Affordable Motel 6 in Altoona, IA with modern rooms, indoor pool, free casino shuttle, and free parking. Close to Adventureland Park and Prairie Meadows Casino.
Recent guests highlight the motel’s cleanliness, quiet rooms, and friendly staff, though outdoor upkeep and some amenities draw mixed opinions. This budget-friendly option suits practical travelers looking for a straightforward place near local attractions.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Motel 6 Altoona, IA - Des Moines East is a straightforward budget motel located just off Interstate 80 at 3225 Adventureland Drive in Altoona. The property offers modern, air-conditioned rooms equipped with kitchenettes, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking basic comforts without the frills. Guests can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking during their stay.
The motel features an indoor pool and provides a free shuttle service to the nearby Prairie Meadows Casino, adding convenience for visitors interested in local entertainment. While the property does not offer breakfast, a restaurant, or a fitness center, it maintains a smoke-free environment and welcomes pets, catering to a range of guest needs.
Situated within walking distance of several local attractions, this location is ideal for visitors attending events at Adventureland Park or the Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is also nearby for those interested in outdoor and educational activities. The proximity to Des Moines International Airport, about a 26-minute drive away, makes it accessible for travelers arriving by air.
Guest feedback is mixed, with many noting the cleanliness and quietness of rooms and the friendliness of staff as positives. However, the exterior and parking areas have been described as needing attention, and some guests found the rooms somewhat basic compared to other accommodations. Those looking for affordable lodging with essential amenities in a convenient location may find Motel 6 Altoona a suitable option.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Got a room last minute on Christmas. Was allowed to check in at 10am with no additional charge. Rooms were clean and it was quiet. Will definitely stay again.
When checking in, I wasn't offered any discounts. Even though I said I wanted a non-smoking room for a single person, she asked me if I needed 2 beds. The room had extra furnishings stored in it. It was clean, though. I was too tired to shower. The bath towels are not in the bathroom, but were at the sink.
The room that was assigned to me was surprisingly neat. It was better than some other expensive hotels I've stayed in despite what other reviews say. It was also very quiet. The MOD Sandra and both the check in and check out ladies were very nice and kind towards me. All good things
The room was actually very clean, nice, and remodeled. The room was also very quiet. Curb appeal awful. Burned out RV in back with people walking on the roof. Group of shady guys working on an old car in the parking lot. Parking lot needs cleaned up bad.
My truck was in the shop at the International Dealership down the street, so my wife and I got a room here. There was no coffee pot or phone in the room, but the room was clean and they did have fresh coffee in the lobby. They also have a pool and a good selection of food in the vending machines. The staff here were very friendly and accommodating. I ended up having to go to Waterloo to get a rental truck and they even let my wife stay in the room till 2:00 pm the day we checked out, while I got the truck. Overall a good experience.
Needed a room after knoxville, iowa races that was close by and reasonably priced. Used once before. Decent price ($95) for Wednesday with all local motels full with race crowd. Good large clean room, but couldn't get A/C temperature warm enough. Was at 66. Trying turning to 71, but still cool room overnight.
I haven't been here in years, so seeing the reviews, I was kind of skeptical coming back. When i got here, i was glad i did, From check-in to the rooms, everything was perfect. The lady at the front was great and friendly, got into my room (218), and it was completely updated. I had no bug or mold issues. As a truck driver, I've seen a lot of hotels, some even better and some so much worse that they should have been just demolished. It seems like most bad reviews are vacationers. I understand if you are trying to save a few bucks, but don't come here thinking it's going to be a 3 to 5* hotel for the price of a 1 or 2*. This hotel offers everything any other motel 6 offers... a fridge, a microwave, a TV for entertainment, and a bed to sleep. The only recommendation i have for this location is to spruce up the outside. Otherwise, 5/5 from me, keep up the good work at this location motel 6!!
We were very happy with our 3day stay at this location in Altoona the room and linens we're exceptionally clean The check-in was very quick an easy and the front desk was very hospitable throughout our stay Steph
This unpretentious budget property is off Interstate 80, an 8-minute walk from the Adventureland Amusement Park and a 10-minute walk from the Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Iowa. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
3,742 reviews 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
8,790 reviews 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
10,604 reviews 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
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