Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

This hotel offers a highly convenient urban base, distinguished by its prime riverside location with direct access to the Riverwalk, providing picturesque views and easy exploration. It is particularly well-suited for sightseers, families exploring the city, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and business travelers due to its central position. Guests frequently highlight its proximity to major attractions like the Farmer's Market, local bars, restaurants, and sporting venues, making it an excellent choice for those attending events or the marathon. While many appreciate the overall cleanliness and the varied breakfast offerings, some experiences with staff service and the availability of certain amenities have been inconsistent. To ensure a pleasant stay, guests are advised to confirm the operational status of the pool and hot tub prior to arrival and be aware of the additional parking fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a range of amenities, though guest experiences with their functionality are mixed. The pool and hot tub are frequently mentioned, but often with reports of being broken, cold, dirty, or having missing tiles and excessive chlorine, leading to disappointment for many. When operational, some guests find the pool area clean and warm. A well-maintained fitness center is available and generally receives positive feedback. Many rooms offer a balcony with pleasant views, though some guests noted issues with balcony lights that could not be turned off or doors that did not lock properly. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally strong, but some guests experienced issues with in-room TVs not working, having dark screens, or remotes with limited range. Complimentary coffee is available 24/7 in the lobby, along with free bottled water, and there is an on-site snack area for purchases.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests describe the rooms as generally clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with some appreciating the updated decor. However, a notable number of reviews mention issues such as dirty sheets, stains, mold patches in bathrooms, or general lack of thorough cleaning, including trash left on balconies or dirty walls. While some guests found the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, others reported hard mattresses, uncomfortable pull-out couches, or lumpy pillows. Noise levels are a recurring theme; some rooms are noted as very quiet, while others suffer from thin walls, allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, hallways, or even garage door slams to be easily heard. Issues with clogged toilets, loose faucet fixtures, and inconsistent shower water temperature were also reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant feature, receiving mixed but generally positive feedback for its variety and offerings. Many guests praise the selection of hot items, including ready-to-eat omelets and a waffle bar, along with various breads, pastries, and cereals. The food quality is often described as good, hot, and delicious, with plenty of options to start the day. However, some guests found the breakfast to be sub-par, noting issues such as cold or soggy food, limited availability of certain items like forks, or a lack of popular choices like bacon or sausage. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant for other meals, and guests noted that dining options within walking distance can be limited, especially for late-night dining.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering excellent walkability to numerous downtown attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to the I-Cubs ballpark, the Farmer's Market, various bars, restaurants, and the Civic Center, making it ideal for both leisure and event-goers. The hotel also provides convenient access to the Riverwalk, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while a connected garage is available, it incurs a daily fee, which many guests found expensive and unexpected. Some noted the parking spaces can be tight and that accessing the hotel from the garage requires a room key, which can be inconvenient upon initial arrival. Street parking is an alternative, with free options during certain hours or holidays.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are notably varied. Many guests commend the staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, often going above and beyond to assist with requests or provide local recommendations. Specific instances of quick check-in and accommodating special needs were highlighted. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as unfriendly, unwelcoming, or unhelpful, with some feeling ignored or that their concerns were dismissed. Issues with housekeeping were also reported, including rooms not being cleaned daily unless specifically requested, or staff entering rooms despite a "do not disturb" sign. Some guests also experienced problems with the check-in process, such as room allocation errors or a lack of proper identification checks when issuing new room keys.

Additional Information
Several important details emerged from guest reviews. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, but guests should be aware of a significant pet fee per night. There were instances where the hotel refused refunds for early departures, even under difficult personal circumstances, leading to guest dissatisfaction. A key policy to note is that daily room cleaning is not standard and must be specifically requested by guests. Some Hilton Honors members reported a lack of recognition for their elite status. Guests also noted the absence of USB ports in rooms for charging devices and that some rooms lack an in-room bathtub. Additionally, the hotel's concession area does not accept Hilton gift cards. For guests with mobility challenges, ADA parking is available but located at the upper corners of the parking ramps, which can be inconvenient.