Back to list

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines in Urbandale, IA

5000 Merle Hay Road • Urbandale, IA 50322

View on Map

A Mediterranean-style restaurant with a parking lot in front, featuring several parked cars and greenery surrounding the building.

A circular wooden bar with high chairs under a wooden pergola in an indoor setting, featuring palm tree decor and a clown statue on top.

Indoor water park with a swimming pool, slides, palm trees, and a seating area.

Hotel room with a large bed, a desk and chair, a TV on a wooden dresser, a sofa, two framed pictures, and patio doors leading outside.

View Gallery

Starting at

$122.34 $86.76

avg/night (USD)

You Save: $35.58 /night

Book Now

Based on 2,705 reviews

INSTANT CONFIRMATION

BUY TODAY, PAY LATER

Authorized Reseller

Details

Reviews

Map

FAQs

Select Rooms

Overview

The Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center is a pet-friendly hotel known for its tropical-themed atmosphere featuring an 18,000-square-foot water park, a poolside tiki bar, a full-service restaurant, a fitness center, and free amenities such as breakfast, WiFi, and parking. This resort-style setting is just minutes from Adventureland Park and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

up to 4 people

Good To Know

Minimum age to check in is 21.
Pet-friendly rooms are subject to fees and availability. See FAQs for details.
An 18,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with slides, an adult-only hot tub, and a pool are perfect for a fun day.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast buffet daily.
Parking and WiFi are free of charge.
A poolside tiki bar and a full-service restaurant are onsite.
A fitness center, a business center, and meeting facilities are available.
Des Moines International Airport is approximately 11.2 miles from the hotel.
Prairie Meadows Casino and Racetrack is approximately 11.5 miles from the hotel.
Enjoy thrilling rides at Adventureland Theme Park, approximately 11.4 miles from the hotel.

Children's Pool
Fitness Facilities
Game Room
Gift Shop
Handicapped Access
Indoor Pool
Bar/Lounge
Restaurant on Property
Wedding Services
Dry Cleaning/Laundry Services
RV and Truck Parking
24 Hour Front Desk
Elevator
Hot Tub
Internet Access in Public Areas (free)
ATM/Banking
Poolside Bar
Sundry/Grocery
Business Center
Express Checkout
Guest Laundry
Meeting Facilities
Pet Friendly
Complimentary Breakfast
Free Parking
Coffee Shop or Café
Waterpark
Snack Bar/Deli

Description

Check-In: 4:00pm Check-Out: 12:00pm

Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center provides comfort and convenience for leisure and business travelers alike. Located off I-35 and I-80 near downtown Des Moines, this pet-friendly hotel is a perfect place to relax in the Midwest.

The Ramada Tropics Resort / Conference Center Des Moines features an 18,000 square-foot waterpark with several slides and a 40-foot pirate ship in a zero-depth entry pool, a lap pool and adult-only hot tub, a full-service restaurant, poolside tiki bar, free breakfast, and free WiFi throughout the property. Each guest room features a flat-screen TV, microwave, and refrigerator, and upgrades to poolside suites with jetted hot tubs are available. Guests at the hotel have access to the on-site fitness center, a business center, guest laundry facilities, a game room, sundries/mart, and more.

For more thrilling adventures, this Ramada by Wyndham Tropics Resort is 15 minutes drive from Adventureland Park, and less than two miles from Merle Hay Mall. Feeling lucky? Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is 11.5 miles or approximately 15-minute drive away. The nearest airport is Des Moines International Airport, 9.3 miles from the property.

Pet Policy
Pets are welcome up to 1 (dogs/cats only) per room. A non-refundable fee of $20 per night is due upon arrival. Maximum weight of pets allowed is 30 pounds. Pet Sanitation Fee is $25 if applicable. Please notify the hotel prior to the arrival date if traveling with a pet. Pet-friendly rooms are limited.

Parking Information
Complimentary self-parking spaces are provided for guests.

All fees mentioned are subject to change without prior notice, and applicable taxes.

Promotional Images (31)

Indoor water park with blue pool, large waterslide, and a pirate ship-themed play structure. Palm trees and seating area visible in the background.

A brightly lit arcade with various game machines, including skee-ball and a claw machine, lined up on a patterned carpet floor.

An arcade with various game machines, including a large circular light-up machine in the center, surrounded by colorful claw and racing games.

Exterior of a hotel building with a Ramada sign, featuring arched entrances, stone accents, and a well-maintained landscape under a blue sky.

Hotel lobby with a round planter featuring large tropical plants, a curved wooden reception desk, and a seating area with a leather couch. The carpet has a floral pattern.

Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center Reviews

Based on 2,705 reviews

Write a Review

KristiN804

"Used to be better"

Reviewed April 20, 2025 NEW

The waterpark closed earlier than the year before- by 9pm. No breakfast was ready as the person did not show up, the front desk had 3 people working who said it was not their problem. The second day they had breakfast ready but it was grab and go and they made you a waffle with 1 waffle maker that the line took forever. Breakfast was way better the year before with a lot of great hot options.

carriewF6814AH

"Water park great, rest of hotel not so much"

Reviewed March 31, 2025

The arcade and pool areas were great with the water park for my kids but the room was not ideal. There were holes in the wall where a towel rack must have come off. There were holes in other areas that were patched up but never painted over. The blinds were falling off the window. The walls were damaged where the chairs in the dining area hit the wall. The dining chairs were extremely well used and need to be refinished or replaced. The coffee table in the seating area of the suite was damaged with pieces missing off of it. One of the beds was not made correctly and the sheet came off in the middle of the night and I had to remake the bed in order to sleep in it. The “buffet” breakfast was cold cereal, some fruit that looked not fresh, and prepackaged muffins. We expected buffet to mean hot food options and we ended up going to McDonalds instead for hot breakfast. The internet with super spotty and we could barely check our email. We were super disappointed with the overall stay. One major plus, the pizza at the restaurant in the hotel was absolutely delicious. Everything else about the hotel was disappointing

dustinsZ5188OC

"Worst experience ever I couldn't even believe it. It was almost un realistic."

Reviewed March 25, 2025

Worst experience we have ever had at a hotel in 20 years kids only got too swim for 2 hrs didn't get checked in until almost 630ish had problems door was broke no one wanted to give us a refund and icing on the cake we waited 3 hrs to get our food and spent over 100$ just on food ordered it at 748pm and didn't receive until 1014pm they wouldn't refund us or accommodate us at all. Didn't even offer a free drink or anything like that and told us that their are no refunds and he could remake the food but would take another 1 and a half. That place was very unprofessional and rude to my kids very disappointed and want my money back

A9572ERtammyf

"Family getaway"

Reviewed March 19, 2025

I'm sad to write this as I had high hopes for this place and it could be so good. We got there at 320 and were told the rooms aren't clean yet. Try back at 330 or 4. We returned at 4 to no less than 25 people in the lobby. 2 hours later, we were able to get checked in. When we finally got in, we didn't realize my handicapped mom would have to walk all the way around for her room. When we got her in the " accesible" room, we found a bed and a bathtub that she could not get into. She slept on the couch. The pool was a hike for her, and there wouldn't have been accessibility into the pool once we got there. Not that we could get in because there were too many people to move and the chlorine smell would have put her in an immediate asthma attack. The rest of our rooms were ok but so dated and needed maintenance . The shower actually didnt work in my sisters room but maintenance did show up and fix it.We decided not to go out that night so we went to boss' pizza. The lady was a little frazzled brought us menus and said she was alone and it might be a minute. she ran to grab a drink for another table and then went to the back. She was there awhile so we ordered through the QR code. We asked the guy who came out a few times if there was an estimate he said it's coming. One hour later the lady comes out of yhw back and says where do I start. We say we are still waiting for food. She's like ok let me check and he then comes out with some food. He hands me a philly cheese steak and the top says sub bacon out of philly. The entire thing was chopped up bacon! The cuban sandwich was ham and honey mustard, the pizza that was ordered wasn't even made and the rest of the food was burnt. Not to mention, we never had anyone grab drinks. Needless to say we will never be back.

shawnld2025

"Mindfully Demure"

Reviewed March 19, 2025

I want to thank the very wonderful staff at this Hotel. This group of people I know are working very hard and have been since Sunday the 16th (1st day of Spring Break) till I check out mid week. from long check in lines, large quantities of people of all ages, what I’m sure of is mass amounts of laundry and room clean up, with great attitudes .. Very Mindful & Very Demure… of all their posts through out the days. I observed them tend many different situations even a few hiccups. So please if give crew ALL of them their accolades please they’ve earned it.

View all 2,705 Tripadvisor Reviews

Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center is located at 5000 Merle Hay Road • Urbandale, IA 50322

Attractions

Hotels & Lodging

Nearby Things to Do

Adventureland

Frequently Asked Questions about Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center

What is the minimum age to check-in at Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines?

The reservation holder must be at least 21 years old to check in and is required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in is at 4:00 pm and check-out is at 12:00 pm.

Does the hotel serve a complimentary breakfast?

Yes, a complimentary hot breakfast is served daily.

Will my room have a mini-fridge and/or microwave?

Yes. Both are included in each room.

Does the hotel offer WiFi access?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi access is offered to hotel guests.

Is Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines pet-friendly?

Pets are welcome up to 1 (dogs/cats only) per room. A non-refundable fee of $20 per night is due upon arrival. Maximum weight of pets allowed is 30 pounds. Pet Sanitation Fee is $25 if applicable. Please notify the hotel prior to the arrival date if traveling with a pet. Pet-friendly rooms are limited. Fees mentioned are subject to change without prior notice, and applicable taxes.

Can I reserve a smoking room?

No. The hotel is 100% smoke-free. Guests caught violating this policy are subject to an additional fee.

Does the hotel have a pool?

The hotel has an onsite water park with slides, a pirate ship play center, a hot tub, and a pool.

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

Yes, complimentary self-parking spaces are provided for guests.

Does the hotel have accessible rooms?

Yes. Should you require an accessible room, please make note of this on your reservation.

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

Des Moines International Airport is approximately 11.2 miles from the hotel.

What are the attractions nearby the hotel?

Below are the top attractions near Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines and their approximate distances: Prairie Meadows Casino and Racetrack 11.5 miles Adventureland Theme Park 11.4 miles Bass Pro Shop 12 miles Sleepy Hollow Sports Park Quad 13.6 miles

What accessible features does the hotel offer?

The hotel provides a range of accessible amenities, including a business center, fitness center, and front desk, with guest room doorways having a clear width of 32 inches. Accessible routes lead to key areas such as guest rooms, parking, meeting spaces, the pool, and the spa, along with van self-parking options. Additional features include assistive listening devices, TTY devices, closed-captioned TVs, and staff trained to assist guests with disabilities. Service animals are welcome, and all venues serving food and drink are wheelchair accessible, along with wheelchair-accessible elevators throughout the property.