrading’ us to a nicer room and said if we still weren’t satisfied he would gladly refund. This room didn’t seem as dirty or dilapidated so we decided to stay.

2

Tabitha

Nov 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel and room were unclean. Lots of hairs on bedding, poor paint job. It smelled strongly of Indian food, which I like—but I don’t necessarily want to smell it an entire hotel stay. There was garbage piled outside of the garbage can outside the entrance door, a dog barked continuously the entire stay. Everything was in disrepair and it was the grossest hotel I’ve ever stayed at. The only compliment I have was their shuttle service, they were really prompt.

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Rooms

Rooms vary widely: many report thin walls and pool or aircraft noise, squeaky metal bed frames, weak water pressure, and occasional HVAC or TV problems. Some updated rooms are comfortable but decor and layout can feel dated.

Related guest reviews

4

Marte

Aug 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smelled like mold and the air condition was extremely loud

6

Lisa

Jan 27, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

Room was freezing when we arrived, took 2 hours to warm up winds where very high outside and the wall heater is not sealed correctly so lots of cold air. Absolutely no water pressure in the shower couldn't rinse my hair out very well. If you have a colder shower then some water pressure but to get a hot shower the water hardly dribbles, very disappointed. Will have to check final billing but as of now don't think I got the room at the price quoted. Will check when things clear the bank.

4

Carla

Jul 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

the staff we very polite but the room had very sticky floors. also the rooms were not sound proof, we could hear people in the next room and people out in the hall at all times of the day and night.

4

Michael

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Was very disappointed with the faulty air conditioning, but was too tired to report it or move rooms. I had little confidence that any of the rooms had adequate air conditioning.

8

Christopher

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The overall stay wasnt bad, in the initial booking it stated that the rooms were "sound proof" which they were far from. I could hear the peiple above me, in the hallway as well as in the next room

6

Christopher

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was not aware of how much noise the aircraft made taking off and landing at the airport. I could hear them at 3 to 4 am. The hotel appears to be going through updates, but there was an expose electric box in our bathroom that had wires exposed. Staff was nice. The free breakfast was plentiful but cold. I tried the biscuits and gravy but the gravy was cold. The next day the sausage links I had were cold as well. I wasn't really impressed with it.

2

Jacque

Jun 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beds have a metal skirting around them and are annoying every time someone accidentally kicked them. Shower was run down and bathroom had a musty smell.

4

Nick

Aug 10, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

We checked in after 10pm. I understand the pool being closed and the restaurant being closed, even limited dining. Sheet metal bed frames bade noise when anyone moved or bumped into them. Are feel and socks got dirty from the floor. Plains at the rear by airport were loud. House keeping came to the room one hour before check out which seemed odd and suggested we should leave early. Room and building looked modern. Over all it was ok with slight inconveniences

4

Efrain

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Reserved king size bed when we arrived we received a 2 bed room. Was told they were out of Kings, isn't that the purpose of a reservation. Hallways were drabby and dark, in spots the hallway carpet is almost black. The room was ok, you can't roll over in your bed with all the squeaking the bed frame makes but the mattresses were very comfortable. We woke to our room being flooded by the leaking refrigerator. Very disappointing stay

4

Clinton J

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wasn’t the worst, but would not stay here again. Lots of shotty construction work. First room was locked from the inside. Hallways smelled and were hot. The floor in our room wasn’t very clean. Random lamp unplugged next to the bed. My husband had to level the fridge because it was lopsided. Kids at the pool screaming into the night (I was staying to run a marathon the next morning). Something (we guessed the fridge) was making a clicking noise all night long. 2/10 and that’s being generous.

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Service

Staff are often described as friendly and accommodating, particularly shuttle drivers and at times the front desk. However, understaffing leads to slow or absent check-in, delays, early housekeeping knocks, and occasional rude interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Joan

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Several families met up in Des Moines to visit the Blank Park Zoo full size, animated dinosaurs exhibit... which was awesome!!! We spent Fri/Sat at the Clarion Inn Airport. From booking to check out our experiences was the best. We were able to get our rooms really close to each other, the pool was sooo nice and the Mexican restaurant on site had a great buffett, food and service 5 star. Out of 12 people in the party there were no complaints on anything. The room was good sized, clean and comfortable. The breakfast had plenty hot and cold food options, was clean with plenty space to really sit down and enjoy an early morning meal. The 2 gentlemen at the front desk were fun and very accommodating! Even letting us gather in the breakfast area for a farewell pizza party later Saturday night rather than having to go to the pool side area that was a little louder or squeezing 12 people into a room to eat (in return we cleaned the area so the breakfast crew wouldn't know we were even there). The motel location was close to the Zoo and Airport. There were plenty good restaurants and shopping establishments within 5-20 mins. I would stay there again and would recommend the Clarion Inn to friends!

2

Julia

May 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

When we checked in, I was informed the price for our dog was $35 while online it said $25.. I told the guy working the desk and he didn’t care and just charged me $35. When I checked in I told the desk worker I needed a ride to airport at 5:30 am and he made a note. However, when I arrived at the front desk at 5:20am this morning, NOBODY was there…. Thank goodness I was able to catch a ride to airport with another person staying at hotel. Don’t use if you need a ride to airport and plan on spending whatever the front desk wants to charge you for your dog. Never again

8

Agnes

Jun 19, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms are nicely renovated and comfortable. My only complaint is that since checkout is at 11, please don’t have housekeeping knock on doors at 8am

6

Honie

Aug 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We waited in the lobby to check in for about 10 minutes became there was no one at the desk but there was a note that they would return soon. As we were waiting the Ramada van was returning from the airport to pick up guests and the driver of the van was also the front desk clerk! This was a first for me! The place needs some refurbishing.

4

Alex

Jun 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We got in and had to wait 30 minutes for front desk to help a customer in front of us. Got to room and it smelled bad and was extremely hot. Air conditioner took 4 hours to cool the room enough to sleep

8

scott

Feb 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good value Excellent service

6

Megan

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Worked fine to stay close to the airport before flying out. One employee to do everything it seemed so prepare to wait for shuttle. Dog friendly so that was nice

8

Debra

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Conveniently located near the airport and also provides a free shuttle to the airport. Friendly staff.

2

Allison

May 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I booked this property because based on the reviews and pictures on Expedia, it was clean, updated, and safe. I certainly didn’t feel that way when I arrived. 1. There wasn’t anyone at the front desk, the place looked abandoned when I arrived, around noon on Saturday. 2. After receiving my keycard, I requested late checkout, this didn’t seem to be a problem, and the gentleman at the desk entered something into the computer to note my request. 3. Upon arriving in my room, the colors were not at all neutral like the photos, there was construction dust and debris all around, paint splatters throughout the property, including the shower, and bathroom, and the shower had dirt, and smears in it. The bed had black hairs under the covers. 4. Upon arriving back at my room before my late checkout time, I found one of the men who (I assume) works there (because nobody was wearing any sort of uniform or name tag), exiting my room. Why?! I requested late checkout, there was no reason for anyone at all to be in my room. This hotel seems unprofessionally run, unprofessionally renovated, noisy, and overall undesirable. While I am well aware that Des Moines Iowa may not be the ultimate travel destination for luxury accommodations, this property disappointed in so many way, and ultimately felt unsafe, unclean and unkempt. The greatest part, was that it was easy to make it back to the airport, and on Sunday, there was someone at the front desk to drive the shuttle there.

10

Yanett

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

very easy check in. perfect location.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Very close to the airport and convenient for early flights and park-and-fly needs. Some guests note aircraft noise and mixed perceptions of parking security.

Related guest reviews

8

Maura

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quick overnight stay. Easy pick-up at the airport, even though it was late night and staff was extremely friendly. Room was great. A/C unit a bit loud but not complaining as it worked great even during terrible heat wave. I stayed at this hotel several years ago prior to the renovation; they did a decent job. Would stay here again!

8

Guillermina

Jan 12, 2023

·

Stayed 19,365 nights

It was very close to the airport, clean and reasonably priced.

6

Christopher

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was not aware of how much noise the aircraft made taking off and landing at the airport. I could hear them at 3 to 4 am. The hotel appears to be going through updates, but there was an expose electric box in our bathroom that had wires exposed. Staff was nice. The free breakfast was plentiful but cold. I tried the biscuits and gravy but the gravy was cold. The next day the sausage links I had were cold as well. I wasn't really impressed with it.

10

Tasha

May 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The night receptionist was so nice to my son and let him play the piano. The room and pool were very nice. The shuttle service and short term parking were a huge plus! We would definitely stay again.

6

Megan

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Worked fine to stay close to the airport before flying out. One employee to do everything it seemed so prepare to wait for shuttle. Dog friendly so that was nice

8

Debra

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Conveniently located near the airport and also provides a free shuttle to the airport. Friendly staff.

10

Janelle

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Needed a place to sleep after a late flight. It is close to the Des Moines airport, and check-in was easy.

6

Justin

Mar 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was nice enough for a quick stay, did not feel safe leaving anything in the vehicle due to location and non secure parking lot.

10

Yanett

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

very easy check in. perfect location.

8

Jeff A

Aug 7, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location was what I needed. Good value.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast feedback is mixed, with multiple mentions of cold or limited items; a few found it acceptable. The on-site restaurant/bar is frequently closed or not as advertised.

Related guest reviews

6

Donna

Aug 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel had a lot of potential. However, it felt rundown. The sheets were either stained or dirty. There were huge fans outside the room blowing and drying wet carpet. The AC took hours to cool the room, but once cool it was fine. The breakfast was good and coffee was GREAT.

6

Brenda

Dec 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Average stay. Description of the amenities not accurate. Stated there was a restaurant on site and a bar. Neither existed! Electrical in room was not up to par. Desk panel electrical ports had no power, had to find other outlets to charge phones and laptop. Bathroom could use a little TLC. Toilet paper holder barely holding on to wall. Staff was friendly and room was clean.

6

Mark T

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Older hotel first time ever room window was in the lobby. Breakfast was poor quality.

6

Christopher

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was not aware of how much noise the aircraft made taking off and landing at the airport. I could hear them at 3 to 4 am. The hotel appears to be going through updates, but there was an expose electric box in our bathroom that had wires exposed. Staff was nice. The free breakfast was plentiful but cold. I tried the biscuits and gravy but the gravy was cold. The next day the sausage links I had were cold as well. I wasn't really impressed with it.

4

Pat

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Didn't need shuttle. Breakfast was cold.

8

Bendel

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Breakfast was adequate, beds were okay, and internet would not stay connected. Pool is nice and location is perfect for us.

8

Andrew

Dec 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice, beds comfortable enough, last minute booking price was great. The pool was not cold but definitely not warm. The breakfast left plenty to be desired.

6

Barbara

May 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was only 6-9 am and worst free hotel breakfast ever. I did get there just before 9. No eggs. No fruit.

8

Erin

Jun 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was no bar by pool or hot tub like pics show. Other than that was good.

6

Tammy P

Oct 10, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff were very friendly, the room was clean, bathroom clean, bed sheets clean and was very comfortable. The breakfast area was not clean. the tables, chairs, and floor were not clean. The breakfast was very poor. Days old biscuits stale. Gravy was frozen, just open the package and dump it in the hot pan to melt, terrible. The coffee was good. The lobby was clean and attractive.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$57
February	$60
March	$73
April	$92
May	$64
June	$82
July	$91
August	$98
September	$76
October	$70
November	$60
December	$60

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $61	2 $87	3 $86
4 $73	5 $74	6 $74	7 $73	8 $80	9 $123	10 $107
11 $70	12 $69	13 $70	14 $71	15 $69	16 $100	17 $101
18 $69	19 $75	20 $70	21 $71	22 $71	23 $545	24
25 $69	26 $74	27 $70	28 $76	29 $72	30 $87	31 $90

Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport

Prices for Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jacuzzi

Suite, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews of Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport

Considering this hotel for your Des Moines trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18 $88	19 $88
20 $66	21 $64	22 $66	23 $66	24 $70	25 $96	26 $96
27 $64	28 $67	29 $66	30 $61