City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (515) 278-0271 or (800) 272-62

Address: 5000 Merle Hay Rd.

Description: A full-blown water resort with an 18,000-square-foot indoor waterpark that has 4 pools, two 150-foot tube slides, a poolside tiki bar, and over 400 parking spaces, this is more of a destination in and of itself. In fact, it’s not the most attractive or convenient location, on a busy commercial strip just north of Merle Hay Mall way up in the northwest corner of Des Moines, but it’s not a bad value, either, with waterpark passes included in the rate. Among the 166 rooms, regular rooms have a refrigerator and microwave, safe, coffeemaker, hair dryer, clock radio, and iron and ironing board. There’s no charge for additional people in the room. There’s a business center, free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, guest laundry, and fitness room. No pets are allowed. An on-site bar and grill is one dining option—there are also several franchise restaurants nearby.