Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive

This hotel consistently delivers a clean, comfortable, and welcoming experience, making it a highly reliable choice for a diverse range of travelers. Its signature feature is the unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, evident in the consistently praised cleanliness of the entire property and the exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and the excellent breakfast as key elements of a positive stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for road trippers seeking a convenient and restful stop, business travelers who appreciate the functional meeting spaces and quiet atmosphere, and families or groups benefiting from the attentive service and ample amenities. To ensure a smooth visit, guests are advised to inquire about the status of ongoing renovations, which may impact parking and access, and to confirm internet reliability, especially if connectivity is crucial for their stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests appreciate the range of facilities available, enhancing their stay. The pool area is generally well-regarded, often described as clean and usable, with a hot tub providing a relaxing option, though some guests noted issues with jet functionality or chemical levels. A fitness center is also available, though a few reviews mentioned non-working equipment. For business travelers and groups, the meeting rooms are a significant asset, praised for their functionality and the staff's assistance in setting them up. However, a recurring concern is the Wi-Fi service, which many guests found to be unreliable or non-existent, posing a challenge for those needing to work. In-room, guests appreciate the provision of full-sized toiletries in dispensers, a thoughtful touch. Conversely, several guests noted the absence of an in-room microwave and found the lighting to be too dim, particularly in the main room, and bathroom counter space to be limited. Some guests also reported issues with the elevators, describing them as dirty or rickety.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms and the overall facility is a standout feature, consistently receiving high praise from guests who describe the spaces as spotless and inviting. The beds are frequently lauded for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most, though a few guests found them to be too hard or noted issues with older mattresses. Pillows receive mixed feedback, with some finding them excellent and others too thin. While many guests report a quiet stay, some experienced noise from busy roads, neighboring rooms, or unsupervised children. Room size elicits varied comments; some find them spacious, while others describe them as small or cramped, particularly for larger families. The bathrooms are generally clean, but some guests reported issues with slow drains, mold in the caulking, or limited counter space. A notable concern for several guests was a persistent musty smell or high humidity in their rooms, which impacted comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing it as "great," "delicious," and "two thumbs up." The breakfast variety is a major highlight, offering plenty of options to satisfy diverse tastes, including hot items like eggs, sausage, and potatoes, alongside waffles, cereals, and fruit. The coffee is also highly praised for being delicious and fresh, available throughout the day. Many guests appreciate the convenience of to-go bags for those in a rush, especially after check-out. The breakfast area is noted for being clean, well-stocked, and having ample seating, though some found it too warm. While most guests enjoyed the food quality, some had specific preferences, such as finding the eggs to be an "egg-like product" or wishing for more fresh fruit and pastry options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a significant advantage, particularly its convenient access directly off the interstate, making it an ideal stop for road trippers. Guests appreciate its proximity to various points of interest, including Jordan Creek shopping and the Wells Fargo Arena, providing easy access to entertainment and amenities. Despite being near a major highway, many reviews commend the hotel for being surprisingly quiet, allowing for a peaceful stay. Parking is generally ample and free, though some guests encountered difficulties during periods of high occupancy or due to ongoing construction impacting available spaces. A common observation, however, is the lack of restaurants within walking distance, requiring guests to drive for dining options, which is a minor inconvenience for some.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives exceptional praise, being described as incredibly friendly, accommodating, and helpful. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, whether it's assisting with meeting room setups, providing extra amenities like ice and water, or helping to locate lost items. The check-in process is generally noted as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience, though a few guests reported encountering less professional or dismissive front desk personnel. Housekeeping is often commended for maintaining clean rooms, although some guests noted a lack of daily service or issues with room cleanliness upon arrival. The overall sentiment is that the staff's attentive service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcome and valued throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that frequently appear in reviews. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by many travelers with animals, though some guests noted a significant pet fee and occasional issues with pet odors in rooms or pets being present in the breakfast area. A major theme across reviews is the ongoing renovations to the property, which, while intended to improve the hotel, have caused temporary disruptions to parking, entrance access, and can contribute to noise during the day. Another significant and recurring concern, particularly for business travelers, is the unreliable internet service, with many guests reporting slow speeds or complete outages, making it difficult to work. Furthermore, some guests expressed frustration with the hotel's cancellation policy, finding management unwilling to offer flexibility or credit even in emergency situations.