The Urbandale center is around 2 miles northeast of Valley West Mall and 3 miles northwest of Des Moines Arts Center.
Since Urbandale is in the middle of the country without any large bodies of water to impact weather, the area sees distinct seasons throughout the year. Therefore, deciding on the best time to visit depends on what you want to do while you're there. Summer is usually the most popular time to go to the area, but it's also the hottest. From June to August, Urbandale sees average high temperatures that climb into the mid-90s with high humidity. If you plan to visit during these months, don't expect to find many hotel deals.
When fall rolls around, temperatures start to level off. Average highs in September start off in the mid-70s and by November they drop to the upper 40s. If you can make time for a trip to Urbandale during these months, you'll not enjoy hotel prices that start to go down, and you'll also see some beautiful fall foliage.
If you want the best deal possible on your hotel room, you need to visit Urbandale in the winter. However, keep in mind that the reason hotel prices are low because winters can vary from moderately cold to bitterly cold. Average highs from December to February struggle to get out of the 30s, and the area sees around 35 inches of snowfall every season. While most outdoor activities aren't possible, you'll still find plenty of indoor attractions open and ready for business.
Spring is another good season to make a trip to Urbandale. You'll find hotels haven't raised prices for the summer crowds, yet temperatures start to warm back up to a comfortable range. While average highs in March are in the upper 40s, by May these temperatures are in the comfortable mid-70s.
There are numerous hotels in Urbandale that offer good discounts to help you save money while you're away from home. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale likes to express appreciation to veterans and active military members and their families by offering special military rates on leisure stays. Additionally, if you're a member of AARP or 65 and older, you can save up to 10 percent off the best available rate during your stay. Finally, AAA and CAA members can get up to 5 percent off their stay at the hotel.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale also has plenty of extra ways to save. Seniors 62 and older can take advantage of savings up to 15 percent off their room rates. AAA and CAA can use their memberships to get discounted rates on rooms, spa treatments, and more. Finally, qualified government employees and members of the military are also eligible for special rates and offers at the hotel.
The value option hotels in Urbandale are another choice you have for your visit. A stay at the family-friendly Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Des Moines-Northwest puts you just 8 miles from the heart of Des Moines and 12 miles from Adventureland Park. The relaxed rooms come with flat-screen televisions, stereos, free wireless internet access, and coffee makers. Plus, kids 18 and under stay free with an adult. If the family gets hungry, head down to the on-site restaurant where children under 11 eat free. When you're ready to explore the area, the free shuttle takes you within a 2-mile radius of the hotel.
If you're interested in exploring Living History Farms or the Science Center of Iowa, a stay at Courtyard Des Moines West/Clive puts you within a few miles of both attractions. The contemporary rooms come with free wireless internet access, 32-inch flat-screen television with satellite channels, pillow top mattress, and coffee maker. If you need to get work done while you're at the hotel, there's a business center with workstations and printers. When you're ready to relax, there's also an indoor pool and whirlpool. Dining options include an on-site American restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.
A stay at Ramada Tropics Resort/Conference Center Des Moines puts you 6 miles from the Des Moines Art Center and 8 miles from the Wells Fargo Arena. Every room at the hotel comes with conveniences that include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee maker, flat-screen television, and free wireless internet access. Children will love playing at the arcade or pirate-themed indoor water park, while you'll appreciate the casual meals served at the on-site restaurant, Castaways Bar and Grill. You can also head to the tiki bar to enjoy a good drink.
When you're looking for things to do in Urbandale, you'll find a range of activities that will keep everyone entertained. One unique attraction in the area is Living History Farms. At this open-air museum, you can learn about Iowa's agricultural history through engaging activities. You can explore life in Iowa all the way from an Ioway tribe village to a re-creation of a bustling frontier village. Talk with the historical interpreters to learn even more about working on the lands in Iowa.
Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with a trip to Saylorville Lake, which is just 13 miles north of Urbandale. This is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities. You'll also find Jester Park on the shores of the lake. Here you can enjoy picnicking, camping, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding. While you're there, take some time to stop by the nature center and learn more about the major habitats of the park and the plants and animals that live there.
No matter what you plan to do during your visit to Urbandale, you'll find a hotel that offers the amenities you want at a price within your budget for a fun and comfortable stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Urbandale, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Okay.
Beautiful, clean, very welcoming.
Urbandale is a great city. Clean with lots to do and see.
Seems like a clean city.
The Science Center and shopping!
Visited the Science Center and went shopping!
Visited The Science Center and went shopping.
Visited The Science Center and went shopping!
We liked the shopping that was available nearby the hotel and the town was clean and the people were friendly.
The remodeled bathroom was nice!
Good places to eat and shop!
Convenient to shops and restaurants.
Lots of shopping and great restaurants. We were there for bowling tournament.
Lots of things to do & many good places to eat.
Restaurants and mall locations. Beautiful area.
We enjoyed the restaurant next door to the hotel and we enjoyed the restaurants around the Jordan Creek area and they had an evening band playing between 5:00pm and 8:00pm which was nice.
We enjoyed the restaurant next door to the hotel and we enjoyed the restaurants around the Jordan Creek area and they had an evening band playing between 5:00 - 8:00 which was nice.
Great location!
Restaurant service next door to the hotel was great.
A free light breakfast.
Enjoyed eating at The Machine Shed. We were there for an event so didn't really see much of the area.