Johnston was established in 1905 as a station on the Des Moines to Perry interurban railroad. Originally named Johnston Station, the town's name paid tribute to John F. Johnston, the railway's freight supervisor. As the railroad became less important to the area, the suburb became known as simply Johnston.
Today Johnston is home to more than 21,000 residents who enjoy access to award-winning schools, affordable housing, and excellent recreational facilities. Those recreational facilities, including parks, trails, and waterways, are key attractions for active tourists. Discover how much fun you could have outdoors when you visit Johnston.
When should you visit Johnston, Iowa?
Johnston enjoys its best weather from early June to mid-September. Summer days are warm but rarely hot, with average daily temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Conditions can be humid, though, and showers are common. Summer is also the most popular choice for tourists, so hotel prices typically rise to their highest levels.
If you can be patient, you'll usually get a better deal and enjoy slightly better weather in September. Daily temperatures typically sit in the mid-70s, perfect for hiking the trails and picnicking. Without the summer tourists inflating accommodation prices, fall has lower hotel rates too.
Johnston isn't made for winter sports, so most travelers don't want to brave the freezing, windy conditions for a vacation here from December to February. The accommodation prices, which fall to their lowest levels after the festive season, are really the only draw for a winter getaway.
Temperatures in late spring can also be pleasant, but rainfall is common during this time of year. Research the weather before your intended departure to see whether the showers will stay away.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Johnston, IA:
Johnston, IA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Johnston, IA. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the cheapest time to stay in Johnston for upcoming travels.
What are the best hotels in Johnston, Iowa?
4 Star Average Prices: £92.37
For a little more luxury, look to the following Johnston hotels. With first-class features and service, you'll always feel like a VIP when you stay at these top accommodation establishments.
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Johnston is an acclaimed pet-friendly hotel with all the features guests love. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the indoor/outdoor pool or intensify your workout in the fitness center. After working up a sweat, unwind with local beers or a glass of wine at Bearly's Bar or retire to your room. Stoney Creek Hotel has charming guestrooms and extended-stay cottages featuring full kitchens and king-sized beds. Wi-Fi is free, along with the morning breakfast buffet. When it's time to go home, remember to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir of your stay.
Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines – Urbandale/Johnston is a more contemporary option conveniently located in the Johnston Business Park. If you're visiting for business, you'll also appreciate the hotel's 24-hour business center, meeting areas, and free Wi-Fi. Leisure travelers are taken care of too, with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, and The Garden Grille & Bar all on-site to enhance your stay. After a busy day enjoying the facilities or seeing the sights, your elegant room is the perfect place for unwinding. Each one features premium bedding, an ergonomic chair, and flat-screen TVs showing premium cable channels.
What low-cost hotels are near Johnston, IA?
3 Star Average Prices: £96.70
Modest hotels around the Johnston area offer travelers an affordable place to lay their heads. Some of the most budget-friendly options are conveniently located on Merle Hay Road, in the northwestern corner of Des Moines near the Merle Hay Mall, Drake University, and Interstates 35 and 80.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Rd has simple but well-appointed rooms with microwave ovens, refrigerators, and large flat-screen TVs. For a little luxury and some extra room, book a suite. These spacious accommodation options have whirlpool tubs and balconies for watching the world go by. All guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to laundry facilities, perfect for those extended getaways. The Econo Lodge serves a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. It's also close to local eateries including Taco Bell and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery for lunch and dinner.
Days Inn by Wyndham Des Moines Merle Hay is another economical choice on Merle Hay Road. It's slightly more upmarket, with modern rooms and a range of family-friendly facilities. Kids love splashing about in the indoor pool, battling their siblings in the two-story game room, and keeping their friends updated about their adventures via the free Wi-Fi. Moms and dads aren't forgotten either, with a whirlpool tub and on-site lounge, Derry's. The free Daybreak breakfast helps all guests start the day right.
2 Star Average Prices: £74.52
Where are the best hotels for discounts around Johnston?
Selected travelers can save money by staying at some of the best-known hotels in the Johnston area. Present your valid identification at the check-in desk to secure your discounted rate.
Quality Inn in nearby Des Moines discounts rates for AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, federal and state government workers, military personnel, and people in large traveling groups needing 10 or more rooms. This pet-friendly hotel is conveniently located close to local highways and restaurants. You won't have to walk for breakfast, though, as Quality Inn serves complimentary waffles, bagels, fresh fruit, and other treats each morning. Wi-Fi and weekday newspapers are also free for guests. The rooms are a little dated, but quality features like an indoor pool and business center help guests see value.
Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines-Northwest cuts its regular rates for AAA and CAA auto club members, Entertainment Card holders, seniors, federal and state government employees, and military personnel. These discounts make this pet-friendly, kid-friendly hotel a great value for traveling families. Kids always stay free, and up to four kids 11 and under eat free at the on-site restaurant, Bennigan's Grille and Tavern, at any time. A handicap-accessible indoor swimming pool lets all guests enjoy splashing about. There's cable TV in the fitness center to keep you motivated during your workouts.
What hotels in Johnston, Iowa offer the best value?
Guests rave about the friendly service and great facilities at the following mid-priced hotels. When you want to see value for money, these local accommodation providers are excellent options.
Americinn Hotel & Suites Johnston Des Moines has clean, spacious standard guest rooms and suites, all featuring high-definition TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi access, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee- and tea-making facilities for your caffeine fix. Pet-friendly rooms are also available for a small extra fee. Refuel each morning with waffles, eggs, fresh fruit, and other treats at the free breakfast bar. This complimentary meal provides the energy you need for sightseeing or swimming laps in the hotel's indoor pool.
Towneplace Suites Des Moines – Urbandale/Johnston is an all-suites hotel, so it's a smart choice for traveling families and anyone enjoying an extended getaway. Those suites have all the comforts of home, including full-sized kitchens, large workspaces, and separate living and sleeping spaces. Towneplace Suites is minutes from local restaurants, but it has breakfast covered with a complimentary buffet available each morning. The hotel also has its own barbecue and picnic area, a great alternative to eating out or in your hotel room during warm weather. With an indoor pool on-site, you don't need to wait for summer to go swimming.
How can you enjoy the outdoors while in Johnston, Iowa?
No matter how beautiful your hotel room is, you probably won't want to spend your time in Johnston indoors. This Iowa suburb has great recreational facilities encouraging you to have fun outside.
After a recent $5.4-million makeover, Terra Park is one of the best places to have fun in Johnston. New additions include an 8-acre lake for fishing, playgrounds for the kids, and hard and soft trails. An open-air amphitheater and grassy lawn will host concerts and other events during warm weather.
Dewey Park encourages children of all ages and abilities to have fun. This ADA-accessible facility has slides and climbers for inquisitive youngsters and a large play structure for the bigger kids. Bring a ball to enjoy a game on the soccer field. Nature lovers will appreciate the park's arboretum, home to more than 50 species including oaks, lindens, and crabapple trees.
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is also great fun for families. It sits on the western side of Saylorville Lake, a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. For a different kind of sporting challenge, try your luck on the 18-hole Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course. Neal Smith Trail is a paved path perfect for jogging, cycling, and skating. Keep your eyes peeled for the turkeys, pheasants, white-tailed deer, and other animals that call Walnut Ridge Recreation Area home.
Johnston is a natural playground with a range of recreational facilities close to Des Moines. Whether you stay within the city limits or enjoy frequent trips to the capital, Johnston makes an excellent choice for your next getaway.
FAQs about hotels in Johnston
What did travelers think of the city of Johnston?
Below are reviews of the city of Johnston, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Near Walker Johnston Fields"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were there for ballgames at Walker Johnston Fields. Had a nice meal at Texas Roadhouse which we could walk to which was nice after our drive.
June M., from 16-Sep-2024
"Very clean town with good restaurants and recreation."
Score
4.0 / 5
I thought it was a very clean town with nice homes and good restaurants and recreation.
Michael D., from 01-Aug-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. "
Score
5.0 / 5
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. The hotel is in a nice area. There are places to eat and just a short drive to shopping and other activities.
Courtney L., from 22-Apr-2024
"Nice Hotel With Restaurant/Bar On Site"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to restaurants, shopping and the hotel has a restaurant/bar which was fun to relax at and watch tv inside the hotel.
Sondra L., from 29-Mar-2024
"Close to shopping, good restaurants and local events. "
Score
5.0 / 5
Johnston is close and easy to get around Des Moines but out far enough not to have to deal with city traffic. Close to shopping, good restaurants and local events. Always look forward to our short stays. A mini holiday and escape for us.
John G., from 17-Mar-2024
"Quiet Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Found a great restaurant! I love the quiet area!
Chad M., from 06-Mar-2024
"Great Eating Near Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
GREAT EATING CLOSE TO STONEY CREEK HOTEL!
Ervin D., from 28-Nov-2023
"Love the decor and everyone was super!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the decor and everyone was super!
John R., from 04-Jul-2023
"Easy access to interstate."
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to interstate.
Alan R., from 06-Jun-2023
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
This hotel is in a great location to visit the many attractions in the city.
Michelle S., from 08-Feb-2023
"Great Location to Visit the Many Attractions"
Score
5.0 / 5
This hotel is in a great location to visit the many attractions in the city.
Michelle S., from 07-Feb-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Johnston, IA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews