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up to 10%
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Check rooms and rates
From71US$ /night
Check-in
31Dec2025Select date
Check-out
01Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
-
Near Terra Park
Guest rating
5.2
5.3
/10
2.5
2.1
/5

Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr - Family resort with 18000-square-foot water park and conference facilities

Located in the heart of Urbandale, this 3-star hotel features an 18000-square-foot indoor water park with two 160-foot waterslides, a 40-foot pirate ship in a zero-depth entry pool, a lap pool, and an adults-only hot tub. The Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort spans 10000 square feet of event space with six meeting rooms accommodating up to 350 banquet guests. The 166 air-conditioned rooms come equipped with refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi, with upgrade options to poolside suites or units with jetted hot tubs. Dining options include Castaways Bar and Grill restaurant and a poolside tiki bar. The property maintains a 24-hour front desk, ATM, and gift shop with arcade. Ramada Tropics Resort is situated within 1 mile of Merle Hay Mall and Lions Park, while Terra Lake and Terra Park are 1.5 miles away.

Pros

Water park passes included with each overnight stay

Multiple dining venues including a poolside tiki bar

Safety features include carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, and security system

Close proximity to shopping areas and parks

Cons

12.5 miles distance from Des Moines International Airport

Limited to 4 water park passes per room with additional charges for extra guests

“This Urbandale resort caters directly to families seeking an all-in-one getaway, anchored by its indoor water park and aquatic-themed rooms. Beyond the clear appeal to leisure travelers, the conference center provides flexible meeting spaces. The pet-friendly policy and interstate-adjacent location strike me as especially practical for those on longer trips.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
1 Queen Bed Accessible Room Poolside Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
1 Double bed
Coffee machine
Heating
2 Queen Beds Poolside Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
King Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
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Price and room availability calendar

Check availability and rates for your selected dates!

Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Bowling
  • Golf course

Services

  • Laundry
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool
  • Water slides
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Plunge pool
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Aqua park
  • Live entertainment
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Delight in a variety of dining experiences at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr, where family-friendly options meet vibrant culinary favorites. From casual bites at the poolside to hearty meals in a lively sports bar, there's something to satisfy every craving throughout the day.
Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr Urbandale Restaurant photo

Boss' Pizzeria and Chicken Sports Bar

American
Ambiance
Family-friendly sports bar with a relaxed and energetic atmosphere, perfect for all ages.
Key Offerings
Indulge in classic American favorites, including mouthwatering pizzas and crispy chicken. The lively environment is ideal for catching up on the latest games while enjoying a hearty meal.
Reservation
no
07:00 - 23:30 daily

Castaways Bar and Grill

Casual dining with light American fare
Ambiance
Inviting poolside setting where guests can savor meals in a cheerful resort atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and light bites amidst the tropical vibes of the resort. Perfect for unwinding with a drink in hand as the sun sets.
Reservation
no
Hours vary

Location

5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
Map view
5000 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa, United States, 50322
Nearby
Trestle to Trestle Trail
1.0 km
American Reading Academy
1.1 km
Restaurants
Bandit Burrito
1.2 km
5340 Merle Hay Rd
Sonic Drive-In
1.2 km
5350 Merle Hay Road
Explore Urbandale
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
American Reading Academy
10 minutes' walk
A community hub promoting literacy. Visitors can participate in reading sessions and educational workshops.
Terra Lake
30 minutes' walk
A scenic spot with walking trails and picnic areas. Perfect for families looking to enjoy nature's beauty.
Lions Park
25 minutes' walk
Features playgrounds and sports facilities. An ideal location for kids to play and families to relax.
Lazer X
25 minutes' walk
An exciting laser tag arena. Great for thrill-seekers and group outings, offering an action-packed experience.
Trestle to Trestle Trail
15 minutes' walk
A beautiful trail perfect for walking or biking. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Bandit Burrito
Bandit Burrito
15 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for fresh burritos. Offers vegetarian options and a vibrant atmosphere, great for quick meals.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
15 minutes' walk
Classic American fast food with drive-in service. Famous for its burgers and refreshing drinks, perfect for families.
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
25 minutes' walk
Combines movie-watching with freshly brewed beer. A unique venue for date nights or family outings with the latest films.
Getting around
City Centre
Urbandale35 min  ·  2.9 km
Airports
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)25 min  ·  16.4 km
Boone Municipal (BNW)92 min  ·  60.8 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
All visitors are offered a continental breakfast for a fee. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2009
Number of rooms:
242
Former name
Holiday Inn Merle Hay
FAQs
About Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Check-in starts at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr from Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is located 20 km from Des Moines International Airport.
What recreational facilities are available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Guests can enjoy an 1672.3 m² indoor water park, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr have on-site dining options?
The hotel features a full-service restaurant, Castaways Bar and Grill, and a poolside snack bar.
Is parking available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Nearby attractions include Buccaneer Arena and the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, both within a 10-minute drive.
What are some popular restaurants close to Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Nearby restaurants include Wendy's (0.5 km), Jimmy John's (1 km), and Bandit Burrito (1 km).
What are the room amenities available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and some have a seating area.
Does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr offer business services?
The hotel has six meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests for conferences or banquets.
Is there a fitness center available at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr?
Yes, the hotel includes a fitness center for guest use.
What family-friendly amenities does Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr provide?
Amenities include an arcade, children's pool, children's menu, and complimentary water park passes with overnight stays.
What languages do the staff at Ramada By Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr speak?
The staff is equipped to assist guests in English.

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