Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny

This hotel is highly regarded for its spacious suites, often featuring kitchenettes and separate living areas, making it a standout choice for guests seeking ample room and home-like conveniences. This design is particularly well-suited for families needing extra space, business travelers on extended assignments, and extended stay guests who appreciate the ability to prepare their own meals. While the staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, guest experiences with cleanliness and breakfast quality are notably mixed. Ongoing renovations have also impacted some stays, causing noise or unexpected disruptions. To ensure a smooth visit, it is advisable to inquire about the current status of renovations and the pool before booking, and to check the in-room toiletries upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers well-appointed kitchenettes in its suites, complete with full-size refrigerators, stovetops, and dishwashers, which are highly valued by guests for extended stays. A functional fitness center and a convenient laundry room are also available. While an indoor pool is present, numerous guests reported it being closed for maintenance, out of order, or having cold water, and some noted the absence of a hot tub despite online indications. Occasional issues with elevators being out of service were also mentioned. The lobby and outdoor patio with a fire pit are generally well-received, providing pleasant common areas for relaxation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, appreciating the overall tidiness. However, a significant number reported notable cleanliness issues, including hair and toenails on carpets, dirty bathrooms with unflushed toilets or mold, unemptied trash, and uncleaned surfaces. Some rooms showed signs of wear, such as chipped furniture and worn-out mattresses. On the positive side, the beds are frequently described as comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep. In-room amenities like kitchenettes are a major draw, though some guests experienced issues with missing or unrefilled toiletries, noisy toilets, or non-functioning air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives mixed reviews, with many guests praising its variety and quality, describing it as "great," "top-tier," or "delicious." Options typically include eggs, sausage, potatoes, a yogurt bar with fresh fruit, cereal, and a waffle maker. However, a considerable number of guests reported that hot food items were often cold or lukewarm, and popular items like eggs or pancake batter frequently ran out before the end of breakfast service. Some found the selection limited or unusual, mentioning items like pork carnitas or rice. An evening reception with food and drinks is offered on Wednesdays, which some guests found to be a pleasant and substantial addition to their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is widely praised as convenient and easy to access, making it a favorable choice for various travelers. It is situated near a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and grocery stores, providing ample options for dining and necessities within a short distance. Guests also appreciate its easy access to the interstate, facilitating travel to and from the area, including nearby Des Moines. Parking is generally described as plentiful. However, some guests noted that ongoing road construction in the vicinity occasionally made getting in and out of the hotel challenging.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by front desk, kitchen, and housekeeping teams, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally smooth, though some guests experienced delays or issues with room assignments. While many appreciate the housekeeping staff, some reviews indicate inconsistency in room cleaning frequency, with guests occasionally needing to request service or dispose of their own trash. A recurring concern is the occasional absence of staff at the front desk, requiring guests to wait or use a call button for assistance.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which, while aiming to improve the property, have sometimes resulted in noise, unpleasant odors, or unannounced entry into rooms. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals. Some guests reported issues with lost items not being recovered or being discarded, and a few experienced overbooking or incorrect room assignments. There were also recurring comments about wall-mounted toiletries being empty or not refilled, requiring guests to request replacements. Housekeeping service is not daily, with guests often needing to request specific services like trash removal or towel replenishment.