Des Moines Hostels

This was one of the worst hotels I've ever stayed at. Our first room had a ”view” of the atrium (and I use that word generously), meaning that we would need to keep the curtains closed at all times. We didn't keep that room for long though -- not after discovering more problems (no soap in the bathroom, somebody's ice packs in the refrigerator and worst of all WADDED-UP DIRTY CLOTHES IN THE DRESSER). I called the front desk about the problems and they said they would inspect another room so we could move. Thirty minutes later, our 2nd room was only slightly better. We wiped down all the surfaces with Clorox wipes and saw that the bathroom counter was especially dirty. Basic things you need in a room were absent -- we had only two hangers in the closet, and no luggage rack. Both rooms' sinks and bathtubs were dated and rusty. Someone else in our group rushed over to Wal-Mart to buy flip- flops because she didn't want her feet to touch the bathroom floor or tub. Way, way overpriced at $154/night including taxes. If we hadn't been stuck at this property because of a group reservation, we would have asked for a refund and bailed out.

You'll be centrally located in Des Moines with a stay at Des Lux Hotel, within a 15-minute walk of Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena. This hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and 4.6 mi (7.3 km) from Iowa State Fairgrounds.Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a fireplace in the lobby.Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).Make yourself at home in one of the 51 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and minibars. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.

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.

Embassy Suites Des Moines - On the River is the premiere all-suite hotel in the downtown Des Moines area, and the closest hotel to the Iowa State Capitol, the trendy East Village and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. The Principal Riverwalk is right outside our hotel door featuring walking paths and an ice-skating rink. Just a few steps away, the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is home to many concerts and fun festivals throughout the year. Many eclectic shops, restaurants, attractions and corporations are also within walking distance.The Embassy Suites Des Moines hotel features 234 two-room suites in an eight story tropical atrium and 16,000 square feet of flexible social and corporate meeting space, wireless high-speed Internet access throughout, and a beautiful, relaxing decor. Doozie's Bar and Grill offers fine American cuisine within a fun, sporty environment. A complimentary cooked-to-order daily breakfast and evening manager's reception add to the extensive list of amenities for which Embassy Suites hotels are known.All suites provide the security of electronic door locks and open to the lush atrium below.

The staff was so friendly! We had a bit of miscommunication between the hotel and trip.com regarding payment, but they got it worked out quickly and the staff were quick to make things right for us! We enjoyed both the hot tub & pool and both were exactly what we needed!! The hotel was far enough from downtown to be peaceful but close enough that everything was accessible. The biggest thing that stood out was how accommodating the staff were. Absolutely recommend.

We had an amazing experience from the minute we walked in the door. We had been playing since April and traveling most of July with our daughter’s basketball program and this was our last stop. The staff was so accommodating and helpful. They offered us shuttle service, help with our luggage and tips for what to do around town. And that was just within the first few minutes. The hotel is beautifully renovated and in a great location. I highly recommend staying here and can’t wait until we can come back. Thank you for the hospitality!

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!

We stayed here for 2 nights over a weekend, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be a newer hotel, and everything was clean and modern. The rooms were bigger than I realized, and we had a good experience all around. The pool was closed, and breakfast was limited due to Covid, but that’s understandable. The hotel staff we interacted with were great. Anna at the front desk went of our way to solve a minor problem for us. A couple of small negatives were I felt the walls were “thin”, and the parking situation wasn’t ideal with having to pay for the garage (didn’t wish to use a meter on the street). If you’re a light sleeper, I’d ask for a room on the back side of the hotel. There’s no view, but for me, I’d much prefer quiet. But overall I’ll definitely stay here again if we are ever in town.

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.