Hotels in Johnston

Johnston: Where River Serenity Meets Vibrant Community Spirit

Nestled just north of Des Moines, Johnston, Iowa, is a charming city that beautifully blends suburban tranquility with vibrant community spirit. Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning scenery at the scenic Beaver Creek and the picturesque parks, perfect for hiking and picnicking. The lively Johnston Town Center offers delightful shopping and dining experiences, while the annual Johnston Green Days festival celebrates local culture and community. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich recreational opportunities, Johnston is an ideal destination for families, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to experience the heart of Iowa hospitality. Discover the charm of Johnston, where every visit feels like home.

Discover great hotels near Johnston

Johnston, Iowa, offers a variety of hotel accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to comfortable mid-range stays. Many hotels feature common amenities like free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and fitness centers. With friendly service and convenient access to local attractions, you'll find a welcoming place to rest during your visit. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our travelers near Johnston:

1. Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des MoinesOpens in a new window: This 3.0-star hotel offers a welcoming and comfortable stay for leisure travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience. Guests enjoy a vibrant waterpark atmosphere and a range of engaging amenities, including dedicated children amenities. The property provides a comfortable environment with express check-in services and curated local experiences. Enjoy a well-appointed setting with a focus on modern architectural design that enhances your journey. Travelers appreciate the positive energy and smooth service that elevate the overall experience.
2. Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay RoadOpens in a new window: This budget-friendly hotel is designed for leisure travelers who appreciate comfort and convenience. It offers a spacious room setup with excellent breakfast options and a thoughtfully curated ambiance, ensuring a delightful start to your day. The property features key amenities such as express check-in and efficient airport transfers, providing a smooth travel experience. Guests revel in the stylish and comfortable environment, enjoying the seamless service and high-quality experiences that make every stay memorable.
3. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines - Northwest by IHGOpens in a new window: This 3.0-star hotel caters to leisure travelers seeking a welcoming and stylish retreat. With a guest rating reflecting high satisfaction, the property boasts a well-designed space that emphasizes comfort and modern amenities. Enjoy a thoughtfully arranged setting with a focus on architectural design and curated experiences that elevate your journey. The hotel features express check-in and efficient airport transfers to ensure a comfortable and smooth arrival. Travelers delight in the unique and upscale ambiance that promises a memorable and distinctive stay.

Where to stay near Johnston

Stay in West Des Moines, Ankeny, or Urbandale when visiting Johnston, Iowa. West Des Moines offers vibrant shopping and entertainment, while Ankeny features lively dining and family-friendly attractions. Urbandale provides a more secluded, recreational experience. For first-time visitors, West Des Moines is best suited, with its diverse amenities and activities to explore.

1. West Des MoinesOpens in a new window: West Des Moines is a vibrant destination known for its top-notch shopping and live cultural attractions. With must-see places like West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction, visitors can enjoy a great mix of dining and entertainment options. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex adds a family-friendly sports and recreation vibe, making it a well-rounded spot for travelers seeking both leisure and lively urban experiences.
2. AnkenyOpens in a new window: Ankeny offers a balanced mix of dining and shopping experiences paired with entertaining cultural venues. Travelers can explore must-see spots like Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and the Ankeny Art Center, which add a unique local flavor. With a friendly atmosphere and local festivals, Ankeny is ideal for visitors who appreciate a blend of family-friendly activities and a vibrant community spirit.
3. UrbandaleOpens in a new window: Urbandale is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed, community-focused stay. Emphasizing family-friendly dining and shopping along with historical charm and local festivals, Urbandale invites travelers to explore its quaint attractions at a leisurely pace. With a reputation for friendly people and a mix of recreational spots, Urbandale provides a welcoming environment for visitors looking to enjoy a quieter side of the region.

Things to do in Johnston

Johnston boasts a stunning natural landscape characterized by serene rivers, lush forests, and inviting parks. Travelers can enjoy activities like hiking through scenic trails, boating along peaceful waters, and diving into refreshing lakes. With lively festivals, vibrant markets, and thrilling football matches, this destination offers a delightful blend of outdoor excitement and community spirit.

• Living History FarmsOpens in a new window – Explore a working farm that offers a glimpse into agricultural life and heritage. Walking along the river, you can see traditional farming methods in practice and enjoy the scenic water’s edge. This site invites visitors to learn about the evolution of farming in a hands-on setting.
• Des Moines Civic CenterOpens in a new window – Visit an arts center where local performances and events bring the community together. Situated near the river, the center provides a vibrant setting to enjoy live music, theater, and art displays that reflect the creative spirit of the area.
• Iowa State FairgroundsOpens in a new window – Discover a bustling fairground and showground that hosts seasonal events and exhibitions. With the river nearby, the fairgrounds set the stage for lively gatherings, traditional fair attractions, and community celebrations.
• West Glen Town CenterOpens in a new window – Step into a charming town neighbourhood that offers a friendly atmosphere and local conveniences. Positioned close to the river, this center is perfect for a relaxed stroll and to experience everyday life in the community.
• Valley JunctionOpens in a new window – Experience a quaint town neighbourhood where you can enjoy local interactions and simple pleasures. Located by the river, Valley Junction provides a peaceful setting to explore and appreciate small-town charm.

4 tips for savvy savings when booking a hotel in Johnston

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Johnston is during January, November, and December when hotel prices are more budget-friendly and may drop to lower prices. A stay of at least 2 to 3 days is ideal for exploring Johnston’s key landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions, including family-friendly festivals, dining experiences, shopping areas, friendly neighborhoods, business centers, river views, opera houses, football events, and relaxing spots. Johnston offers great value for money, making it a smart choice for those traveling on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: To find hotel deals in Johnston, explore the DealsOpens in a new window and Last-Minute Deals sections on Hotels.com, where you may discover discounted rates as your travel date approaches. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to stay updated on flash sales and special promotions, helping you seize opportunities to save. You can also utilize Smart Shopping through the app, a comparison tool that allows you to evaluate hotel prices and amenities, ensuring you're informed about any price drops or availability changes for your preferred hotels.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices may vary depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and time of year, so being flexible with your dates could help you save on your stay at Johnston hotel. For those seeking unique experiences, boutique hotels can provide a more personalized atmosphere and sometimes offer better value. When you book with Hotels.com, we'll indicate if the price for your selected dates is above or below the average. If it's on the higher side, we may suggest more affordable dates, which could help you find a better deal.
4. Consider your location: Hotels near the city center usually tend to cost more. However, thanks to Johnston's excellent public transportation links, you might find a more affordable independent hotel further out that’s still well connected. For those wanting to explore alternative, less crowded neighborhoods or even lesser-known nearby cities, there is often excellent value for money. Choosing these alternative destinations could offer a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

Best time to go to Johnston

Johnston experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 21.4°F (-5.9°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 74.7°F (23.7°C). May tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Johnston are April, June, and July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, October to December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by no to light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.