Best Western Premier Ankeny Hotel

The hotel offers a modern and updated environment, frequently praised for its exceptional cleanliness and comfortable rooms. Its signature feature is its appealing outdoor space and patio overlooking a pond, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. While generally offering a pleasant atmosphere, the hotel faces challenges with its breakfast policy and inconsistent service experiences. It is ideal for travelers seeking a clean and contemporary stay, including those on road trips, attending car shows, or visiting for family reunions. For an enhanced experience, guests should be aware that breakfast is for purchase and it's advisable to confirm Wi-Fi stability upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a modern aesthetic throughout its common areas and rooms. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, though some found it small, warm, or occasionally crowded, and there were isolated reports of it being closed. A fitness room is available, described as small by some. The hotel offers Wi-Fi, but many guests experienced significant issues with its reliability, speed, and security, with some noting it was "hit and miss" or completely unavailable. A notable amenity is the presence of Tesla destination chargers, which are appreciated by electric vehicle owners. The outdoor space and patio overlooking a pond are frequently praised as enjoyable and relaxing areas. Some guests also mentioned the convenience of ice machines and vending machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional cleanliness and modern appearance, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Comfortable beds and plenty of pillows are frequently highlighted, contributing to a restful stay. Rooms are generally spacious and quiet, though some guests reported issues with hallway noise or thin walls, and isolated incidents of loud pool pumps. In-room amenities often include a large TV, mini-fridge, and microwave. However, feedback on bathrooms is mixed; while some found them nice and roomy with good water pressure, others noted poor lighting above the sink, barn-style doors that lacked privacy or were difficult to close, and occasional issues like slow hot water or mildew odors. Isolated reports mentioned unvacuumed floors or signs of inadequate cleaning.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offering is a major point of contention among guests. While some found the breakfast to be good, with options like scrambled eggs, sausage, and Belgian waffles, a significant number of reviews express disappointment that it is no longer complimentary and must be purchased. Many guests felt this was a "bait and switch" from what was advertised online. The food quality for the paid breakfast received mixed reviews, with some finding it acceptable or even superb, while others described it as limited, microwaved, or not fresh, with issues like watery orange juice or cold items. The coffee available was also a point of mixed feedback, with some finding it good and others describing it as poor or unavailable in the lobby. The absence of a free breakfast buffet was a deal-breaker for many returning guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, offering easy access to the interstate and making it ideal for travelers passing through or visiting the Des Moines area. It is situated near various attractions, including downtown Des Moines and the fairgrounds. A significant advantage is the presence of popular restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and a seafood restaurant within a short walking distance, providing convenient dining options. The hotel also features ample free parking, including dedicated Tesla destination chargers, which is a considerable benefit for guests. Its setting by a pond with an enjoyable walking trail adds to its appeal, providing a quiet and scenic environment despite its proximity to major roads.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably mixed. Many reviews praise the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism, particularly during check-in and with specific requests. However, a considerable number of guests reported negative interactions, describing some front desk employees as rude, unprofessional, or unresponsive, with instances of long waits at check-in or staff being preoccupied. Housekeeping service is a recurring issue, with many guests reporting that their rooms were not cleaned during multi-night stays, even with "do not disturb" signs removed or requests made. There were also complaints about a lack of fresh towels or toiletries, and concerning reports of hotel staff entering rooms despite privacy signs.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that have impacted stays. There have been concerning reports regarding guest privacy, with some guests experiencing hotel staff entering their rooms even when a "do not disturb" sign was displayed, leading to a sense of distrust. Another recurring issue involves key card deactivation, with some guests finding their room keys stopped working prematurely, sometimes an hour before the official check-out time. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some reviews mentioned minor signs of renovation or wear, such as ungrouted bathroom tiles or broken fixtures. The hotel's lounge area, while present, is often noted as being closed or not serving cocktails, contrary to some expectations.