My wife and I stayed here for two nights while visiting family. We liked the location as it’s very convenient to downtown downtown Des Moines. It’s located next to the Saturday Farmers Market and several good restaurants (e.g. Hessen Haus) and bars (e.g. El Bait Shop). Train noise could be a problem but I only heard it once at night. The rooms are very nice and spacious. There are televisions in the living room and the bedroom. Our bathroom could have been a little better, though. The shower/tub was dated looking and the door wouldn’t close without a major push. Parking is a bit of a hassle and costs $15. The parking lot is next to the hotel in the back. It has a separate elevator but it can be a hike to your room as the floors are very long. Breakfast was the best feature of the hotel. It is much better than what you get at an average Residence Inn. Among other things they have several excellent hot dishes, make-your-own waffles with a wide variety of toppings, several different hot sauces and salsas, and very good bagels. We liked the place and will likely stay here on future visits to Des Moines.
I had a perfect two-day stay at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Everything was terrific. The location is convenient to a variety of business and tourist sites. The staff was friendly, helpful, and professional. The room was modern and well-appointed with plenty of outlets and charging ports. The amenities are excellent, with a well-equipped fitness center and fast Wi-Fi. I did not use the pool nor the conference facilities. Dinner at the restaurant was quite good and there are also many restaurants a short walk from the hotel. Since the weather was nice, I didn't use the skywalks, but I am sure they are quite useful in winter. it was my first time in Des Moines, and I am glad that I stayed at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. If I return to this area, I will definitely stay at this hotel again. Highly recommended.
Stayed at the Hotel Fort Des Moines during the week on business and it was a wonderful stay! My king room was modern yet elegant, spacious, and the bed was very comfortable. Our group also had an evening gathering at their Reading Room and adjacent Study where the food served was 10/10! There doesn't seem to be a ton immediately around the hotel by foot, but we did land at the South Union Bread Café for lunch and it was delicious. I would book another stay at Hotel Fort Des Moines!
Chose this hotel due to convenient location to State Capitol and activities. Read reviews that said it was quiet but that depends on the room you get. We were in a 'special' corner (larger, tall windows and great view of capitol) on the Northeast corner off of Grand Avenue. Unfortunately, the traffic was LOUD for a Sunday night with people drag racing up and down Grand Avenue. AND, there is a restaurant/bar next door (COA) that was playing very loud music/bass. At 11:30pm it was still going and we called the front desk. Apparently they keep the music going until 2am and sometimes later, even though the noise ordinance is much earlier. The front desk staff seemed frustrated by this as well so we weren't the first to complain and they've asked them to stop the music and they refuse. Luckily, the awesome guy working the front desk was able to move us to a smaller but MUCH quieter southwest room that was higher up and the difference was shocking. So if you want to sleep, do not choose a room on the road/east side near the COA bar. Also, underground parking is $30/day, but there is a parking garage across the street that was only $10/day and still convenient. The onsite breakfast was ok, but at $14/person, we only ate there once. This all aside, the staff was AMAZING and accommodated our request for an late checkout, very friendly and the rooms were clean and comfortable. The onsite restaurant/bar The Republic had great drinks, a nice relaxing atmosphere and very good food. The hotel was walkable to many spots we wanted to visit and the river front was fun to explore. We walked to the Iowa Taproom, RoCa, State Capitol ad there is great coffee just around the corner. Being from Des Moines, it was nice to get to know a different part of the city.
When we arrived we had sand in our bed, no big deal, could’ve just been from someone setting something on the bed. We told front desk and got new sheets and blankets. We later got walked in on while getting ready in our room by other guests who were given a room that we were already in. Guests were sorry and went down to get a new room, front desk agent apologized and got us new keys and free breakfast. They told us that night when we got new sheets to tell management in the morning about the sand so we could inform them. We did just that and were told no managers were around so they took a note for them and told housekeeping over the radio what happened. When we walked upstairs, housekeeping was now in our room, with our do not disturb sign up looking for the sand. We walked in and they asked us immediately where the sand was, we said we changed out the sheets before bed and the old were on the floor. Head of housekeeping (as confined by front desk) very rudely told us that that wouldn’t have happened and that they change the sheets before housekeeping even cleans the rooms. We told them that we wouldn’t just make that up and she picked up the sheets and left. We talked to the front desk again as her attitude and her telling us that that didn’t happened was the last straw. Incidents happen and none of it was ideal but when someone in a higher role is not even close to as helpful or friendly as all the front desk agents have been our whole stay, that’s where the real problem is. I have never had that kind of a dreadful experience with any other business ever. If it weren’t for her, I really think this would have been a great stay.
Plus side.. they let us check in early, the pillows were nice. However, there were no cookies when we checked in because they had no dough which made me angry because I love my cookies. After my friend took a shower the shower handle broke off. I called front desk around 2:15 and was told maintenance would be there in 25 minutes.( I explained that I needed to shower and be somewhere by 5. ) I called around 3:15 and was told that maintenance was there and was on 4th floor with a construction issue. I again stressed that I had to take a shower and the guy at the front desk did go get the 1 maintenance man I guess they have and brought him down to fix the shower. The maintenance man said there was no reason to switch rooms and I told him as well I needed to shower to be somewhere by 5. He told me as I was walking out of the room if I would move he could hurry and go get the tools he needed. But besides that he was nice enough. Finally @4:10 I went to the front desk and told them I needed a room to take a shower and he was nice enough to let me shower in another room. He said the girl on the shift before him should have immediately offered me a new room. Well that didn't happen. Also, they do not tell you when you check in the pool is out of commission again because of the 4th floor construction and I again was told the 1st shift girl should have told us we had access to the adjacent property. I was just told there was no pool. Also I am not sure why I had no internet password. I am a hilton member and I would not recommend this place. Pretty bad experience.
TTravelMommyWe came up to watch a football game at Drake with little kids and had a great stay! The ice cream shop around the corner is NOT to miss! Huge breakfast in the morning. Highly recommend.
This review is about a month and a half late but better late than never. My partner and I were in town for a family emergency. Upon arrival we were greeted and checked in by Charlie, whom we later learned was just in Des Moines to help out. Charlie was phenomenal for the entirety of our 4 day stay. He was very welcoming and professional - when the rest of my family came over before we went to the little restaurant/bar downstairs Charlie took the time to give us a little tour and history of the building. Not only is the building history very intrigueing but Charlie did a great job of making us feel right at home. We also learned a little about the hotel company and are looking forward to booking a stay at another venue soon. Highly recommend the hotel- very cute, and cozy. The barista in the morning helped us with coffee and was very nice. The service at the Restaurant/bar was a little slow but we also came in toward the end of the night so I'd assume everyone was just tired and ready to get out of there. Overall 100% - I am originally from Iowa and will be staying at the Surety Hotel for all future return trips.
TTravelerfromArizonaOkay, where to start? 1. They do not have an airport shuttle after midnight. This is NOT stated on their website claiming to be an ”airport” hotel. 2. It took a bit to get a $27.50 ride that was less than 2 miles to this hotel 3. The ”lady' at the front desk hates her job. 4. When I said these things, she comment was take it up with management. She said they never listen to them etc (she hates her job) I said I would and I will drive the point home at this point, I guess this flipped her lid. She slaps the keys on the counter after several guffaws and such. I picked them up the same way she slapped them down. 5. This really set her off and she got nasty. I told her I picked them up the same darn way she slapped them down. She said f*ck you, I said it back and she kept going and going, at this point I felt the need to keep her going as I walked to the elevator and she did not disappoint. This hotel is clearly poorly run. The employees hate their job and the ”guests” are clearly a nuisance to them. Short of me yelling or getting out of line there is no cause for her mouth, other than she is a miserable human being (at least tonight). I had a second reservation for tomorrow night and I cancelled it and will be staying downtown. I only hope that hotel is not under the same management (stay tuned) When you are traveling, things don't always go well. This was a long day and it was made far worse by Brandy. Brandy is not a happy person and she hates her job. My guess is the shuttle driver does and probably everyone else here does as well. I will make sure this one is on the never again list. That makes 2 or 3 over the last 30 years, quite an accomplishment a few minutes into the stay. If you are flying into Des Moines it is advisable to prearrange transportation as the airport and the surrounding hotels are not up to the simple task of getting you to the hotel. When you call them out, they are not capable of a rational response or anything even remotely professional.
The hotel in general and room layout in particular screams “old school.” Elevator inconveniently situated at rear of property. Newer slimline furniture shoehorned into a small room. The tiny bathroom accommodates 1 medium sized person. Small flat screen tv with no HD. Oddly shaped chaise lounge is perfect to lay your clothes on (only). Mattress sagged noticeably on any movement. Checkin process went smoothly and the lobby and hotel room were very clean. Well lit parking lot.
JJet15737955066Had an early morning flight out of DSM so I booked their Park Stay Go 8 day program. It turned out to be a very good decision. First off, check in upon arrival was a breeze. Aside from the usual process, I was asked to fill out an information card about my car, which I was going to leave in their lot for 5 nights. The room was clean and spacious. Amenities were modern. A very interesting fact is that the bed was a Murphy bed! I found out because I noticed the intriguing design of the bed and decided to explore. I had always wanted to try one, so this was awesome! I also liked the unique central zone under the “Holidome”, which houses a pool, lounge chairs, etc. The next morning, the hotel shuttle bus brought me to the airport, which was only around 5 minutes away. Upon return, I called the hotel and the shuttle came to pick me up within 10 minutes and I was dropped off right beside my car.