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The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

2.0 star property
Family-friendly vacation home in Windsor Heights with a water park

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Photo gallery for The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Dining
Exterior detail
Smart TV, books, offices

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathrooms3000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Windsor Heights, IA
  • Place, Buccaneer Arena
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Waveland Municipal Golf Course
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Windsor Heights

Within a short walk of Buccaneer Arena, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Merle Hay Mall. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
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What's nearby

  • Buccaneer Arena - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Merle Hay Mall - 4 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Waveland Municipal Golf Course - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Casey's Center - 9 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 10 min drive - 8.2 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey’s - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Wasabi Urbandale - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Simon's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪El Michoacano - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown

Welcome to The Love Shack — your go-to getaway in the heart of Windsor Heights, one of Des Moines’ safest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re gathering family, celebrating with friends, or just needing a change of scene, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat was made for connection, comfort, and a little bit of fun.

Step inside and feel the good vibes right away. There’s room for everyone — two cozy living rooms, plush king and queen beds, and plenty of spots to curl up or stretch out. You’ll find all the comforts of home (and then some): fast Wi-Fi, central heating and A/C, a washer and dryer, hairdryer, iron, and everything you need for an easy, effortless stay.

Each bathroom feels like a mini spa moment — from a deep jetted tub that’s perfect for bubble baths to bright walk-in showers that’ll start your day right.

Out back, the magic continues. Fire up the BBQ under the pergola, sip something cold, and enjoy the lush garden filled with native plants. Or head downstairs for some laughs — the dartboard, kitchenette, and costume closet make it the perfect hangout zone for game nights and silly photo ops.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, you’ll have quick access to the best restaurants, breweries, and local gems — but you might find yourself loving your time at home just as much.

Whether it’s family time, a reunion, or a weekend escape, The Love Shack is where everyone can relax, reconnect, and feel right at home. Come for the comfort, stay for the memories — and fall in love with Des Moines all over again. 💖
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 5 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

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Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please put all used towels in the bathtubs. Please do not start any laundry - our cleaners will take care of that!
Please place all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and run it before you leave. Thank you for assisting us in keeping The Love Shack clean and tidy!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

📄 Guest must sign a House Rules Form. 💳 $250 refundable credit card hold. 🎂 Minimum booking age is 21+.
🕒 Form due within 48 hrs of booking (or before check-in info is sent for last-minute stays).
🚭 No smoking/vaping. 🐾 Max 2 pets ($50/pet/stay). 🎉 No parties/events. 🌙 Quiet Hours: 11PM–6AM.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs less than 50 lbs per pet Pet friendly

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

orp5b6a02cx

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Windsor Heights within a short 14-minute walk of Buccaneer Arena. You'll also find Merle Hay Mall and Val Air Ballroom within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a jetted bathtub, a kitchen, and a smart TV.

Does The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown have a hot tub?

No, but all accommodations at this vacation home have jetted bathtubs.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.

How close is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is 9 mi away (25 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown?

Yes, every accommodation at The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown comes with a balcony.

The Love Shack | Spacious Family Getaway • 5BR/3BA • 10 Mins to Downtown Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kaity S.

Liked: Cleanliness
The hosts were very responsive to questions. Everyone had a great time! The kids really enjoyed the costume closet and the “swimming pool” (big bathtub)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bret w.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was set up well for a large family gathering. We had many crock pots plugged in and going at once plus other cooking with no issues. Plenty of room to spread out for gages and crafts. Our host was amazing assisting with anything with needed. Would recommend for large gathering
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

MIKE G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean home exactly as promoted with exceptionally accommodating hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L., Nashville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness
We had amazing time! This property was clean and very cozy! We loved taking naps on the couches, the coffee station, and the costume closet. It was the perfect experience for our group- a cast of actors in a touring play in Des Moines for the week.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

bonnie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
The kitchen had everything we could possibly need. It was a comfortable place for friends to gather, and we had fun with the costume closet.The hosts were very accommodating to whatever we might need. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard T.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay very much. The location was central to everything we did. The house was very clean and bigger than we thought it would be. Kitchen utensils and cookware were provided and we really enjoyed the game area! I would highly recommend this rental. Will definitely be booking this location for our next visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lots of room in house. Large dining room for meals. Kitchen had everything you could need for meals. Outdoor areanice and relaxing. Bbq grill.Enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie C., Elgin, tx

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable, felt right at home. Kitchen and all rooms very well furnished! TIFF was attentive & helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was the perfect house for a larger group. The house had a little of everything we needed, and we loved all the details they thought of. I would highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenna D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay was great. It fit the whole family. We were close to other relatives and things to do. The welcome email and Vrbo had different check in and check out times so I would recommend fixing that but it didn't effect our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gail F., Minneapolis, Minnesota

Liked: Cleanliness
The Babes loved EVERYTHING about the Love Shack. Tiffany is an amazing host and very easy to communicate with - so responsive to requests and questions! I think she is quite possibly the best VRBO host I’ve worked with. The property is inviting and just joyful. The neighborhood is lovely and safe! Next door neighbors even offered us candy and goodies! How fun is that?! Close to everything we wanted to see! Definitely would recommend. And Des Moines is a fantastic city!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great home!

We enjoyed our stay at the "Love Shack". My family and I traveled to Des Moines for a fastpitch softball tournament. We enjoyed our stay. The tournament was hot but the air conditioner was cold and felt great when we arrived. Everything was exactly as described. The dow stairs area was a very cool place to hang out. We would definitely stay here again if we are ever back in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun place to stay close to Drake and Downtown

This house is ridiculous, but in a good and fun way. We were in town with family to celebrate our daughter's graduation from Drake and this house was an excellent fit for our group. We only had seven people, but there is easily room to sleep 10 comfortably. We didn't use the kitchen, but the dining room table was great for a game of Five Crowns and we played a few games of darts in the game room downstairs.Location wise, it was a quick and easy drive from the house to both Drake and downtown Des Moines. West Des Moines was easy to get to as well.Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again if we are back with a large group.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wedding Central

Great house for our family to stay and gather between weddings events! Easy to get to and had lots of space to hang out.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025