Places to stay near Drake University

Book unique vacation rentals, homes, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals near Drake University

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

1 of 1 pages1 / 1
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines

Spacious Getaway! Hot Tub • Game Room • Fire Pit

Welcome to The Hay Loft! Centrally located to Downtown Des Moines, sits our fully remodeled, 5 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home that can sleep 14 guests. Privacy for your large group, yet it's also close to everything that Des Moines has to offer Amenities include: spacious hot tub, fire-pit, grill, office space and a fully stocked kitchen. Fiber internet/WiFi + smart TVs in every room. Just a couple of blocks from Drake College, and within three miles of the Iowa Event Center and Casey's Center

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 155 reviews
Top guest favorite
The kitchen features classic wooden cabinetry and retro-style appliances, including a pale cream refrigerator. A patterned backsplash complements the checkered floor, while shelves display colorful dinnerware. Natural light fills the space, enhancing the inviting atmosphere for cooking and gathering.
Home in Ankeny

Historic Home on 4 Acres - Hot Tub, Pool, Tiki Bar

Our 1948 vacation home is on 4 acres & boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, Bridal Suite (4th bedroom), 70s TV/Game Room, Tiki Bar, & Children's Playroom. Outside we have a pool (guaranteed to be open 5/26 - 9/5) & hot tub (year round). Located 15min away from Downtown DSM & a mile away from a grocery store/restaurants. Up to 2 dogs allowed for an additional fee. ***Events/photo shoots are allowed with written permission only and will be an added fee. No events larger than 25 total.***

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviews
Top guest favorite
A clear blue swimming pool is framed by a spacious wooden deck. Umbrellas in red and blue provide shade for the nearby seating areas. The house is visible in the background, featuring large windows that open to the outdoor space.
Home in Urbandale

Big Groups/Pool/Hot tub/Large backyard/Fire Pit

Gather your group in this spacious 5BR, 3BA retreat made for connection and fun. After a day exploring, come back to the pool, hot tub, and sunroom dining. Inside, unwind in two cozy lounges or spark friendly competition in the arcade and game-filled garage. With room for 16, this home isn’t just a stay—it’s where family and friends celebrate, play, and make lasting memories together. Close to: 🏴󠁴5 mins to Get Air Trampoline Park ⛳ 10 minutes to Topgolf 🌆 20 minutes to Downtown Des Moines

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews
Top guest favorite
A welcoming entrance features an orange door adorned with a panel of glass. The 'Welcome' sign is prominently displayed on one side, while a 'Bed & Breakfast' sign decorates the other. A doormat lies at the entrance, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Des Moines

Gateway House

Our 100% SMOKE-FREE Gateway House is nestled just west of beautiful Downtown Des Moines. I-235 is 90 seconds away, putting you downtown in 5 minutes, and anywhere else in 15 minutes! Ingersoll Avenue, home to dozens of locally owned restaurants and bars, is a 2–3-minute drive and a 5-10-minute walk. Our charming bungalow has everything you need to function! We proudly display artwork that accents the culture our city has to offer, and you will feel relaxed indoors and out during your stay.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviews
Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features large windows, offering expansive views of the skyline. Modern furnishings include a cozy couch, two accent chairs, and a coffee table. A sleek electric fireplace is positioned beneath a wall-mounted TV, enhancing the contemporary design of the space.
Townhouse in Des Moines

This is the best Des Moines has to offer!

Welcome to a beautiful 3 story townhome in the heart of Des Moines. If an upscale modern home with an incredible view is your thing, you will be in heaven. Inside you’ll find a clean, bright and well decorated home with all the amenities you'll need to kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. Minutes from shopping, dining and nightlife. The bike trail is across the street where you can ride to Gray’s Lake or stroll to downtown DSM and enjoy the Farmer's Market, Civic Center and Principal Park.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 153 reviews
Guest favorite
The living space features a modern gray sectional sofa complemented by a green armchair. A coffee table rests on a patterned rug. Two floral artworks adorn the wall, while warm lighting is provided by standing lamps. Natural light enters through multiple windows.
Home in Des Moines

Cozy Historic Escape

This comfortable bungalow is stylish with historic charm. The front porch is perfect for morning coffee. The main living space has original hardwood floors and classic brick fireplace with craftsman style built-ins. The house also has fenced in backyard with patio for enjoying temperate days. It is centrally and conveniently located close to Des Moines Playhouse, ~6 minutes from Casey’s Center and Downtown Des Moines, ~13 minutes to Jordan Creek Town Center, and ~15 minutes to DSM Airport.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 401 reviews
Top guest favorite
A comfortable living area features a black leather sofa adorned with light-colored pillows, complemented by a dark brown ottoman. Soft light emanates from a floor lamp against a navy wall, while sheer curtains gently filter natural light. A massage chair is visible in the background.
Place to stay in Des Moines

Historic 1-bedroom carriage house apartment

Located in the heart of the Sherman Hill Historic District, this charming one bedroom carriage house has everything you need whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure. It features a plush king bed that guests rave about, a 50” television, massage chair, fully stocked kitchen, large shower, high end linens and beautiful courtyard. The property is within walking distance to downtown, historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, restaurants, a world class sculpture park and live entertainment.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 399 reviews
Top guest favorite
A warm living area features a brown leather sofa with decorative blue pillows, positioned next to a round coffee table on a soft area rug. A blue armchair complements the seating arrangement, and natural light enters through nearby windows. Archways lead into the adjoining rooms.
Home in Des Moines

Peaceful Setting & Modern Style

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to your own private oasis with this charming 2 Bedroom Airbnb. The house provides present-day amenities while still honoring the original 1930s character. You’ll enjoy a new and sparkling clean kitchen, complete with all the appliances and utensils you need. The bathroom, laundry, dining room, reading nook and living room have all been beautifully updated as well, ensuring that you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews
Guest favorite
The exterior of the duplex features a welcoming porch with multiple seating areas, surrounded by a spacious lawn. The house showcases a combination of red and green siding, with a steep roofline and large windows that invite natural light.
Home in Des Moines

The Carol Anne-Charming 2bd/2ba Victorian near DT!

This Victorian-era duplex is the perfect mix of Victorian and modern for all the comforts of home. Perfect for quick or extended trips. Location can't be beat: Walking distance to Drake University. Minutes by car to downtown, hospitals, Ingersoll district and proximity to I-235 gets you anywhere in the city. Off street parking/electronic locks make check-in a easy. 2 large bedrooms w/queen beds, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, closets, and more making it ideal for multiple guests!

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews
Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a modern design with a large sofa and two green accent chairs. A sleek entertainment unit with a fireplace is centered on the wall. Large windows provide natural light, enhancing the open and airy atmosphere.
Barn in Des Moines

8000sqft Barndo | Indoor Court + 2 Living Qtrs

Welcome to The Lodge on 3rd - a massive 8000 sq ft Barndominum. Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, this stunning retreat offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With 4 spacious bedrooms and a large loft, there is plenty of room for you and your guests to unwind in style. This property is next door to Luxury Living on Third. airbnb.com/h/luxurylivingonthird These combined properties are ideal for family reunions, etc. ***$200 Pet Fee***

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews
Top guest favorite
A balcony view reveals a vibrant sunset casting shades of pink and orange across the sky. Silhouetted trees frame the scene, with distant buildings emerging in the background. A round glass table with colorful cushions offers a place to enjoy the view.
Home in Des Moines

Woodland Heights hist. district house on the hill.

Beautiful historic duplex house in the heart of woodland heights. Walking distance to downtown and next to Ingersoll avenue which is full of shops, bars, restaurants and more. Our place allows 2 parking spots on site with a side entrance to your upstairs Airbnb. The 800+ sq ft space includes a private kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and balcony with views of downtown. Picnic table and grassy area below balcony can be used on those nice Iowa days.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 201 reviews
Guest favorite
A charming exterior features a brick facade with warm orange accents. A covered front porch offers seating around a table, while steps lead to a well-maintained yard surrounded by greenery. Natural light filters through large windows, creating an inviting entrance.
Home in Des Moines

Charming Des Moines Home with a GREAT location!

Location, location, location! Charming 4 bedroom on a quiet tree lined street in central Des Moines. A 3-minute drive to the interstate which takes you Downtown or to West Des Moines in 10 minutes either way. Nature and bike trails a 5-minute walk from the front door. Newly renovated this last year, everything is clean and updated. Fire pit to sit outside and relax at the end of the day and pool table/ping pong in the basement to enjoy as well!

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 243 reviews

Popular amenities for vacation rentals near Drake University