Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

The hotel offers a comfortable and recently updated experience, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and modern amenities. Its signature feature is its strategic location right off the interstate, providing easy access for road trippers and business travelers alike. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness and the generally friendly staff who strive to make stays pleasant. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and refreshed interiors, some aspects like ongoing renovations and certain amenity closures have impacted guest experiences. The hotel is also notably pet-friendly, accommodating those traveling with animals. For families and military personnel, it's important to confirm specific amenities and rates, as some guests have reported issues with special government rates not being honored, which is a crucial tip for future stays.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities for guest enjoyment, though feedback is mixed due to ongoing renovations. Many guests appreciate the presence of an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center, which is often described as well-equipped. However, a recurring concern is the hot tub being out of order for extended periods, which has disappointed many who specifically booked for this amenity. The pool itself is noted by some as being small, and its operating hours, typically closing at 10:00 PM, are considered too early by some guests. While Wi-Fi is available, some visitors have reported issues with connectivity and slow speeds. The convenience of an on-site necessity shop for snacks and drinks is a positive, and ice machines are also available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many appreciating the modern updates and stylish decor. The beds receive mixed reviews, with some guests praising their comfort and others finding them too firm, leading to poor sleep. Room sizes and layouts vary, with some describing them as spacious and well-appointed with plank flooring and ample counter space, while others found their rooms to be cramped or dimly lit. Recurring issues in bathrooms include inconsistent water pressure, peeling paint, visible mold, and a lack of ventilation, which contributes to these problems. Some showers are noted as being very narrow. Noise levels from the air conditioning unit and occasional barking dogs or construction have been mentioned as disturbances. In-room amenities like wireless chargers and coffee makers are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options primarily revolve around breakfast, which is consistently highlighted as a point of contention regarding its cost. Most guests are surprised that breakfast is not complimentary, and they are charged a fee, which some find expensive for the offerings. Despite the cost, the food quality for breakfast generally receives positive feedback, with guests describing it as delicious and offering a good variety of options. The staff in the breakfast area are often praised for their attentiveness and friendly service. The on-site restaurant and bar receive mixed reviews; some guests enjoy the food and service when available, but it is frequently noted that the restaurant is closed on weekends, limiting dining choices within the hotel during those times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage for many guests, situated conveniently right off I-80, making it easily accessible for travelers. Its proximity to numerous restaurants and dining options within walking distance is highly appreciated, providing convenience for meals. The hotel is also well-placed for those visiting nearby points of interest such as Camp Dodge, the Des Moines outlet mall, and a casino, all within a short driving distance. Free parking is available and is noted as being ample, even accommodating larger vehicles with trailers, which is a considerable benefit for road trippers. While the immediate area is described as safe and having sidewalks for walks, some guests find it to be more of a business park setting, lacking a truly walkable urban feel.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests highlight specific individuals for going "above and beyond," such as assisting with forgotten items or resolving reservation mix-ups with patience and professionalism. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests appreciate the attentive service from the front desk to the breakfast area, noting the staff's willingness to accommodate requests and provide a welcoming atmosphere. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported challenges with issue resolution, particularly concerning lost belongings or discrepancies with special rates, indicating some inconsistency in handling complex problems. Overall, the dedication to customer service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
A significant point of feedback is the extensive ongoing renovations throughout the hotel, including the lobby and other areas. Guests frequently mention the presence of construction noise, dust, and closed-off sections, which can impact the overall experience, though some note that the property will look great once completed. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by those traveling with animals, though a fee applies. A critical issue for some guests, particularly military personnel, is the hotel's failure to consistently honor military/government rates, leading to unexpected higher charges. While some rewards program benefits like Diamond member parking and room upgrades are noted, the availability of luggage carts has been a minor inconvenience for some. Additionally, a few guests have commented on the soft water in the rooms.