Comfort Inn Altoona-Des Moines

This hotel is frequently chosen for its convenient location near a prominent casino and racetrack, offering easy access to entertainment and major interstates. Guests often highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major positive, contributing significantly to their overall experience. While many find the beds comfortable, feedback on overall cleanliness and the condition of certain facilities is mixed. The hotel caters well to travelers seeking an overnight stop or those visiting local attractions like the casino or nearby amusement park. To ensure a smooth stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of amenities like the pool prior to arrival and to thoroughly inspect your room upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's pool is a frequently discussed amenity, though guest experiences are notably mixed; many report it being closed for maintenance or due to chemical imbalances, while others find it small or note issues like peeling paint in the area. Some guests appreciate the presence of a fitness room for their exercise needs. Wi-Fi connectivity receives varied feedback, with some guests experiencing frequent disconnections. Parking can be a significant challenge, with reports of the parking lot being full, having potholes, or lacking adequate space for larger vehicles. Some rooms are equipped with convenient kitchenettes, including a mini-fridge and microwave, enhancing the stay for those needing to store or prepare light meals. The lobby area is generally described as spacious and clean, providing a welcoming first impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is quite varied. Many guests report their rooms as clean, spacious, and having comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a notable number of reviews mention issues such as a persistent musty smell or other odors, and some rooms are described as dated or in need of repair. Specific concerns include stained curtains or bedding, mold in various areas, sticky carpets, and instances of pet hair or unemptied trash. The bathroom condition is also mixed, with some guests praising its cleanliness and hot water, while others report issues like low water pressure, cracked tubs, missing grout, or inadequate cleaning. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet, though occasional disturbances from neighboring rooms or outside are mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast is a consistent topic in guest reviews, offering a range of options that receive mixed reception. Most guests find the breakfast to be adequate or good, often featuring waffles, scrambled eggs, and sausage, alongside standard continental items like cereal, yogurt, and muffins. However, some guests express disappointment with the limited variety or note that hot food items are sometimes cold or put away prematurely. The coffee is occasionally criticized for being weak or of poor quality, and juice options can be watered down. Despite these points, the breakfast staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and efforts to keep the dining area well-maintained, significantly enhancing the breakfast experience for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw for many guests, offering easy access to the interstate and making it a convenient stop for travelers. It is particularly well-situated for those visiting local attractions, being directly across from the Prairie Meadows Casino and Racetrack, and within close proximity to Adventureland and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Guests appreciate the abundance of restaurants nearby, providing diverse dining options within a short drive. While the location is generally praised for its convenience and quiet surroundings, some guests note challenges with the parking lot, particularly during peak times, which can impact overall accessibility and convenience.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many reviews commend the staff for their excellent service, describing them as attentive and accommodating to guest needs. The check-in process is often noted as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. While most interactions are positive, some guests report mixed experiences with housekeeping services, mentioning instances where rooms were not cleaned or towels were not replenished during their stay. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the staff's dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment is a recurring theme, often making up for other minor hotel shortcomings.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's pet-friendly policy can lead to varying experiences, with some reviews noting the presence of pets and occasional related cleanliness issues like pet hair in rooms. There are also reports of discrepancies between booked room types and those assigned upon arrival, such as suites not being available as expected. A few guests have mentioned an unexpected deposit fee charged at check-in, which was not always clearly communicated beforehand and could take several days to be refunded. It is worth noting that, as with many independently owned properties within a chain, the quality can vary, so managing expectations based on recent reviews is advisable.