If you’ve ever driven down Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, you’ve seen it. It’s that massive complex that looks like a standard hotel from the outside but hides a literal tropical ecosystem inside. Honestly, the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay is a bit of a local legend. It’s the kind of place where you can be shivering in a negative-degree Iowa blizzard one minute and standing under a 10,000-square-foot indoor water park the next. It’s weird. It’s fun. It’s also one of the most frequently searched spots for families planning a weekend getaway in the Midwest.
Des Moines isn't exactly Orlando. We know this. But the Ramada Tropics Resort manages to pull off this strange magic trick where the humidity hits you the second you walk through the double doors of the pool area. It’s not just a "pool." It’s an experience. People come from Omaha, Kansas City, and even Minneapolis just to let their kids run wild on the pirate ship.
But there’s a lot people get wrong about this place. They think it’s just for birthdays. They think it’s just another chain hotel. It’s actually a pretty complex operation that serves as a hub for the Merle Hay business corridor.
The Real Deal on the Buccaneer Bay Water Park
Let’s get into the guts of why this place stays booked. The water park—officially called Buccaneer Bay—is the heart of the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay. You’ve got two massive slides. One is a body slide, the other is for tubes. There’s a pirate ship in the middle of a shallow pool that basically acts as a magnet for toddlers.
Is it the Great Wolf Lodge? No. And that’s actually a good thing for your wallet. It’s accessible. You don't have to navigate a three-mile-long resort map to find a towel. Everything is contained. You can sit at a table with a soda and actually see your kids from across the room. That visibility is a huge selling point for parents who are tired of losing their children in the chaos of larger parks.
The water park isn't open 24/7, though. This is where people get tripped up. Usually, the slides have specific hours, especially during the weekdays. If you show up at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday expecting to hit the big slide, you might be disappointed. Always check the seasonal schedule before you pull into the parking lot.
Why the Location Matters (It’s Not Just Random)
Merle Hay Road is basically the spine of Des Moines’ shopping and dining history. The hotel sits right off I-80/I-35. If you’re traveling cross-country, it’s the perfect "I can’t drive another mile" pitstop. You’re literally minutes away from Merle Hay Mall, which, despite the "retail apocalypse," is still holding its own with a Flix Brewhouse and some decent shopping.
You’ve got options. If you don't want to eat the hotel breakfast—which is fine, standard Ramada fare—you can walk to half a dozen places. There’s a Starbucks right there. There’s a Chick-fil-A. There are local spots that have been there for decades. It’s convenient.
Staying at the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay: The Room Situation
The rooms are... well, they’re hotel rooms. They are clean, they are functional, and many of them have been updated to keep up with the times. But here is the pro tip: if you want the full experience, ask for a poolside room. These rooms open up directly into the water park area.
👉 See also: The Manta Resort Underwater Hotel Room Tanzania: Why Most People Get the Experience Wrong
It’s cool. It’s also loud. If you have a baby who needs a nap at 2:00 PM while the pirate ship is under heavy fire from water cannons, maybe get a room in the outer wings. Those rooms are much quieter. They’re more "business" and less "chaos."
The suites are surprisingly large. If you’re doing a birthday party, the poolside suites are the gold standard. You have a "home base" for the pizza and cake, and the kids can just drift in and out of the water. It saves you from having to trek back and forth through the hallways in a wet swimsuit, which is a vibe nobody actually enjoys.
Business and Events: More Than Just Slides
Believe it or not, the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay does a massive amount of business business. It’s not all chlorine and goggles. They have over 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Corporate retreats.
- Wedding receptions (yes, really).
- State-wide association meetings.
- Family reunions.
It works because while the adults are in a boring PowerPoint presentation about quarterly earnings, the families are occupied. It’s a smart business model. The Castaways Bar and Grill on-site handles the catering. It’s basic American pub food—burgers, wings, wraps—but it hits the spot when you don't want to leave the building.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Price
People see "Water Park Resort" and assume they’re going to be paying $400 a night. You aren't. That’s the beauty of the Merle Hay location. It’s priced like a mid-tier hotel. Often, the room rate includes water park passes for four people. If you were to buy four passes at a standalone park, you’d already be halfway to the cost of the room.
🔗 Read more: What Time Is It In Firenze Italy? The Hidden Logistics Of Tuscan Time
It’s a value play.
However, you should be aware of the "resort fee" or similar add-ons that are common in this industry. Always read the fine print on third-party booking sites. Sometimes it’s cheaper to book directly through the Ramada/Wyndham portal because of the loyalty points and the direct customer service if something goes wrong.
Safety and Cleanliness: The Elephant in the Room
Let's be real. Indoor water parks take a beating. Between the humidity and the thousands of feet walking around, maintenance is a full-time job. The staff at the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay are constantly cycling through testing the water chemistry. You can smell the chlorine. Some people hate that smell, but honestly? In a public pool, that smell is the scent of safety. It means the chemicals are working.
The lifeguards here are generally attentive. They have to be. The layout of Buccaneer Bay has some blind spots around the back of the slides, so they keep a tight rotation. Still, you’re the parent. Don't treat the lifeguard like a babysitter. Stay in the water with your kids.
Timing Your Visit for Maximum Sanity
If you go on a Saturday in February when it’s -10 degrees outside, it will be packed. It will be loud. There will be a line for the slide.
If you go on a Sunday night into Monday? It’s a ghost town. You’ll have the place to yourself. If you’re a local or just passing through, the "shoulder" times are where the real value is. Check-in is usually around 4:00 PM, but you can often get your water park wristbands earlier and start swimming while they get your room ready.
💡 You might also like: Why That Yellow Blue Red Flag Is Everywhere (And Which Country Is Which)
Accessibility and Inclusion
The resort is ADA compliant, but let’s talk specifics. The pool area has lifts. The hallways are wide. However, the slides do require climbing stairs. If you have mobility issues, the main pool and the hot tub are your best bets. The hot tub is actually quite large, which is a relief because there's nothing worse than a "resort" hot tub that only fits four people.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
Don't just wing it. If you're heading to the Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay, a little prep goes a long way.
First, bring your own beach towels. The hotel provides towels, but they’re often small and can run out during peak hours. Having a big, fluffy towel from home makes the walk back to the room much more comfortable.
Second, check the dining hours for Castaways Bar and Grill. They aren't open 24/7. If you're arriving late after a long drive, you might need to hit the Jimmy John's or the Perkins nearby.
Third, if you’re sensitive to noise, pack a white noise machine. Even in the non-poolside rooms, the proximity to the highway means you might hear some road rumble. A little fan or a sound app on your phone will save your sleep.
Fourth, join the Wyndham Rewards program before you book. It’s free. Even if you only stay once, you’ll usually get a slightly better rate and free Wi-Fi that actually works.
Lastly, remember that this is a family-centric resort. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic spa getaway, this isn't it. But if you want a place where your kids can burn off energy while you sit in a lounge chair with a book, it’s exactly what you need.
The Ramada Tropics Resort on Merle Hay remains a staple of the Des Moines hospitality scene for a reason. It’s consistent. It’s fun. It’s a slice of the tropics in the middle of the cornfields, and sometimes, that’s exactly what the soul needs during an Iowa winter.
Plan your arrival for a Sunday or Thursday to avoid the peak weekend crowds. Confirm water park hours 48 hours before your stay, as maintenance can occasionally close specific slides. Pack a small waterproof bag for your phone and room key so you can stay mobile in the pool area. Utilize the digital check-in if available to skip the front desk lines during the Friday afternoon rush.